Learning about women and minority business development
Undergraduate Women in Economics (UWE) took its inaugural field trip to Chicago on Friday, November 4, 2022, to visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Led by the UWE Advisor Dr. Susan Chen, the group had a roundtable discussion with members of the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), including host Michelle White, who serves as Women’s Business Development Manager at the OMEE, along with her teammate, Sindi Y. Palomino.
Another three of White’s colleagues, the OMEE Deputy Director Rebecca Estrada, the Latinx Business Development Manager Diana Alfaro, and the African American Business Development Manager Matthew J. Simpson, joined the meeting virtually. The panel shared their career and educational experiences and discussed different career pathways for success. Panelists also shared various internship and employment opportunities and the state government’s hiring process.
UWE members had engaging conversations with the leaders in the state’s community development. They discussed many topics, including how the agency provides multiple programs and services to help existing and new businesses grow and prosper in the state, especially during the pandemic.
UWE President Kate Kostrub, a junior managerial economics major, said visiting the DCEO in Chicago was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the resources available to support the economic development of businesses in Illinois. She noted the group gained insight into how an economics degree can be applied to state government roles. “I found it inspiring to hear real-life examples of how economic development can connect people and strengthen communities.”
New UWE member Jack Marsalla, a junior managerial economics major also attended. After attending DCEO, I have a more well-rounded idea of different career paths that I can choose,” said Marsalla, who recently transferred from McHenry County College.
Will Fathauer, a graduating senior in general economics, said it was beneficial to hear of the challenges facing minority-owned businesses in Illinois. “While economics can help entrepreneurs, the field is vulnerable to treating businesses and inputs as homogeneous.” He added he was impressed that some younger UWE members voiced their passions for social issues.
The group was tasked to bring what they had learned about state support for entrepreneurs back to their hometown communities. “The trip provided our students with a vivid lesson on how optimal decisions are made in the real world to enhance social welfare. It was a wonderful civil engagement experience for the group,” Chen said.
The UWE is dedicated to increasing diversity and representation in the economics profession and to fostering a sense of inclusion across the broader community of scholars. Students are invited to join the organization regardless of their experiences with economics. This group is inclusive; both female and male students are invited to participate.
Those interested in joining the club may contact president Kate Kostrub or vice president Enrique Aguirre or outreach committee chair Maria Morales. More information is available on Instagram @ISU_UWE and on the UWE website.
