Illinois State University’s Undergraduate Women in Economics (UWE) joined others in February to attend the annual Women in Economics Symposium.
Organized by the St. Louis Fed, the symposium started in 2018 with the launch of the Women in Economics Podcast Series. The initiative is designed to connect young women with accomplished women in the economics profession who can share their career journeys. “This is a great opportunity for our students to meet and network with successful and charismatic role models who can truly inspire them to pursue their career goals in the male-dominated field,” said Professor of Economics Susan Chen, who advises UWE.
Featured presenters for the symposium included Dr. Stephanie Aaronson, senior associate director of the Division of Research and Statistics at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin.
Graduating seniors Hannah Delorto, a dual major in economics and communication studies, and Gabby Hershey, a dual major in sustainable renewable energy and economics, said they found the symposium relevant and engaging. “I got to touch a million-dollar bill, attempted to lift a solid gold bar, and learned how game theory and behavioral economics can guide my career toward success,” said Hershey.
Delorto appreciated the presentations about navigating careers in economics, the utility of a master’s degree, and salary negotiation. “It is personally relevant and useful since I’m graduating this semester and applying for graduate programs,” she added.
The excursion was led by Instructional Assistant Professor Heather Chapman of Illinois State’s Department of Economics. Chapman noted that the event is not just for women but is designed to support and encourage all minorities in the discipline of economics. “It is a great opportunity for students to see what life is like for a practicing economist who looks like them and has had similar experiences,” said Chapman.
Other students expressed their excitement at the experience. UWE President Kate Kostrub, a junior managerial economics major, said she appreciated hearing first-hand accounts of the challenges and triumphs experienced by women in economics. She added, “I enjoyed meeting other econ students from around the country and connecting further as a group.”
New UWE member, Abby Black-Mishaan, a freshman managerial economics major, also attended. Reflecting on the trip, she shared that even as a freshman, she learned a lot about what she should expect in the field of economics and how to prepare for the job market. “The trip itself was super fun, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to go,” said Black-Mishaan.
Chen said the UWE plans to make the journey to the free symposium an annual event. The symposium is open to college students and educators who want to learn how studying economic principles can provide tools to tackle real-life problems.
UWE is dedicated to increasing diversity and representation in economics and 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 UWE may contact president Kate Kostrub, vice president Enrique Aguirre, or outreach committee chair Maria Morales. More information is available on Instagram @ISU_UWE and on the UWE website.
