Women in Business Initiative

The Women in Business Initiative Scholarship Fund was created to support the next generation of business leaders. We award two need and merit-based $2,000 scholarships to students at the School of Business each academic year. 

Thanks to tireless fundraising and dogged determination, we reached our first endowment goal of $50,000 in only two years. We continue to grow the endowment (over $100,000 and counting) through our networking fundraisers, such as our annual wine tasting event, and generous donations from entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

Want to be part of our success and help other students achieve their college and career dreams? Make a gift.  

The Women in Business Initiative Awards recognize impact, innovation, and inspiration for Women in Business. The goal of the awards is to continue to elevate the WIBI Advisory Board and George Mason University School of Business as an influential leader and organization specifically to progress the success, support and accessibility for women in business. Nominations are currently open and will be accepted through February 10, 2023. Use this form to submit a nomination. Awards include:  

WIBI Woman of the Year 

Nomination criteria:  

• Woman 
• Professional – minimum 10 years in industry / career 
• George Mason School of Business affiliated 
• Alumni / Donor / Served on Committees / Regularly utilizes Mason Interns / Board Member / Participation in Classrooms / Event Panelist or Guest Speaker 
• May not be a current WIBI board member (emeritus board members are eligible) 
• Create impact for women in business 
• Innovate for women in business 
• Inspire progress, a movement or action for women in business 

WIBI Business of the Year 

Nomination criteria:  

• Woman owned business (minimum ownership is 51%) 
• George Mason School of Business Affiliated 
• Alumni / Donor / Served on Committees / Regularly utilizes GMU Interns / Board Member / Participation in Classrooms / Event Panelist or Guest Speaker 
• May not be a current WIBI board member (emeritus board members are eligible) 
• Create impact for women in business 
• Innovate for women in business 
• Inspire progress, a movement or action for women in business 

WIBI Ambassador of the Year 

Nomination criteria: 

• Any person who advocates for Women in Business and Women Owned Businesses 
• George Mason School of Business Affiliated 
• Alumni / Donor / Served on Committees / Regularly utilizes GMU Interns / Board Member / Participation in Classrooms / Event Panelist or Guest Speaker 
• Current and emeritus WIBI board members are eligible 
• Create impact for women in business 
• Innovate for women in business 
• Inspire progress, a movement or action for women in business 

Our board members love working directly with Mason business students. We participate in several Career Services activities including the internship program, mentorship program (which we helped develop and pilot in 2017), an etiquette dinner and the popular Networking on the Green.