Investing in Women is Just Good Business
Enjoy this curated playlist celebrating the voices, programs, and stories shaping the women+ experience at Bentley. Explore conversations, highlights, and moments that showcase how Bentley students, alumni, and partners are redefining what it means to lead, thrive, and create change together.
As the force behind Bentley’s commitment to gender equity, the Center for Women and Business collaborates with departments and student organizations to strengthen the women+ experience and expand access to leadership development. Through educational programs, networking opportunities, and immersive experiences, the CWB provides students, faculty, and staff with the tools and support to transform knowledge into action and lead with purpose.
Flagship Programs
The CWB organizes a visit to the office of a corporate partner to expose our students to different workplace environments. During these visits, students will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of professionals gain key insights on breaking into a specific role or field.
The CWB leads Bentley’s partnership with the Forté Foundation in collaboration with the Pulsifer Career Development Center, Strategy and Innovation, and Student Affairs Department. This partnership is dedicated to expanding opportunities for women+ to grow as future business leaders. Aligned with Bentley’s 2030 Strategic Plan, this collaboration strengthens the pipeline of women+ pursuing careers in finance and leadership.
In collaboration with the Cronin Office of International Education, Student Affairs, and the International Business Program, the CWB supports the Global Women Scholars Program, empowering women+ leaders to drive change through the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Through coursework, mentorship, and hands-on projects, scholars gain global perspective and real-world experience, including a funded international internship after their sophomore year.
Each year, the CWB represents Bentley University at the Massachusetts Conference for Women, the largest women’s conference in the state. Alongside faculty and staff, we bring Bentley students to engage with thousands of attendees, connect with industry leaders, and experience one of the nation’s most inspiring gatherings dedicated to advancing women+ in business and leadership.
Led by Dr. Laura Young, Associate Professor of Economics and Faculty Director for the CWB, the Pathways to Leadership pre-college program empowers young women to explore business careers and develop essential leadership skills. Through hands-on sessions with Bentley faculty and an interactive corporate visit, students gain the confidence and insight to shape their futures with purpose.
Bentley University's award-winning Rainbow Scholars Program is a year-long, intersectional leadership development initiative. Launched in 2022 in collaboration with the Gender and Sexuality Student Programs office, this program invites LGBTQ+ students and allies to explore their identities while embracing a holistic approach to leadership development that integrates core leadership concepts with personal growth. Scholars develop essential skills in self-advocacy, intersectionality, inclusive leadership, and community-building, facilitating workshops at the annual Rainbow Conference each spring.
The CWB leads Bentley’s annual celebration of Women’s History Month, bringing the community together for powerful conversations on gender equity, inclusion, and allyship. Since launching in 2023, the CWB has collaborated with campus partners to highlight women+ leadership and advance Bentley’s commitment to empowering all students to thrive.
Founded by the CWB and now run by the Gender and Sexuality Student Programs Office (GSSP), the Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) helps women+ students build essential leadership skills for personal and professional success. The CWB continues to support the program through curriculum development and interactive workshops focused on areas such as money management, leading with integrity, negotiations, cultural intelligence, and professional presence. Through this experience, WLP Leaders gain confidence, strengthen their self-advocacy, and prepare to lead with authenticity beyond Bentley.
Shared Sisterhood
The Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the CWB host an inclusive dialogue on the intersection of race and gender. Grounded in Shared Sisterhood: How to Take Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at Work by Drs. Tina Opie and Beth A. Livingston, this program creates a brave space for participants of all backgrounds to explore how identity influences our experiences and relationships on campus. The goal is to foster understanding, connection, and collective action that advances equity and belonging for everyone.
Racial Equity Working Groups
In collaboration with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, the CWB offers dialogue sessions that help employees explore how race and identity shape workplace experiences. These Racial Equity Working Groups build capacity for courageous, cross-cultural conversations and foster deeper understanding, allyship, and growth across the Bentley community.
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Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity & Inclusion is responsible for fostering an inclusive community by leveraging interactions between offices, educating the entire community and working to increase the diversity at all levels of the University through university-wide, diversity-related programs and initiatives.
Gender and Sexuality Student Programs
Gender and Sexuality Student Programs Office (GSSP) provides a welcoming and supportive environment for all students to engage with topics of gender and sexuality. We offer educational programs, dialogues, and campus-wide workshops to create a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate community. We welcome all members of campus and strive to develop inclusive student leaders who celebrate gender, sexuality, and their intersection with other dimensions of identity.