BE THE CHANGE Empowering Connections: Recap of Korea University's 'Be the Change' Women's Day Event

On Wednesday, March 8, Korea University hosted a remarkable Women's Day event, "Be the Change," in collaboration with the American Women's Club in Korea. Taking place in the LG-POSCO Business Administration building on the Seoul Campus, the event brought together over 40 women, including 30 students from the Global MBA (18th batch), to celebrate and discuss topics crucial to women's representation and empowerment.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Dean Sangyong Kim and a special greeting to the new Academic Director of Global MBA, Betty Chung. Diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives were represented on the panel, featuring distinguished women excelling in their respective fields: H.E. Hyoeun Jenny Kim (Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Republic of Korea), Kumjoo Huh (G20 Empower Alliance), Shampa Bari (Ecosystem Partnerships LG-Ericsson), and Professor Betty Chung.

The discussions revolved around key themes of Empowerment, Mentorship, and Inclusivity, addressing the pivotal role these aspects play in our lives. Shampa Bari particularly highlighted the importance of building strong networks and shared valuable techniques for fostering mutually beneficial connections Following the presentations, students collaborated with AWC members in team discussions, delving deeper into the event's themes. Questions like "How do you find a mentor and how did he/she impact you?" sparked meaningful conversations, with male students actively participating in understanding the impact of these factors on work environments and personal lives.

AWC mentors generously volunteered their time to guide students, offering additional support to enhance their profiles and gain valuable insights into their chosen fields. This collaborative effort between KUBS and AWC provided Global MBA students with a unique opportunity to connect with diverse communities, fostering connections that could potentially lead to mentorships or partnerships.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, providing students with a platform to voice concerns about job opportunities as foreigners and gain insights into the work culture in Korea. This interactive session not only heightened awareness but also resulted in students forming new friendships, possibly with future mentors.

"Be the Change" transcended being a mere event; it served as a catalyst for fostering connections, nurturing conversations, and molding a more inclusive future for women in both academic and professional spheres. The collaborative spirit between Korea University and the American Women's Club undeniably imprinted a lasting influence on the participants, sparking a positive shift that reaches well beyond the confines of the event.