Harness Your Superpower: The 2023 Tuck Women in Business Conference

The three-day conference kicks off Friday, October 20 with campus tours, coffee chats with current students, mock classes with faculty, a special edition of Tuck Talks, and a keynote dinner. On Saturday, attendees will have the opportunity to attend panels with alumni, current students, Admissions, the Career Services team, and more on what makes the Tuck MBA experience so distinct from other MBA programs. Saturday evening wraps up with a beloved Tuck tradition, small group dinners, as well as a social evening on campus and in the Upper Valley. 

As we look ahead to WIBCo, the 2023 co-chairs—T’24s Tatum Bradley, Fiona Frick, Caroline Hogan, Shreya Banerjee, Madeline Soutter, and Katherine Zimmel—reflect on this year’s theme and what make WIBCo and Tuck such transformative experiences. 

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Tatum Bradley T’24

My first real experience with the Tuck community was during Tuck’s Admitted Students Weekend. As soon as I set foot on campus, I felt the warmth, excitement, and generosity of both current and prospective students. The Tuck campus immediately felt like home, and I could easily envision the next two years in this vibrant, tight-knit community. My time at Tuck has been profoundly special, and I’ve experienced a deep sense of belonging in all campus communities, including the Women in Business Club. To me, “Harnessing Your Superpower” means recognizing one’s strengths to thrive in business and within various communities. As women, by supporting and celebrating each other’s strengths, we can achieve incredible feats. I’m grateful to be surrounded by an extraordinary group of women and allies at Tuck, and I’m confident that with their support, I can achieve anything.

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Fiona Frick T’24

I attended WIBCo in 2015 as a college junior—probably the youngest participant that weekend! The experience introduced me to diverse opportunities spanning industries, roles, and leadership styles. Eventually, I ventured into real estate and hospitality, fueled by my passion for crafting spaces that foster connection and community. Tuck allowed me to nurture this passion, revealing it as one of my superpowers. I’m deeply thankful for the Tuck experiences that nudged me beyond my comfort zone, enhancing my development. The theme "Harness Your Superpower" for the 2023 conference resonated with our emphasis on a growth mindset at Tuck. We eagerly await attendees’ reflections on their strengths and insights on applying these strengths in their lives, leading to more authentic leadership.

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Shreya Banerjee T’24

I attended the Women in Business Conference in October 2020. Even though it was held entirely virtually because of the pandemic, Tuck’s unique culture stood out. Each segment was thoughtfully designed, and even through a digital medium like Zoom, the warmth and friendliness of the current students made an impression. They highlighted what makes Tuck special. After the conference, I was certain that Tuck was where I wanted to pursue my MBA.

In my first year, I felt a strong desire to contribute to the conference that had so influenced my decision. Working behind the scenes for the 2022 event reaffirmed my choice, and I was eager to share this experience with prospective students. Moreover, it offered a wonderful opportunity to connect with more women from my class, especially my fellow co-chairs, and further hone my leadership skills.

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Caroline Hogan T’24

The 2021 Women in Business Conference was my introduction to Tuck. Leaving Hanover, I was deeply impressed by the ambition, diversity, and expertise of students, faculty, and alumni. Tuck’s unique, tight-knit community convinced me that it was the perfect fit. As a student, I was eager to support subsequent conferences, aiming to introduce future female leaders to Tuck and expand its women’s community. The 2022 co-chairs did an exceptional job, organizing workshops, panel discussions, and speaker sessions centered around “Courageous Leadership.” The event confirmed my choice of Tuck, and I hope it inspired prospective students about the opportunities here. I anticipate this year’s conference having a similar impact.

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Madeline Soutter T’24

The theme of this year’s conference is “Harnessing Your Superpower.” Often, women feel pressured to excel in every area, so my hope is that this theme will inspire attendees to recognize and embrace their unique strengths on both personal and professional fronts.

The Women in Business Conference at Tuck has been a pivotal experience for me. I attended in 2021 as a prospective student, and being on campus, engaging with students, faculty, and alumni, and immersing myself in the community convinced me that Tuck was the right place for my MBA.

When I moved on to my first year, I knew I wanted to participate in organizing and executing the conference. Witnessing the event’s preparations was enlightening, and it was inspiring to see the vision of the T’23 co-chairs materialize. This endeavor also brought me closer to the T’24 co-chairs and the broader Women in Business community at Tuck—a community whose supporters go far beyond the club’s official members.

This year, the theme “Harnessing Your Superpower” resonates with me. My aspiration is for this weekend of reflection, dialogue, and motivation to leave attendees feeling both empowered and enthusiastic about their upcoming MBA journeys.

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Katherine Zimmel T’24

The Women in Business conference was instrumental in my decision to join Tuck. I participated in 2021, and even though it was virtual, I found inspiration from the speakers and attendees. It became evident that Tuck values and supports every individual, regardless of their background. Having spent a year at Tuck and as a member of WIB, I’ve witnessed this commitment firsthand.

I’m enthusiastic about this year’s theme, “Harness Your Superpower.” It not only prompts women to recognize their unique abilities but also motivates them to act. Before Tuck, I spent nearly five years in the tech industry, specifically at a cybersecurity software company. The tech field remains predominantly male, and in cybersecurity—where interactions with IT professionals are the norm—this gender imbalance is even more pronounced. There were instances when I was the sole woman at a client dinner or among the few at industry gatherings. However, three years into my role, I relocated to San Francisco, becoming the inaugural female sales director for the U.S.-West territory. Admittedly, I faced initial challenges. But with the encouragement of some dedicated female peers, I learned to leverage my strengths and “harness my superpowers.” I eagerly anticipate this year’s conference, hoping that other emerging women leaders will be inspired to recognize and utilize their superpowers.