Empowering Women in Business: Inside the Women on Wall Street Club at St. John’s

What is the Women on Wall Street Club (WoWs)?  

Women on Wall Street is a student-led organization at St. John’s University that was started to bridge the gender gap in competitive industries that have historically been male-dominated. Many students, especially entering their first year of college, feel impostor syndrome when their classes and professional spaces have an overwhelming male presence. WoWs creates a judgment-free space for students of all majors and backgrounds to navigate the job market together and build community.  

“Joining Women on Wall Street is the best thing I could’ve done for myself as a first-year business student at St. John’s. From the résumé reviews to the supportive network of aspiring women, this organization has given me skills and a community I will forever value. I landed an internship for this summer, and some of that success I attribute to WoWs because I learned that it is possible to break into these competitive industries since I saw the examples of women before me.”
—Loreal Cruz, Sophomore, International Management Major 

How WoWs Builds Career Confidence and Community 

WoWs prepares students to succeed in competitive fields and creates networking opportunities through professional development and social events. The club is intended to unite like-minded, ambitious women starting their careers to learn, discuss issues impacting women, and formulate meaningful connections.  

Mentorship with Meaning 

One thing that sets WoWs apart is the mentorship program offered. The mentorship program connects first- and second-year students with those in the upper classes; pairings are based on major, career goals, and interests. The mentorship program aims to facilitate direct connections, so members can have an automatic “buddy” to attend club meetings or hang out on campus. Mentors can advise first-year students on finding internships, signing up for classes, etc.  

Building Transferable Career Skills in Male-Dominated Industries 

Through WoWs, members gain skills that prepare them for leadership and success within their industry. Aside from practical skills such as building a résumé and succeeding in an interview, members can learn critical soft skills such as advocating for themselves, preventing burnout, networking effectively, and ultimately standing out in the job application process.  

Based on members’ interest, the group also plans events to teach critical technical skills relevant across industries. For example, last semester, they collaborated with the Applied Analytics and AI society to facilitate a “Future of Finance & Beyond” Python workshop, which introduced basic coding concepts for those without any programming experience.   

Leadership and Student Involvement Opportunities 

WoWs leaders believe the best way to gain leadership skills and prepare for demanding careers is through tangible experience. Therefore, they offer a variety of ways for members to become involved and contribute directly to the club.  

They have an extensive executive board, with 10 positions ranging from the top four to officer roles. Even first-year students can get a leadership role through their Freshmen Representative position; this year, they had two. The freshman rep is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure working on an e-board; the 2023 freshman rep, Loreal Cruz, will serve as the 2025–26 President!  

In addition, understanding that many members would like to be involved but may not have time to commit fully to an e-board role, the group created committees to help grow WoWs. There are currently three committees: Fundraising, Events, and Social Media/Public Relations. In joining a committee, members can collectively brainstorm and introduce new ideas to the club, working with an e-board member directly to assist with specific initiatives.  

Women Student Career Success Stories 

Women on Wall Street is incredibly proud of the success of its members, many of whom have landed internships and jobs across a variety of industries. 

• Loreal Cruz, current Secretary and incoming President, secured a sales internship at Gallagher.
• Sophia Feeney, Treasurer, will intern at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in Washington, DC.
• Marija Ilkova, Social Media Director, recently earned her real estate license and is now working with Blue Island Homes.
• Molly Richardson, Internal Vice President, works as a Property and Casualty Insurance Intern at Hilb Group. 

General members are also excelling in their fields. 

• Faith Maestre, an active member, landed an accounting internship at Deloitte.
• Destiny Blackwood, another active member, will join Davey Law P.C this summer as a legal intern. 

“WoWs has allowed me to differentiate myself to employers, exemplifying my passion for leadership, change, and female representation in the business world,” Molly said. “Our general members are also succeeding in their fields, with active member Faith Maestre landing an accounting internship at Deloitte, and another active member, Destiny Blackwood, joining Davey Law P.C. this summer as a legal intern.”  

Confidence and Community 

The primary goal of WoWs is to build confidence in our members. “WoWs was an incredible support system for me this semester. Being part of a community of like-minded women studying business gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities that I would have been scared to jump into alone,” shared Marija, Social Media Director. “Anyone can find acceptance and a home through WoWs, and we are always thrilled to welcome more members.” 

How to Get Involved  

The first way anyone can get involved and stay in touch is by following their Instagram, @sju_womenonws, and joining their GroupMe chat. The applications for committees and the mentorship program are ongoing so anyone can join at any point in the semester. 

To be inclusive, most meetings are held in a hybrid format, where members who cannot attend in person can tune in and participate in discussions through Microsoft Teams. There are no member dues, and no experience or knowledge is required to join!