Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Economics(WE+) is a club that meets weekly as a group to get to know other women and non-binary individuals majoring or interested in economics and also hosts events throughout the year for all to join. The club offers a chance to mingle with classmates, hear words of advice from majors and upperclass students, talk about courses and help students plan and prepare for the major. The WE+ leaders, Leah Johnson ‘22, Lily Hurtubise ‘22 and Elise Lehman ‘23, hope to continue to grow this club and its connection with the Carleton economics department so that everyone feels supported in a historically male-dominated major regardless of their gender identity. Economics student Mary Frances Hose ‘24 says that “WE+ is a great way to connect with other women and non-binary indivuals in Economics at Carleton. I have met so many wonderful people through this club which I am so grateful for!”
During Fall Term, WE+ hosts an annual student-led internship panel where about 4-5 upperclass economics students share past internship experiences they have had that are related to economics. It is a chance to learn more about potential career paths and hear how these students find, apply and network to find these great opportunities. Over the summer, there is also the opportunity to participate in the WE+ bookclub where we all read one book written by a female or non-binary economist and discuss it when we get back on campus.
In the winter, WE+ holds an annual WE+ alumni panel where 3-5 Carleton female or non-binary alumni answer questions pertaining to their career and how their studies at Carleton helped them to get where they are now, as well as offer guidance to students interested in pursuing a similar career. This year we had Carol Barnett ‘86, Karen Chu ‘87 and Alice Berchiolli ‘13 come speak with us and had a valuable discussion and Q&A with these panelists.
In the spring, WE+ launches its mentorship program. The WE+ mentorship program pairs upperclass students with underclass women and non-binary students. This is a chance to have an informal opportunity to ask questions, express concerns or just chat with other women/non-binary individuals in or interested in economics and make a new friend.
If you are interested in economics or potentially a major in economics, make sure to stop by one of our weekly meetings in the spring or email any of the leaders to join the email list for more information! Johnson thinks: “WE+ has striven to be an inclusive environment that brings cool opportunities and experiences to its members. But it still has room to grow, and I am excited about all the ways future leaders will improve the club to be more accessible to students.”