Our History
The first collegiate chapter of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) was established at the Fisher College of Business on November 26, 2001. Its first official meeting was held at The Hillel with approximately 60 undergraduate students in attendance.
The original officers included Beth Blue, President and Founder; Joy Schwartz, Vice President; Andrea Russell, Secretary; Kristin Sandberg, Treasurer; and Tracie Mulhausen, Vice President of Special Events.
ABWA was started in hopes to bring together women in business to discuss the important opportunities and concerns of being a women in the business world. However, ABWA was not restricted to solely business students or women, and was open to all majors and ranks within Ohio State. It all started when Beth Blue brought up her ideas to her friends, who were very supportive through the whole process. She also received a lot of support and enthusiasm from the faculty and staff of the Fisher College of Business.
Throughout the past few years, ABWA has grown and become more widely known. The organization is very active in the surrounding community and also participates in several fundraising and social events each year. In the Spring of 2005, ABWA members decided to disassociate themselves with the National American Business Women's Association and change its name to The Undergraduate Business Women's Association. It continues to uphold the Founders' values with which the organization was started nearly 19 years ago.
The original officers included Beth Blue, President and Founder; Joy Schwartz, Vice President; Andrea Russell, Secretary; Kristin Sandberg, Treasurer; and Tracie Mulhausen, Vice President of Special Events.
ABWA was started in hopes to bring together women in business to discuss the important opportunities and concerns of being a women in the business world. However, ABWA was not restricted to solely business students or women, and was open to all majors and ranks within Ohio State. It all started when Beth Blue brought up her ideas to her friends, who were very supportive through the whole process. She also received a lot of support and enthusiasm from the faculty and staff of the Fisher College of Business.
Throughout the past few years, ABWA has grown and become more widely known. The organization is very active in the surrounding community and also participates in several fundraising and social events each year. In the Spring of 2005, ABWA members decided to disassociate themselves with the National American Business Women's Association and change its name to The Undergraduate Business Women's Association. It continues to uphold the Founders' values with which the organization was started nearly 19 years ago.