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School of Business M&T Bank Center for Women and Business

The M&T Bank Center for Women and Business is dedicated to bringing together a community of women and their allies who are focused on achieving their professional goals and sharing their wisdom and experiences with each other through skill-building workshops, motivational events and networking opportunities.
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What We Do

The center brings together women at all stages of work and life, and with varied backgrounds to learn from and support each other. In recent months, the center has offered virtual events focused on topics such as hope, resilience and healing during adversity. These events focused on ways to increase skills, improve self-awareness and build resilience while preparing for the future. As the pandemic stretched into the fall semester, the center conducted events centered on mindfulness, networking and inclusion.

Read our Spring 2024 Newsletter

Read our Fall 2023 Newsletter

Mission

To provide opportunities for women to achieve their professional goals as well as to build a community focused on achieving those goals consistent with their personal values. This community of women and their allies is committed to lifelong learning, is eager to share, and includes the external community, students, alumni, faculty and staff. Our center is devoted to preparing our community for enlightened and engaged citizenship.

Vision

The center, as part of a thriving, 3-campus university, provides programs designed to educate and inspire women focused on achieving their personal and professional best through lifelong learning. The center also facilitates connections and thereby builds and develops an engaged community, where wisdom and experience are shared with each other to educate, inspire and foster growth.

Target Audience

Ambitious women and their allies, coming together to engage in learning to empower themselves and others.

Value Proposition

The center is part of a dynamic and growing university with a commitment to academic excellence and to building a strong sense of community enlightenment and engagement. It serves the needs of women professionals by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, professional development and community-building and citizenship.

Colors of CT Festival

A business owner smiles at a table selling books.

Quinnipiac University hosted the first “Colors of CT Festival,” which celebrates inclusivity and belonging in the entrepreneurial space.

Sponsored by Quinnipiac University’s M&T Bank Centers for Women & Business and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the festival featured a “Sip & Shop” for business owners to feature and sell their products and market their services.

Business owners who identify as people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, immigrants and refugees, persons with a disability (seen or unseen) or neurodivergent also enjoyed networking opportunities with other business owners and potential mentors from organizations like M&T Bank, Small Business Administration (SBA), Community Investment Corporation, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Hamden Chamber of Commerce, Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber, Disability IN: Connecticut, IRIS, ConnCORP, CitySeed, QPlus and many others.

In addition, the festival featured a fashion show, panel discussions, live music, a DJ and food trucks.

 

Events

  • Vendor & Resource Group Networking Session

  • Keynote Speaker & Fashion Show

  • Tranquil Room

  • Sip & Shop

  • DJ Kahlucah

  • Lake Kyle and the Skulls

  • St Luke's Steel Band

  • Panel Discussion for Entrepreneurs

  • Panel Discussion for Employees

News, Stories and Events

Fireside Chat with President Judy Olian and Former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi 

March 6, 2025 | CCE 101 | 11 a.m.–noon

This annual event is a meaningful tribute to the memory and legacy of Eileen Peters Farley ’68, an accomplished entrepreneur, and a long-term president of the Southern California Quinnipiac University Alumni Chapter.

Each year, we select a distinguished businesswoman to recognize her passionate advocacy of women in the workplace with the Center’s Impact Award at the event. President Judy Olian and the 2025 Impact Awardee, Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo will engage in a fireside chat.

The 2025 speaker series luncheon will be hosted during Women's History Month with the intention for the awardee to share her achievements and contributions over the course of her career with students, faculty and the community-at-large.

Jessica Geis and Susan L. Johnson holding the award
Susan L. Johnson, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at The Hartford, recieved the 2023 Impact Award, presented by Jessica Geis.
Jessica Geis speaking at a podium
The endowed fund was generously established in 2018 by Eileen’s late husband, Stephen Farley, and Jessica Geis. Its purpose is to bring a distinguished businesswoman to campus each year to share expertise with students, faculty and the community at large.
2 women speaking on a raised stage
The annual event serves as a meaningful tribute to the memory and legacy of Eileen Peters Farley ’68, an accomplished entrepreneur and long-term president of the Southern California QU Alumni Chapter. 
Speaker at the Peoples United Center for Women and Business luncheon on the York Hill campus
The 2022 Impact Award was presented to Hang Black, VP of Revenue Enablement & Sales Tech Evangelist at ZoomInfo, in recognition of her passionate advocacy for women in the workplace.
Attendees at the People's United Center for Women and Business listen to various speakers in the University Club
Hang Black, the recipient of the 2022 Impact Award, is the best-selling author of "Embrace Your Edge" and a frequent speaker at global conferences on sales leadership. 
Susan Johnson and other event attendees pose for a group photo.
The Eileen Peters Farley '68 Speaker Series for Women in Business invites female entrepreneurs to network and empower one another.
McKenna Haz speaks about the success of her woman-owned small business.
McKenna Haz '21, CEO & Founder of SEAAV Athletics, shares her entrepreneurial journey with a business class in the Innovation Hub at Quinnipiac’s Lender School of Business Center.
School of Business faculty members speak at the event.
Tuvana Rua, Associate Professor of Management and Co-Director of M&T Bank Center for Women & Business, shares her remarks at the Eileen Peters Farley '68 Speaker Series for Women in Business.
A student shops at the SEAAV pop up shop in the piazza.
Sarah Dusse '24 shops at the SEAAV Athletics pop-up shop in the Mount Carmel Campus Piazza.
Attendees listen to McKenna Haz speak about the success of her woman-owned small business.
Students had the opportunity to engage in insightful Q&A sessions and network with accomplished businesswomen.
Susan Johnson, 2023 Impact Award recipient speaks on a panel discussion.
Susan Johnson, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at The Hartford, shares her insights on fostering diversity and inclusion at the Eileen Peters Farley '68 Speaker Series.

Past Events and Our Community in Action

The M&T Bank Center for Women and Business, along with partners from the community, regularly host events that guide women to further their careers, improve personally and professionally and hear from leaders in the industry about their journeys and experiences. Below is a sampling of our most recent events.

Welcome Back Networking Event
September 10, 2024 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | On The Rocks Pub

The Center hosted its kick-off event, bringing together the business community, QU, industry leaders and students. This gathering celebrated past successes and introduced upcoming events and initiatives focusing on thought leadership. These conversations were deeply rooted in the Center's mission —to advance the educational and professional development of women in business through lifelong learning and actionable insights.

Film Screening and Forum on Women's Empowerment and Economic Development
September 13, 2024 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | CCE 101

This event was co-sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences, the Albert Schweitzer Institute and the M&T Bank Center for Women and Business. Melissa Berton, Oakwood English teacher, Academy Award-winning producer and executive director of the Pad Project, discussed the connection between women’s rights and access to sanitary pads, followed by a screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary “Period: End of Sentence” and a discussion with the producer. After, there was a panel discussion featuring Quinnipiac professors and local community organizations, which addressed each group’s own advocacy for women’s empowerment in local, national and global communities.
 
Colors of CT Festival
October 5, 2024 | 2 - 7 p.m. | Recreation Center & Burt Khan

The M&T Bank Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the M&T Bank Center for Women & Business co-hosted our first festival of inclusivity and belonging in the entrepreneurial space. This was a free, family-friendly event to support local businesses owned and operated by small business owners who identify as members of underrepresented and underserved communities. This community event offered many festivities: live music, a DJ, food trucks, a Sip & Shop featuring local vendors, a fashion show, panel discussions and much more!

Home Buying 101: A Comprehensive Guide for College Students
October 10, 2024 | 11 a.m. - noon | SB 109

As college students approach graduation, many begin to think about their future beyond academia, including the prospect of purchasing their first home. Understanding the complexities of the real estate market and the home-buying process can be daunting. To bridge this gap, this event was designed to equip students with essential knowledge and practical tips for making informed decisions in the real estate market. Three local experts, Corinne Abbott, an attorney and part-time QU faculty member, Sara Tufano, a real estate agent with REAL Brokerage, and Yvonne Trode, a loan officer with Northeast Financial, LLC, provided insightful tips and information on this topic.

Women of Innovation Event - CT Technology Council Award Ceremony
October 22, 2024

The 19th annual Women of Innovation event, hosted by the Connecticut Technology Council, celebrates trailblazing women and girls inspiring visionary leadership in scientific research, education, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Tamilla Triantoro, former co-director of the Center, was one of 45 Connecticut Inspiring STEM Leaders Selected as 2024 Women of Innovation Finalists in the Research Innovation and Leadership category. These leaders represent the best in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across Connecticut and drive scientific advancement and business growth throughout the state.

Bobcat Weekend: Salary Negotiations Lunch & Learn Workshop for Students and Alumni 
October 26, 2024 | noon -1:30 p.m. | SB 109

During the celebration of Bobcat Weekend, the Center partnered with the Department of Lifelong Learning to host a free in-person salary negotiations workshop for students and alumni. The workshop addressed the gender pay gap by providing critical negotiation skills and the tools needed to thrive in the ever-growing and developing workforce. These informative workshops empower everyone to have conversations for self-empowerment.
         
Panel Discussion on The Future of Work 
November 6, 2024 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. | Mount Carmel Auditorium CCE 101

This discussion, tailored for QU students, featured five alumni within 5 years of graduation who shared their journey after graduation with a key focus on their job search, interview process and current careers as well as what is expected of them in the workplace with changing technologies. Attendees took away insights into building meaningful connections, developing professional skills, creating value and solutions and leveraging networks to navigate evolving workplaces.

Work Culture Shift Panelists sit in CCE 101 presenting to students
The M&T Bank Center for Women and Business hosted panel examining work-culture shift. The panelists discussed how gender roles, diversity, equity and inclusion, and parenting can impact work-life balance and how work culture has shifted since the pandemic. Learn more about the discussion
Faculty members participate in a panel in an auditorium.
The M&T Bank Center for Women and Business hosted panel focused on AI and the future of work. This discussion gave insights into the evolving skills demand in the job market, the role of continuous learning and how to adapt to the changes. Learn more about the discussion
Jessica Geis offers advice to students at a country club.
The M&T Bank Center for Women and Business hosted an addition to the Eileen Peters Farley Endowed Speakers series at the New Haven Country Club. Susan Johnson was presented the 2023 Impact Award by Jessica Geis to honor her achievements as Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at The Hartford.
Students chat and network during a pop-up shop event.
M&T Bank Center for Women and Business hosts a pop-up shop event celebrating Black History Month and People of Color-owned small businesses, featuring live music to enhance the festive atmosphere. Embrace the rich tapestry of culture and entrepreneurship while supporting local talent.
Quinnipiac University’s M&T Bank Center for Women & Business directors, Tamilla Triantoro, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, and Tuvana Rua, associate professor of management are photographed with Holly Raider, Dean of the School of Business and Poonam Arora, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs.
Quinnipiac University’s M&T Bank Center for Women & Business directors, Tamilla Triantoro, associate professor of computer information systems, and Tuvana Rua, associate professor of management are photographed with Holly Raider, dean of the School of Business, and Poonam Arora, associate dean of faculty affairs.

Leadership Team

Advisory Council

  • Poonam Arora, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Strategic Initiatives — School of Business

  • Danisha Collins, Assistant Director of Admissions, Engagement — Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine

  • Maura Cox, Associate Director of Advancement Services & Gift Admin — Office of Development and Alumni Affairs

  • Nancy Dudchik, President — Hamden Chamber of Commerce

  • Mohammad Elahee, Professor of International Business, William S. Perloth Endowed Professor in Business — School of Business

  • Denise Fiore, Former Chief Operating Officer — Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Senior Vice President — L+M Healthcare and Senior Vice President — Yale New Haven Health (Retired)

  • Blythe Frank, Assistant Professor of Film, Television, and Media Arts — School of Communications

  • Erin Sabato, Director of Global Learning — Department of Cultural and Global Engagement

  • Becky Spalthoff, Senior Director — Integrated Marketing and Communications

  • Tamilla Triantoro, Associate Professor, Business Analytics and Information Systems — School of Business

  • Sara Wilbur, Executive Vice President, Financial Crimes — M&T Bank

Year in Review

Our School of Business M&T Bank Center for Women and Business completed another productive year with initiatives that had a measurable impact on the various people and communities they serve, despite the uncertainty and heaviness of the pandemic. Consistent with their missions, each provided exciting, engaging and provocative activities and opportunities for students, faculty, alumni and friends of Quinnipiac University.

View the Center for Women in Business Report (PDF)

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Centers and Institutes at Quinnipiac

We believe education doesn’t begin and end inside the classroom. We live in an increasingly diverse and complex world that demands the knowledge, collaboration and empathy required to deliver meaningful impact. 

Whether it’s turning ideas into viable business applications or digging through human history by analyzing ancient artifacts, each of our centers and institutes pairs our students and faculty to transform academic theory into real-world solutions.

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Academics

Our broad liberal arts core complements deep expertise across more than 100 degree programs to provide an education that equips you for an extraordinary career. Whether you are in high school and ready to pursue your undergraduate degree, currently in the workforce and looking to advance your career through one of our graduate programs or have ambitions of becoming a lawyer or doctor, we have the schools, programs and faculty that will help unlock your potential.

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Contact the School of Business

We’re always here to help provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.

203-582-8600
sbdeans@qu.edu

275 Mount Carmel Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518

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