The Future of Business is Here – Look to Women Starts at Michigan Ross

On a crisp April morning in Ann Arbor, a group of women gathered beneath the glass ceiling of the Davidson Winter Garden. The group of women, alumni who graduated years apart, assembled for a shared purpose: to discuss a future at Ross where women not only participate in philanthropy, but shape outcomes.

For decades, women have been unsung heroes of philanthropy at the University of Michigan. Jane Och, MAcc ‘86, Penny Stamps, BSDES ‘66, and Helen Zell, AB ‘64, built legacies that extend beyond the size of their gifts. Their contributions have taken the form of something less quantifiable – creating networks of support, mentorship, and belonging for young people who found a home at Michigan. 

Previously known as Women Mean Business, Look to Women seeks to carry the philanthropic torch forward.

Lara Yates, BBA ‘91, participated in the inaugural Look to Women event in April and said, “I hope to make an impact on a financial, business and personal level. Financially, my Lara Wiklendt Scholarship fund will help to defray some of the costs of attending Ross for generations to come. While this is a wonderful way to pay it forward, I want to do more. While I have never had female mentors during or after I attended Ross, I hope to be this resource for Ross graduates.”

That aspiration is already reaching students like Charlotte Partchenko, who began at Ross last year. She is a rising sophomore involved in the Och Initiative for Women in Finance, which was established to support BBA students who are interested in careers in finance, and Women in Real Estate (WIRE), a student organization that connects graduate and undergraduate Wolverines interested in real estate careers. Partchenko says the alumni network has expanded her understanding of what's possible. "The alumni office has been very helpful in allowing me to see various perspectives in different roles," she said.

The inaugural Look to Women event began that crisp morning with a brief lecture at UMMA, and a deep discussion over lunch with Ross Dean Sharon Matusik about initiatves that position Ross in the future. “Ross is very fortunate to have a group of alumnae who care so deeply about this school,” Dean Matusik said. “There is something very special about this place and the values that get instilled here.”

As Charlotte joined the women at lunch, she took in the way each one took her place around the boardroom table confidently, and saw a glimpse of her future there. “Something that stood out to me was getting to connect with women of all ages and all at different points in their career. Whether it was the MBA program students, or a mom with two kids also balancing a full time job in business, which are both things I want to do. I was able to feel inspired.”

“Opportunities to affect change do not come around every day.  Committing money is a wonderful way to give.  But being offered a seat at the table to help shape the future for Ross women is the end goal,” Lara said.
Philanthropy is often measured by financial gifts, and seen on placards affixed to buildings, benches, and lecture rooms which bear the names of donors. Its effect, however, is more quietly felt in brief conversations over lunch, or a few words of encouragement. 

Charlotte continued about what it means for her to see successful alumni contribute. “Getting involved with alumni has provided me a sense of clarity in times of stress with balancing school and life. They allow me to understand that everything will work out, and especially women alumni have given me the confidence to know I can find success in a male-dominated field,” she said.

In that sense, Look to Women is not only a philanthropic group but a movement designed to open doors for young people to boldly take their place in today’s business landscape, to – as the mission of Ross states – build a better world through business.