With over 60,000 members and 120 chapters, The Women’s Network (TWN) is the largest collegiate networking organization built around cultivating and celebrating women's ambition by connecting undergraduate members to industry leaders, professional development resources and career opportunities.
Abby Moynihan, a senior public relations major, has served as the president of TWN for almost three years. She said the organization is “all about fostering community on campus, providing both social and pre-professional events.”
“Girls of all different majors and different backgrounds of SHU can meet, connect and prepare themselves before they enter the workforce,” Moynihan said.
This semester alone, events such as interview workshops, self-portrait painting, speed networking, bouquet making and a joint speaker event with the Sports Management & Analytics Club (SMAC) took place during their bi-weekly meetings.
The organization also sets itself apart with their third annual TWN Masquerade Gala. It was a night full of celebration, fundraising, dancing and community building.
Grace Iannacone, a senior marketing and finance major and vice president of events, reflected on the gala.
“My favorite part is seeing everything come together towards the end and seeing all the efforts that we have contributed over the last few months become a beautiful event where we get to support a cause that we all support,” Iannacone said.
At the gala, over $1,000 was raised for Women Rising, a non-profit located in Jersey City that helps mothers and children who have been displaced through economic and advocacy services.
While Moynihan has years of experience putting these galas together, she said it “was incredibly collaborative—everyone had a say.”
Apart from hosting rewarding and impactful events, being part of TWN has many benefits, according to Adriana Irizarry, a sophomore economics major who has served as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.She has recently been inducted as the next president of TWN.
“ The most rewarding part has been all of the connections that I've been able to make with members that we serve across campus because it's truly amazing to see who [TWN] touches as a partial result of my position,” Irizarry said.
Natalia Triscari, a senior marketing major and lead campus ambassador, joined TWN after her younger sister, Angelina Triscari, a sophomore public relations major and vice president, invited her to a general body meeting.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity for both of us because we love doing everything together,” N. Triscari said. “I think it’s a safe space for everyone. It’s also a great space for majors to intermingle.”
Her sister reiterated this notion, adding that one of its greatest aspects is in the name itself.
“I think TWN has so many opportunities to network with other women that are students and I feel like a lot of women that we reach out to and speak with really try to encourage working with them in the future,” A. Triscari said.
The most rewarding part for A. Triscari was “seeing the work that [they] put into the gala and also working with Women Rising.”It was so beautiful to see the impact that we could have on our community,” A. Triscari said.
Kristina Prince, a freshman biology major, said seeing what TWN did this semester has inspired her to stay involved.
“I would love to be part of what they do and all the fundraising they do to support women next semester,” Prince said.
TWN creates a safe space for all students.
“To a student who isn’t in TWN, I would say to give it a try and you’ll see it’s so rewarding,” Viraj Shah, a sophomore finance major involved in TWN, said. “All of the girls are so sweet and it’s a very supportive group.”
Similarly to Shah, N. Triscari recommends TWN for building connections.
“If you want a low-commitment casual club to come to, it’s a great opportunity to meet other people and get outside the dorm,” N. Triscari said.
Adding to N. Triscari’s notion of connection, A. Triscari said the members emphasize being a welcoming community.
“I think it's super hard to meet people in college and find a space that you're comfortable in,” A. Triscari said. “I would say that we're so open to everyone coming—we just love seeing new faces and always get involved in whatever you can.”
Natalia Triscari, who was interviewed for this article, formerly worked for The Setonian.
Keira Bala is the videographer for The Setonian. She can be reached at keira.bala@student.shu.edu.
