Capital Region Cares Capital Region Cares 2018-2019 | Page 21

tion. One study released by UC Davis in 2015 found that
women hold just 12 percent of corporate board seats and
high-level positions at major businesses based in the
state. In Sacramento, women make up about a quarter of
C-suite positions, a study conducted for the Sacramento
Business Review found.
“The opportunities are not at the same level for wom-
en as they are for men,” says current WiL President Ju-
lianne Fraker, a second year MBA student. “[This gives]
female students the opportunity to put this on a resume
and say, ‘I’ve been on a board before, I know how it works,
I’ve been in this leadership opportunity.’ That’s invalu-
able.”
Adlakha, a computer science engineer looking to
transition into product management roles who served as
a fellow on the Valley Vision board, says prior to the ex-
perience she rarely interacted with high-level executives.
Through the program, she says she gained confidence
and found herself “talking to them like I was their col-
league,” she says.
The program continues to grow. In 2018, at least 10
local organizations are participating, including The
Woodland Opera House and Ticket To Dream, a founda-
tion that supports children in foster care. Perhaps more
importantly, alumni say they’re interested in continuing
nonprofit board service beyond graduation. Gillett will
remain on a WEAVE subcommittee. And Adlakha says
she too intends to seek more opportunities post gradu-
ation.
“Every MBA student should take a leadership role, es-
pecially in a nonprofit,” Adlakha says. “It keeps you con-
nected to the society. You’re doing your part.” n
Torey Van Oot is a freelance writer and a former political
reporter for The Sacramento Bee. Her work appears on
Glamour.com, Refinery29, Teen Vogue and elsewhere. On
Twitter @ToreyVanOot.

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