Meet UNSW’s 2024 Women in Business Ambassadors

The UNSW Business School is committed to gender equity and inclusion by embracing the principles of UNSW's first Gender Equity Strategy to enshrine inclusive practices and enable students and staff of all genders to feel valued, respected and able to be their authentic selves.

To this end, each year UNSW Business School appoints x5-7 Women in Business Ambassadors (WIBA) to support and uplift female-identifying students across the undergraduate disciplines where females are typically underrepresented:

• Banking and Finance
• Economics
• Information Systems and Technology Management
• Risk and Actuarial Studies

This is an exciting leadership development opportunity for 2nd or 3rd-year female-identifying undergraduate students who are studying either Risk and Actuarial Studies, Information Systems, Banking and Finance, or Economics and have a passion for the promotion of young female participation and educational development in these areas.

UNSW Business School believes it crucial for the student voice and experience to be incorporated into the work the UNSW Business School Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) team carries out throughout the year and the WIBA play a leadership role within our student engagement, representation, and advocacy as part of the UNSW Business Schools 2021+ strategy.

The UNSW Business School EDI is honoured to introduce you to one of our 2024 Women in Business Ambassadors: Yuanhong (Amy) Wang, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)/Information Systems (Double Degree).

Dream career or industry to work at: I want to become an entrepreneur.

Why did you choose a Business Degree? And what led you to study at UNSW?

I chose to study a business degree because I am passionate about understanding the complexities of the business world and leveraging this knowledge to drive innovation and growth. Business offers a versatile foundation that opens doors to various career paths and equips me with essential skills to drive innovation and growth. UNSW's reputation for academic excellence and its strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship made it the perfect choice for me.

How has your experience helped you make a positive impact in your degree, career, and/or community?

My diverse experiences have profoundly shaped my ability to make a positive impact across various domains. As a Restaurant Manager, I led a diverse team, optimized operational efficiencies, and cultivated strong customer relationships, which honed my leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Serving as a peer mentor at UNSW, I supported and guided fellow students, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Academically, I have taken on leadership roles in group projects, driving successful outcomes and promoting teamwork. Additionally, my experience as a runway model has significantly boosted my confidence and leadership skills. These varied experiences have empowered me to actively contribute to team projects, mentor peers, and champion initiatives that advance diversity and inclusion within the community.

How has UNSW prepared you to lead in the workplace and community once you graduate?

UNSW has been instrumental in shaping my leadership capabilities, providing me with a robust education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The rigorous academic curriculum, enriched with hands-on opportunities like internships and industry projects, has laid a solid foundation in business principles and practices.

Moreover, UNSW’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment has taught me the vital importance of cultural competence and effective communication. These skills are crucial in navigating and leading within the complex, globalized business landscape. The university’s emphasis on innovation and collaboration has further prepared me to drive meaningful change and inspire others, both in the workplace and the broader community.

How is UNSW Business School helping to improve female representation in business? And who would you like to help improve this?

UNSW Business School is committed to improving female representation in business through a variety of targeted initiatives and programs. These efforts include mentorship schemes, networking events, and scholarships specifically designed to support female students.

The Women in Business (WiB) program is a cornerstone of these efforts, providing valuable resources, support, and opportunities for women to succeed in the business sector. I am particularly inspired by the female leaders and alumni who serve as role models and mentors. I aspire to contribute to these initiatives by encouraging and supporting more women to pursue and excel in business careers, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for future generations.

What inspires you to champion gender equality and female representation?

My inspiration to champion gender equality and female representation is driven by an unwavering commitment to fairness and the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to succeed. Witnessing the systemic challenges and biases women face in the business world fuels my determination to advocate for transformative change.

I am deeply inspired by the stories of resilient women who have shattered glass ceilings and achieved remarkable success against all odds. The potential to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment motivates me, as I believe that fostering gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for bringing diverse perspectives that drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Why did you apply to be a Women in Business Ambassador and what do you hope to achieve?

I applied to be a Women in Business Ambassador because I am dedicated to advocating for gender equality and empowering women in the business world. As an ambassador, my goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

I want to raise awareness about the critical importance of female representation, mentor and inspire other women, and facilitate opportunities for networking and professional development. Ultimately, I aspire to dismantle barriers and cultivate a culture that values and promotes the contributions of women in business, ensuring that gender equality becomes a cornerstone of our professional landscape.

UNSW Business School is committed to identifying and addressing the inequities and challenges facing women in higher education and research. We have implemented several strategies to ensure equity in student recruitment, retention, development opportunities and the promotion of women in both academic and professional staff roles.

Find out more about this and other Women in Business initiatives here.