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8 n e w h a v e n B I Z | A u g u s t 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m O n T h e R e c o r d | Q & A How did the idea for the new institute come about? Women in business — they need advocates. I was reading about a year ago that women are still being paid less than men. I just thought, 'Really? We haven't gotten past that yet?' I looked around and thought, 'OK, this isn't right. We need to do something about this. How can we best help?' e idea was to put together an institute for women in business. We really want to help people go as far as they want to go. Other than pay, what else will it work to address? It will help with a number of things. Not the least of which is being an advocate to help women break down barriers. We can lobby for laws and rules that help women in business. We can help them with the skills gap they might have, so they'll be successful. Networking and negotiation tend to be areas that we struggle with, sometimes just because of the way women were raised. Providing opportunities for women entrepreneurs to pitch ideas — that's another thing we want to pay attention to. ere is also harassment in the workforce, some women may not be equipped to handle it when it happens — so how do you handle that? What will the institute involve? We are putting together a timeline and a schedule of activities. One of the things we will start early on is we are going to be doing monthly luncheons with our students. We will be bringing in female professionals who can come and share their experiences and network with the ladies, because I think one of the things we are noticing at least at the university level is how many people struggle with face-to-face (interactions). We want to help people with networking. I am going to call it 'small talk.' at is necessary when you are out trying to meet people and learn. We are also putting in mentorships so we can work with the young ladies to help them achieve their goals and what it is they want to do. We are looking at doing some events that focus on issues that women have and bringing in speakers who can help raise awareness, advocate for change, and Boosting Women's CAREERS Post University launches new institute to help women succeed in business By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo W omen continue to face obstacles to success in the business world — from not being paid as much as men to struggling to re- enter the workforce following childbirth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, full-time female workers' pay was 82 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. To help them navigate these and other challenges, Waterbury-based Post University is launching e Institute for Women in Business this summer. Alisa Hunt, assistant dean of graduate studies at Post's Malcolm Baldrige School of Business, has been advocating for the creation of the new institute. Hunt, who has been teaching at the university level since 2007, has a background in business. Earlier in her career, she worked as a certified public accountant and owned her own practice. She has also owned a restaurant and worked as a chef. She has done public speaking for years, including corporate leadership training, before landing her current role in higher education. She also provides consulting and training for businesses on topics such as accounting, finance and diversity. Hunt saw the need for the institute and pushed for it, but she is quick to point out that many have been involved. According to Post University, globally, 60% of business schools in 2020 reported they were receiving more applications from women than in previous years, due to factors such as improved recruiting, expanded programs and class options, and scholarships. According to Hunt, she is seeing more women enrolling in business classes at Post too. e new institute will work to help women in general with their careers, not just those focused on business studies. New Haven Biz recently spoke to Hunt about the new institute, what organizers have planned, and how they hope to help women navigate their careers. Alisa Hunt Assistant Dean, Graduate Studies The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business, Post University Education: PH.D., Education, Capella University Age: 60 Post University's campus in Waterbury. PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED

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