You Won't Believe How WISE Transforms Students into Confident Entrepreneurs—Shocking Results Inside!

When Rachel Domb embarked on her journey at Northeastern University, she envisioned a future rooted in psychology, specifically aimed at helping children with special needs. However, her passion for plant-based food and sustainable living began to reshape her aspirations. It was at a student involvement fair that Domb encountered the Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship (WISE), an organization that would become pivotal in her career path.

“WISE was the start of it all,” Domb reflected. “It gave me exactly the platform and the resources, and the people to maximize my potential.” Now a graduate, Domb runs Rooted Living, a burgeoning company that produces granola snacks free of refined sugar and packaged in compostable materials, showcasing her commitment to health and sustainability.

Founded and operated entirely by students, WISE is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among women and underrepresented genders. The organization provides programming that emphasizes innovative thinking, leadership, and community support. Amelia Brooks, a co-director and fifth-year business administration student, emphasizes that many participants join for the sense of belonging and community that WISE uniquely offers. “It’s very unique among student organizations on campus,” she noted.

Brooks discovered WISE through Instagram even before her journey at Northeastern began. Over the course of nearly four years on the WISE executive board, she has gained invaluable experience, helping her clarify her career aspirations in human capital management. “I figured out what I wanted to do in my career based off of the work that I was able to do in WISE on the e-board,” she shared.

Each year, WISE hosts the WISE Summit, a prominent event designed to bring together students and innovators for a day of workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities. “It’s a full day of workshops, breakout rooms, keynote speakers. We have a marketplace. We have breakfast and lunch. We have swag bags. It’s a huge production,” Brooks explained.

Among its various programs, WISE offers WeLearn, a series of biweekly workshops aimed at building professional skills and encouraging an innovative mindset, regardless of a student’s academic background. Arshia Mathur, another co-director and a senior majoring in data science and business, emphasized WISE’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. “Making sure that our programs are as accessible and as inclusive as possible is a big part of our mission,” Mathur asserted.

Mathur’s personal journey in WISE began during her first semester on Northeastern’s London campus, where she applied for the WeSupport mentorship program. Her mentor provided critical guidance, helping her transition to the Boston campus. “Which was so impactful, especially as I was coming to the Boston campus,” Mathur recalled. After returning from studying abroad, Mathur became deeply involved with WISE, discovering a community that welcomed her with open arms.

Among WISE’s offerings, the WeBuild and WeLaunch programs focus on venture creation. WeBuild combines idea incubation with weekly innovation and design-thinking classes, allowing participants to visualize themselves as entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, WeLaunch provides access to business experts and funding opportunities. “One of the most significant things of being a part of WISE is being able to iterate over an idea alongside peers that are at the same stage as you,” Mathur said, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the organization.

For Domb, the encouragement and connections she received through WISE played a crucial role in realizing her entrepreneurial dreams. Initially hesitant to apply to WeBuild, she was pleasantly surprised when accepted. Fellow members motivated her to explore her snack idea, leading to her collaboration with an established food company. “My dream at that point was so small,” Domb admitted. “All of a sudden I was like, ‘Wait, I can actually maybe do this.’”

Today, Rooted Living granola is not only served by Northeastern Dining but also sold in nearly a dozen grocery stores and cafés, marking a significant achievement for the young entrepreneur. The journey from aspiring psychologist to business owner underscores the transformative impact of WISE in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among students.

As WISE continues to support its growing community, programs like WeInvest aim to empower students by introducing them to careers in venture capital and focusing on increasing funding for underrepresented founders. “WISE attracts individuals who are really looking to drive an impact,” Mathur noted. “They think beyond themselves. They are really striving to grow, whether it’s growing personally or professionally.”

Through initiatives like the WISE Summit and its diverse programming, WISE remains a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs—creating not just successful business ventures but a supportive community that elevates women and underrepresented genders in entrepreneurship.