California State University: Monterey Bay (CSUMB) has received dozens of accolades for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equitable access. Ranked as the top-performing West Coast public university for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report, this school stands out for its commitment to student success regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural background. As part of its commitment to inclusivity, CSUMB’s Venture Capital 101 for Women program empowers women to explore investment opportunities, strengthen their financial expertise, and successfully break into the venture capital industry regardless of their prior experience in finance. Building on this initiative, CSUMB will host the Women in Venture Capital Initiative on March 18. This event will be led by CSUMB's College of Business and hosted by executive advisors Hilary Bryant and May Roen.

The venture capital industry remains highly exclusive—an estimated 40% of VC investors are graduates of Harvard or Stanford, while female-founded companies received only 2% of venture capital funding in 2021. CSUMB recognizes this gap and seeks to bridge it by providing a space for women to network with like-minded peers and gain insights into the venture capital world.

The event starts at 5:00 PM when doors open for attendees to settle in and connect. The event will feature a panel discussion at 6:00 PM, offering insights from industry experts, followed by a networking session at 6:45 PM, where participants can engage in meaningful conversations over food and drinks.