Women in Leadership Bay Area (WiLBA)
A club for all GSM students hosting group mentoring programs, speaker events, fundraising and charity events, quarterly networking events, manager-maker workshops, along with gender inclusion efforts.
Our Mission
WiLBA is a sister club of the UC Davis main campus (WiL) that promotes similar interests and carries out projects in the Bay Area.
Our mission is to convene, connect, support, and develop the GSM’s future women leaders and equip them with the tools to succeed through professional, educational and social activities.
Meet Our Board
Tara Rahimi
President
Tara Rahimi is a 2025 MBA candidate with a robust background in customer experience, operations, and client success. With a proven track record at Gusto and a solid foundation in internal audit and financial advising from Protiviti, Tara excels in tailoring solutions to meet diverse client needs and enhancing processes for optimal outcomes. Tara’s leadership skills are further demonstrated through her role as president of WiLBA.
In her free time, Rahimi enjoys playing tennis, playing piano and hiking.
Nicole Sanchez
Vice President
Nicole Sanchez is a 2025 MBA candidate with dynamic experience in construction management, project management and the semiconductor industry. With a degree in industrial and systems engineering, she excels at managing multiple multi-million-dollar construction projects simultaneously, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Outside of work, Sanchez enjoys fitness, travel, hiking and exploring new cuisines. A former member of a professional hip-hop dance team, she loves creative expression and shares her adventures through content creation.
Caroline Tjong
Director of Outreach & Engagement
Caroline Tjong is a 2025 MBA candidate with extensive experience in customer service, travel, and event management. She has successfully produced events across the globe, managing audiences from hundreds to thousands. Her ability to coordinate complex logistics and create memorable experiences sets her apart. As the director of outreach and engagement at Women in Leadership and Business Association (WiLBA), her background aligns perfectly with the role's demands.
In her free time, Tjong loves to travel, explore new restaurants in the Bay Area, or simply relax at home, enjoying some downtime.
Kanksha Patel
Director of Marketing & Communications
With an engineering background, Kanksha Patel excels at the intersection of biotech and leadership. She manages projects and lab operations at AbbVie to drive innovative solutions. As a 2025 MBA candidate, she is dedicated to fostering inclusion and empowering members of the Graduate School of Management.
In her free time, Patel enjoys reading, playing tennis and traveling.
