Join Us for the 6th Annual
Women in Business Charity Gala!
Women in Business Charity Gala!
Celebrate empowerment, connection, and giving back at this year’s Women in Business Annual Charity Gala, benefitting ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences), an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting young women. Enjoy an elegant evening of dinner, music, and community as we come together to make a difference. All proceeds from the event will directly support ROX’s mission to build confidence, leadership, and resilience in girls nationwide. Reserve your tickets today and be part of a night that inspires change and celebrates the power of women helping women.
This year’s gala will feature a dinner, raffle, and opportunities to connect with leaders, students, and professionals from throughout the Columbus community. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable evening!
Dress Code: Semi-formal / cocktail attire is encouraged. Please avoid jeans, sneakers, and casual wear.
This year’s gala will feature a dinner, raffle, and opportunities to connect with leaders, students, and professionals from throughout the Columbus community. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable evening!
Dress Code: Semi-formal / cocktail attire is encouraged. Please avoid jeans, sneakers, and casual wear.
Location
Nationwide & Ohio Farm
Bureau 4-H Center
2201 Fred Taylor Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
Bureau 4-H Center
2201 Fred Taylor Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
Date & Time
January 30, 2026
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Gala program
6:00 pM
Check-in & Welcome
Guests arrive and check in for the evening. Enjoy live saxophone music, photo opportunities, and explore our open raffle.
6:30 pM
Opening remarks
Hear welcoming messages from our Women in Business representatives and ROX representatives.
7:00 pM
dinner
Dinner will be served. Guests will be invited to dine in phases for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
7:30 pM
live performances
Enjoy two surprise live performances!
8:30 pM
Raffle Announcements & Closing Remarks
Winners of the raffle baskets will be announced, followed by closing remarks from our event hosts.
9:00 pM
DJ & Dancing
The celebration continues! Join us on the dance floor as the DJ takes over, and cap off the evening with a late-night bite before heading home!
beneficiary of gala: Rox
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) began as a research study at The Ohio State University led by Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, who saw the challenges facing girls and women firsthand. Founded as a nonprofit in 2011, ROX turns research into action, empowering girls to take control of their relationships, experiences, decisions, and futures. Today, ROX programs reach more than 7,500 girls each year across nearly 40 states and provide data-driven tools and training for the adults who support them. Together, they’re building generations of confident, resilient young women. Women in Business is a proud supporter of ROX and its mission to empower girls everywhere.
To learn more about ROX: https://www.rulingourexperiences.com/
To learn more about ROX: https://www.rulingourexperiences.com/
meet the committee
The Women in Business Gala Committee is a team of dedicated students from The Ohio State University who are passionate about creating meaningful impact within our local community. As members and leaders within Women in Business, we are committed to empowering others through collaboration, service, and celebration. This annual charity gala represents our shared goal of bringing people together to support an important cause. Through months of planning and teamwork, our committee strives to create an inspiring evening that reflects the values of leadership, compassion, and community.
Thank you so much for helping us make this event possible and for supporting our mission to empower women and girls everywhere.
Thank you so much for helping us make this event possible and for supporting our mission to empower women and girls everywhere.
Sydney Ciota
WIB VP Philanthropy,
Committee chair
Committee chair
Senior,
Studying International Business with a Creative Writing Minor
"I lead efforts to connect WIB with the nonprofit community, fostering partnerships and organizing events that support meaningful causes."
Studying International Business with a Creative Writing Minor
"I lead efforts to connect WIB with the nonprofit community, fostering partnerships and organizing events that support meaningful causes."
Phyllis Kreiter
Marketing
director
director
Sophomore,
Studying Marketing and Sport Industry
"I design all promotional materials, manage the ticketing website, and help bring the Women in Business Charity Gala to life. I love combining my passion for creativity with my love for giving back to the community!"
Studying Marketing and Sport Industry
"I design all promotional materials, manage the ticketing website, and help bring the Women in Business Charity Gala to life. I love combining my passion for creativity with my love for giving back to the community!"
Andrea Endaya
Events
Director
Director
Sophomore,
Studying Marketing with a Psychology Minor
"I plan and coordinate the execution of our annual gala- this opportunity means a lot to me since it allows me to bring our community together to celebrate ROX’s amazing achievements and create a memorable experience for everyone involved!"
Studying Marketing with a Psychology Minor
"I plan and coordinate the execution of our annual gala- this opportunity means a lot to me since it allows me to bring our community together to celebrate ROX’s amazing achievements and create a memorable experience for everyone involved!"
Yasmina Samrakandi
communication
director
director
Sophomore,
Studying Finance and Psychology
on Pre-Med track
"I reach out to companies to gather donations for the Gala and this means a lot to me because I get to share how the non-profit is significant to the Columbus community, while benefiting the non-profit at the same time."
Studying Finance and Psychology
on Pre-Med track
"I reach out to companies to gather donations for the Gala and this means a lot to me because I get to share how the non-profit is significant to the Columbus community, while benefiting the non-profit at the same time."
Maddy Booher
communication
director
director
Freshman,
Studying Finance and Biology
"I manage donation outreach by coordinating with local companies who want to support our event, an experience within WIB that has allowed me to form deeper connections with our community and give back to a cause I am passionate about."
Studying Finance and Biology
"I manage donation outreach by coordinating with local companies who want to support our event, an experience within WIB that has allowed me to form deeper connections with our community and give back to a cause I am passionate about."
Frequency asked questions
Do I need to RSVP or purchase a ticket?
Yes! All guests must RSVP or purchase a ticket in advance to attend the gala. Seating and meals are arranged based on the number of registered guests.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is semi-formal attire. We encourage guests to dress elegantly while feeling comfortable for an evening of dinner, photos, and dancing.
What time should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 6:00 PM. We recommend arriving on time to enjoy the live music, photos, and raffle before the formal program begins.
Will dinner be provided?
Yes! A full dinner will be served, followed by dessert and a late-night snack. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options will be available.
What is ROX?
ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences) is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls to build confidence, leadership, and resilience. All proceeds from this event directly benefit ROX and its mission.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at the venue. Please note that parking is not complimentary and guests will be responsible for their own parking fees.
Where can I see photos from the gala?
Follow Women in Business on Instagram (@wib.osu) to see photos and highlights from the event!
Who can attend the gala?
The event is open to all community members, students, alumni, and supporters of Women in Business and ROX.
I have more questions about the event. Who should I contact?
For any additional questions, please connect with our Marketing Director, Phyllis, at [email protected]. She’ll be happy to help!
Yes! All guests must RSVP or purchase a ticket in advance to attend the gala. Seating and meals are arranged based on the number of registered guests.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is semi-formal attire. We encourage guests to dress elegantly while feeling comfortable for an evening of dinner, photos, and dancing.
What time should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 6:00 PM. We recommend arriving on time to enjoy the live music, photos, and raffle before the formal program begins.
Will dinner be provided?
Yes! A full dinner will be served, followed by dessert and a late-night snack. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options will be available.
What is ROX?
ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences) is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls to build confidence, leadership, and resilience. All proceeds from this event directly benefit ROX and its mission.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at the venue. Please note that parking is not complimentary and guests will be responsible for their own parking fees.
Where can I see photos from the gala?
Follow Women in Business on Instagram (@wib.osu) to see photos and highlights from the event!
Who can attend the gala?
The event is open to all community members, students, alumni, and supporters of Women in Business and ROX.
I have more questions about the event. Who should I contact?
For any additional questions, please connect with our Marketing Director, Phyllis, at [email protected]. She’ll be happy to help!
