The President of WIB: A Feature on Bianca Rahim

As Cal Poly enters a new school year, Women in Business is welcoming a leadership transition of its own. Bianca Rahim, a fourth-year accounting student and longtime WIB member, has stepped into the role of president, where she hopes to continue expanding the organization and empowering its members. Her passion for accounting extends beyond the classroom, aligning directly with WIB’s mission to help young women feel more confident about their futures.

"I'm super passionate about accounting because I always wanted to become more financially literate myself, and that's really important to me,” Rahim said. “Spreading awareness on making young women more financially literate, understanding where their money is going, and how money works.”

When Rahim first walked up to the WIB booth at the career fair her freshman year, she was looking for more than just a club. She saw WIB as a new community and a chance to embrace her fresh start at Cal Poly.

After attending the weekly meetings, Rahim felt inspired by the speakers and board members and decided to apply for the director of activities role. Although this was a spontaneous decision, Rahim ended up getting the role of vice president of activities, which wasn’t usually given to first-years.

At first, Rahim could hardly believe it, but looking back, she now sees the beauty in the choices that led her there. Being grateful for both her determination and the family WIB has given her, she describes how she’s been able to show more of herself through her position and grow in both her professional and personal lives.

"At least for me, it’s a testament that if you really want something and you show up, you will get it. But it is up to you. If you really want something, you’re gonna have to put the effort in and the time."

Now, in her new role as president, Rahim has many goals for the year. While she hopes to maintain the parts of WIB that are already strong, she also wants to help the organization continue evolving in meaningful ways.

"Being the president doesn’t mean doing all the work. If anything, it’s completely the opposite. It’s letting your teams do the work, and you’re there to hold the team together.”

One of the biggest lessons Rahim has taken from WIB is that confidence comes from staying true to herself, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s version of success. Setting boundaries and learning to live in the moment are key qualities of utilizing every moment of every day, as well as becoming more confident and content with the person you are and the life you are leading.

As Rahim reflects on her growth throughout college, she credits much of her confidence and leadership development to her time in WIB. From serving as vice president during her sophomore and junior years to now serving as president, Rahim sees the organization as a major part of her journey. She continues to express gratitude for the people who have supported her along the way and helped shape the leader she is today.

“I think becoming one of the first women in my family to have business experience is super empowering, and beneficial to my future and the future of those around me … thank you to all the people who have supported me. I wouldn’t be here without any of them, and I’m just glad that Cal Poly was my destiny.”