A Letter from the Editor

A new school year always brings a certain kind of energy: new classes, new opportunities, new people, and the feeling that anything is possible.

As we begin another year at Cal Poly, I am so excited to welcome you back to the WIRE.

For those who may not know me, I’m Ashley, a third-year studying journalism at Cal Poly and the Editor-in-Chief of the WIRE. This fall, I’ll be spending the semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy. While I may be an ocean away from campus, I’m so excited to stay connected to WIB and continue building the WIRE alongside this incredible team.

Earlier this year, we introduced a new chapter for our publication. With a refreshed visual identity and website, the WIRE began stepping into what we hope it can become: a platform that feels current, creative, ambitious, and most importantly, shaped by the women who make up our community.

But that was only the beginning.

This year, my vision for the WIRE is to continue building a publication that people want to be part of. A place for stories that go beyond the polished version of success. We want to explore the career journeys, conversations, challenges, ideas, and experiences that shape us as students, professionals, and future leaders.

The WIRE is for the stories happening in between.

It is for the student figuring out what direction she wants to take. The founder with an idea she cannot stop thinking about. The leader learning as she goes. The woman who has accomplished something incredible and the one who is still trying to figure out where she belongs.

This year, we want to tell more of those stories. And we want you to help us tell them!

The WIRE opens recruitment on Friday, September 4 at WIB’s first general meeting, and we are looking for students excited about storytelling, writing, design, creativity, and building something meaningful alongside an incredible team of women.

Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a new way to get involved in WIB, or simply a space to share your ideas, there is a place for you at the WIRE. No previous writing or publishing experience is required – just bring your perspective, curiosity, and willingness to contribute.

As Editor-in-Chief, one of my biggest goals this year is to make the WIRE a truly collaborative publication. Every issue, article, interview, and idea is made stronger by the people behind it. This is not just my vision for the WIRE. It is something we will continue building together.

So, whether you are returning to WIB or joining us for the first time, welcome.

I cannot wait to see what we create this year.

Here’s to new stories, new perspectives, and a new year of the WIRE.

Ashley Strain

Editor-in-Chief, WIRE Magazine