Sharing updates, celebrating successes

Fall 2019

Brown University Women’s Leadership Council Newsletter: Leaders, Mentors, Philanthropists

Women’s Leadership Council Fall Newsletter

Brown Blasts: Women’s Voices Amplified with author Meg Wolitzer ’81

Meg Wolitzer headshot

Listen now on Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud or Youtube

In the most recent episode of this volunteer-led podcast effort, Aleta Margolis ’89 sits with New York Times-bestselling author Meg Wolitzer ’81 to hear her thoughts on why listening matters, what she learned from working with Nora Ephron, and the immersive power of fiction. Along the way, Wolitzer gives advice on balancing the editorial voices of others, finding our own ways of contributing to shared societal challenges, and increasing visibility for women in publishing. “Be nimble, be adaptable, have other skills. See the world so that you can learn about things, know things,” says Wolitzer. “Teach other people, whether that's in an institutionalized way or just sort of person to person, and wish for the best.”

Inspiring alumnae in a range of fields are interviewed for the Brown Blasts: Women’s Voices Amplified podcast series from the Women’s Leadership Council. The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the University.

Like what you hear? Or want to suggest topics for future episodes? We’d love to know what you think about the Brown Blasts podcast series. Take this quick, four-question listener survey:

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Brown women in the news

Hats off to these remarkable alumnae! The WLC salutes the following women for making recent headlines and creating positive changes in their respective industries.

Jessica Meir '99 Astronaut

Jessica Meir ’99 makes history in first all-female spacewalk

Alongside her NASA crewmate Christina Koch, Meir installed lithium-ion batteries that will increase energy efficiency at the International Space Station. “I'll never forget looking down and seeing my boots and the Earth below,” said Meir.
Photo credit: NASA

Aunjanue Ellis '93 

Nominated for primetime Emmy: Aunjanue Ellis ’93 

Her gripping performance as Sharon Salaam in the documentary “When They See Us” put Ellis in the running for a Primetime Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie. Ellis plays the mother of Yusef Salaam in the Netflix docuseries based on the lives of the Central Park Five. Image Credit: Getty / VALERIE MACON

Breast Cancer Doctors

Leading an integrated approach to breast cancer treatment

When first diagnosed, breast cancer patients often need to coordinate care among several specialists in different locations. Seeing this as a major area of concern that could hinder treatment, Elizabeth Cureton ’95, Jane H. Kim ’92 RES'03, Eve Zaritsky ’95, and Veronica Shim MD’95 sought to create a more integrated experience where patients have access to their resources all in one center.
Photo credit: Anne Hamersky/Brown Alumni Magazine

Open Curriculum: “Developing as a leader of your own life”

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As the University continues its yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Open Curriculum, alumni are sharing their reflections on Brown’s distinctive, student-centered approach to undergraduate education. Recently, class co-president Michelle Frea ’14 explained the ways in which the Open Curriculum shaped her experience at Brown and beyond. 


“What I tell my friends who did not go to Brown is that the Open Curriculum is not about not having any core classes. Really what it's about, at least for me, is developing as a leader of your own life, who takes responsibility for your own path. Having agency over your future is so powerful, and it taught me lessons in leadership and the importance of discipline and responsibility. I think that's what drew me into the entrepreneurship path after graduation.”

Read more on Brunonia.

Women’s mentorship on campus and beyond

Three mentees at the WLC event
WLC event photo alumna and student talking
WLC event group shot

Since its inception in 2006, the Women’s Launch Pad has been pairing alumnae with senior-class women, and now juniors, for mentoring opportunities across various industries. Over the years, the program has grown larger and now boasts 212 mentor-mentee pairs. This past September, the Women’s Launch Pad held a speed networking-style event to kick off their robust mentoring year. During the event, one student remarked: “I never realized how many Brown alumnae are excited to help us as we transition out of Brown.” And one alumna mentor said, “I continue to be impressed with Brown students and the vibrancy of the Brown community.”

Learn more about becoming a WLP mentor or mentee.

Upcoming events

Mark your calendar for these not-to-miss Brown happenings.

Are Men Animals? Brown Club of DC’s Annual Membership Event
Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 2:00–5:00 p.m.

Featuring: Professor of Anthropology Matthew Gutmann, Kitty Eisele ’86, and Malika Saada Saar ’92
Shakespeare Theater Company’s Sidney Harman Hall
610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Buy Tickets Now


Moving Women’s Reproductive Healthcare Forward!
Thursday, November 21, 2019 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Featuring: Benjamin Brown ’08 MD’12, Nancy Northup ’81 LHD’18 hon., P’18, and Tara Shirazian ’99 MD’03
NY Society for Ethical Culture
2 West 64th Street, New York, NY
Buy Tickets Now


Giving Tuesday
Wednesday, December 4, 2019

This giving season, Brunonians are giving from the heart.
Mark Your Calendar | Learn More


Pathways to Inclusion: A Conversation with Shontay Delalue
Friday, December 6, 2019 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m

Featuring Shontay Delalue, Ph.D., Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity, Brown University
The Battery
717 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
RSVP: Email womensnetwork@brown.edu


Empowering Active Self-Care
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Learn how to empower active self-care with CEO Stephanie Morimoto ’99 at the Asutra Warehouse! All Chicago-area alumnae, parents, and friends are invited for a site tour and to sample and shop Asutra products.
4149 W Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
RSVP: Email womensnetwork@brown.edu

Visit Brunonia.brown.edu for more Brown alumni events in your area.

Recent events and activities

Cribsheet book jacket

Boston talks parenting

On September 18, the Brown Women’s Network (BWN) of Boston held a fireside chat featuring professor Emily Oster and New York Times parenting editor Jessica Grose ’04. The evening was full of casual conversations centered around parenting, self-care, and dispelling common pregnancy myths.

Period end of sentence poster

Fall Weekend film screening

Alumni Fall Weekend enjoyed a special screening of the Oscar-winning documentary short “Period. End of Sentence.” executive-produced by Charlotte Silverman ’22. A discussion featuring Silverman—as well as other Brown students and staff who advocate for women’s rights—followed the screening.

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Women Working for Women in NYC

The fascinating careers of three alumnae who are advancing the lives of young girls and women in the world were celebrated on October 7. The event, hosted by Sharon Fay ’82 and co-sponsored by the Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women, featured Sharon Cohen ’89, CEO and founder of Figure Skating in Harlem; Lorine Pendleton, Esq. ’91, entrepreneur and angel investor; and Dr. Tara Shirazian ’99 MD’03, president and founder of Saving Mothers.

Giving back: Two new philanthropy challenges

Did you know women are leaders in philanthropy and make the majority of decisions regarding a household’s philanthropy? The Women’s Leadership Council honors philanthropy—it’s in our mission!—and to celebrate the impact of women, we are proud to announce two challenges:

DECEMBER ONLY: IMPACT TODAY
Calling all alumni 1-14 years out! All gifts made by new Brown Annual Fund donors from the undergraduate classes 2006 through 2019 during the month of December 2019 will by matched by the Women Leadership Council, up to a total of $100,000.

IMPACT BEYOND
One of the most powerful ways to make a gift is through estate planning. Today, 42% of College Hill Society members are women. Impact Brown’s future and become one of 100+ women to help the College Hill Society reach the 50% participation mark in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Open Curriculum. Contact the Office of Planned Giving for more information or to notify us that Brown is in your will.

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