Newswise — (Wellesley, Mass.) March 8, 2019 — On International Women’s Day, Wellesley College honors the advancements that so many trailblazing women fought to achieve. To celebrate extraordinary women across disciplines and from around the world, Wellesley is launching WellesleyAsks, a new video series hosted by President Paula A. Johnson that explores the journeys of women leading change in the world.
“WellesleyAsks lets us learn about the experiences of the influential women who visit our campus,” said President Johnson. “At Wellesley, we are dedicated to cultivating curiosity across our community, and to fueling conversations that promote a deeper understanding of different models of leadership."
In the course of these long-form interviews, President Johnson asks her guests three core questions about their early career influences, their defining moments (including what was happening behind the scenes during those pivotal times), and their vision for the future of leadership.
“I hope that women in their 20's have that sense of purpose, idealism, inclusiveness, and humanity--combined with a sense of toughness (in a smart way) that they don't shy away from using,” said Wendy Sherman, former U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs.
“You are not good at one thing only,” said Agnes Binagwaho, former Rwandan Minister of Health, executive secretary of Rwanda’s National AIDS Control Commission, and a champion of global health. “Don't listen to those who will tell you the contrary. Don't listen to them.”
“I think the best leaders never lose the ability to step into the shoes of other people,” said Samantha Power, Harvard professor, former U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2013-2017), and a leading figure in international affairs and human rights advocacy.
This diversity of experience, brought together on the WellesleyAsks website, provides a wide range of aspirational definitions of leadership.
“I am looking forward to continuing this series in the coming months and to highlighting the voices and experiences of these leaders,” President Johnson said. “These interviews and the storytelling we engage in not only reveal more about our guests, but also about ourselves and our world.”
About Wellesley College:
Since 1875, Wellesley College has been a leader in providing an excellent liberal arts education for women who will make a difference in the world. Its 500-acre campus near Boston is home to some 2,400 undergraduate students from all 50 states and 83 countries.
CONTACTS:
Press Contact:
Casey Bayer, Wellesley College, 781.283.3321, [email protected]
Chief Communications Officer:
Elizabeth Gildersleeve, Wellesley College, [email protected]
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