Former Ambassador Shari Woods Villarosa J.D. '78 Among Alumnae Panelists at Washington Women's Leadership Panel
More than 100 William & Mary alumnae gathered in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20 for the Washington Women’s Leadership Panel. The panel’s speakers led a lively discussion of the changing roles of women in government and politics, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing female leaders.
The distinguished panel of W&M alumnae included:
Jane Carpenter-Rock ’92: Deputy Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Amy Pogue Haseltine ’88: Executive Director for Health and Human Services Office of IT Strategy, Policy and Governance
Janet Sanderson ’77: former Ambassador to Haiti and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Shari Woods Villarosa J.D. ’78: former Ambassador to Mauritius and to the Seychelles
The panel was moderated by Ellen Stofan ’83, D.Sc. '16, former chief scientist for NASA.
These alumnae shared insights about their professional paths, both challenges and opportunities. While admitting the underrepresentation of women in the field, the panelists encouraged younger women to consider the value of working in public service.
Attendees had many opportunities to ask questions and contribute to the conversation.
The event was sponsored by the William & Mary Alumni Association, and through its programming that evening, left so many remarkable William & Mary women feeling inspired and empowered.
Attendees shared their feedback about the event:
“This event was a great way to showcase some of our talented graduates as well as connect W&M women!”
“I really enjoy W&M alumni events as well as women networking events, so the combination was excellent. I really enjoyed the safe and trusting atmosphere, being surrounded by other W&M alumnae.”
“I appreciated the insights the panelists shared after years of work experience. I liked that it was tailored to women — there are certain things women encounter and have to navigate that men do not.”
W&M Women events are being held nationwide and will be posted on the Alumni Engagement website when they are scheduled. Contact Valerie Cushman, director of Alumni Initiatives, at 757.221.1622 or vjchushman@wm.edu to plan an event in your area.
About William & Mary Law School
Thomas Jefferson founded William & Mary Law School in 1779 to train leaders for the new nation. Now in its third century, America's oldest law school continues its historic mission of educating citizen lawyers who are prepared both to lead and to serve.