Spoilt for Choice

Conversations with Exceptional Women

BY DAVID GRAY ADLER

So many extraordinary women have graced the stage at The Alturas Institute’s “Conversations with Exceptional Women,” held annually in Sun Valley, that in fulfilling an assignment to single out a precious few for special appreciation, one is spoilt for choice.

The striking roster of Alturas Alumna requires for civic awareness no need to enumerate achievements and awards. Barbara Morgan. Sandra Day O’Connor. Diane McWhorter. Annette Gordon-Reed. Jody Williams. Gina Bennett. Anne Taylor Fleming. Karen Crouse. Joanne Freeman. Missy Franklin. Cherie Buckner-Webb. Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Caroline Heldman. Christine Walker. Shirley Babashoff. Alexandra Fuller.

I am spoilt for choice, but consider the wisdom and impact of Crouse, Bennett, Morgan, Williams, McWhorter, Heldman and Freeman.

Karen Crouse

Karen Crouse: This prize-winning New York Times sports writer and author is a gifted storyteller whose inspirational narratives have pulled audiences from their seats. She discovered her love for journalism in the eighth grade when one of her stories inspired an Olympic swimmer to find hope when he had lost it. Since then, her writing has effected change, including triumphs for gender equality. As the Times’ Golf Writer in 2011, Karen endured more than a little heat from her editor, when she announced that she didnotwant to cover the Masters Tournament until Augusta National Golf Course opened its doors to female members. Her outspoken advocacy for gender equality influenced not only the storied Georgia golf club’s decision to admit women as members, but also the centuries-old Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland to do the same in 2014.

Gina Bennett

Gina Bennett: She is a CIA expert in counterintelligence, mother of five, author and the subject of several documentaries and articles about the historic but underappreciated role women have played in maintaining our national security. Bennett was the first official—man or woman–to warn America of the threat Osama bin Laden posed to the United States. She was a member of the team that tracked him to his final resting place. Quiet, smooth, professional and crisply analytical in her remarks at Alturas’ events, Gina’s career reminds us of the possibilities of our nation if more women were at the helm. Her record represents a compelling case for gender equality in the world of national security.

Barbara Morgan

Barbara Morgan: A member of NASA’s Teacher in Space Project and subsequently a full-time astronaut, she became the first teacher to fly into space on the space shuttle, Endeavor, on August 8, 2007. Barbara demonstrated to the nation great courage when she flew into space after the Columbia disaster in November 2003. A calm, poised speaker, whose voice, presence and gravitas command the room, Barbara delivered her remarks with the precision one expects of a working astronaut. When asked by an audience member about the potential effect of fear on the space crew in the wake of tragedy, Barbara thoughtfully replied, “courage is contagious, too.” A valuable lesson for life, to be sure. The founding chair of The Alturas Board of Directors, Barbara is also, affectionately, “Madam Chair.”

Jody Williams

Jody Williams: Williams is an author, activist and the recipient of Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership in winning passage of the Mine Ban Treaty. Landmines have inflicted horrific carnage on innocent citizens throughout the world. The treaty has provided great progress, but its utility was threatened when former President Donald Trump decided to reinstate their use. Deeply appreciated for her strong voice, candor, wit and style, Jody was superb in engaging our audience. Her world-class activist skills were honed at an early age: As a young girl, she defended her handicapped brother and stood up to bullies. She has made it a point to hold true to her clear vision of what will make the world a better place.

Caroline Heldman

Caroline Heldman: She is an author, academic, political commentator and activist. Caroline is defined by the courage and passion that she brings to the causes she has embraced and fights for including sexual assault. Caroline speaks truth to power, unflinchingly. She has founded a national organization to combat sexual assault on college campuses, and has stood up to bullies throughout her life, perhaps most recently, by joining other women who accused Fox News executives of sexual harassment. Her high energy at our events resembled a NASA liftoff.

Diane McWhorter: The Pulitzer-prize winning Journalist and author of one of the 20th Century’s best non-fiction books, “Carry Me Home: Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution,” which is beautifully written and constructed. On the short list of my favorite writers, she engaged our audience with stimulating, thought-provoking insights that generated many questions.

Joanne Freeman: She is an award-winning historian, author and academic, who is also the nation’s top Alexander Hamilton scholar. Her learned remarks were punctuated with a contagious, high-octane enthusiasm that bathed the audience with caffeine. After one cup of Joanne, the audience was in a full sprint.

As I said, I was spoilt for choice. You don’t need many heroes if you choose carefully.