Newcomb Magazine 2022

NEWCOMB Interim Executive Director Laura Wolford

Contents

Managing Editor Lauren Gaines (LA ’20)

Newcomb Connections

Graphic Designer Rebecca O'Malley Gipson Contributors Julie Henriquez Aldana, Ph.D. Clare Daniel, Ph.D. Lauren Gaines (LA ’20) Geneva Longlois-Marney Lauren Wethers (LA ’15, *16) Laura Wolford

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Photography Cheryl Gerber

Noteworthy at Newcomb

NEWCOMB is published by Newcomb Institute of Tulane University.

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Address all inquiries to Newcomb Magazine Newcomb Institute | Tulane University The Commons, Suite 301 | 43 Newcomb Place New Orleans, LA 70118 | Phone: 1-800-504-5565 NEWCOMB is an annual production of the Newcomb Alumnae Association and the Newcomb Institute.To print a PDF version, visit newcomb-magazine.tulane. edu/.

In Memoriam

NEWCOMB is printed using income from interestbearing endowed funds at the Newcomb Institute, including the Newcomb Alumnae Periodical Fund, established through the kindness of Ann Hodge Macomber (NC ’47). Mailing costs are supported by proceeds from the Mignon Faget Newcomb Jewelry Collection.

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Donor Honor Roll

The H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College Institute (Newcomb Institute) is an interdisciplinary, academic center of Tulane University.

We shape the future by educating students to achieve gender equity.

Our mission is to develop leaders, discover solutions to intractable gender problems of our time, and provide opportunities for students to experience synergies between curricula, research, and community engagement through close collaboration with faculty.

We build ambition and confidence by connecting students with faculty, alumnae, donors, and women leaders outside of the classroom, giving them exemplars who inspire, share strategies, and foster community.

We overcome obstacles by searching to discover solutions to the most intractable gender problems of our time.

We empower women by creating synergy between teaching, research, and community engagement as a research university.

We facilitate undergraduates in conducting research with faculty.

We produce, document, preserve, and share knowledge about women, gender, and feminism in the Gulf South.

To make a gift, visit giving.tulane.edu/nci or use the QR code to the left. @ncitu

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Image Above: 30 Under 30 honoree Tara Wilson addresses constituents and colleagues in her role as an Organizing Committee Member of the Massachusetts State House Employee Union.

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NEWCOMB 30 Under 30 In this special issue of NEWCOMB, Newcomb Institute honors thirty young alumni who, despite unprecedented challenges, have begun pursuing extraordinary careers across a variety of industries while exemplifying Newcomb’s mission.

“ Newcomb and Tulane gave me the tools to improve my advocacy skills while instilling a sense of confidence that I could contribute in a meaningful way.”

— Tara Wilson (LA ’16) The cover features a collage of this year’s NEWCOMB 30 Under 30 honorees. Artwork by Lauren Gaines & Rebecca Gipson.

NEWCOMB Connections

A Message from the Newcomb Alumnae Association President My dear fellow Newcomb Alumnae, In a year full of challenges, it has been truly my honor to serve each and every one of you.

With the knowledge that Newcomb Institute Executive Director Sally J. Kenney would be stepping

down in June, plans were made to honor the legacy that she left behind in the post-Katrina era of Newcomb. As the mother of two daughters educated at Tulane, both extensively involved with the Newcomb Institute, I saw firsthand all that Newcomb offers today to help prepare young leaders facing the challenges of tomorrow.

Newcomb Scholars, reproductive rights internships, experiential learning opportunities, Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), and SPARK residential learning community are just a few of the significant programs Newcomb offers the next generation of feminist leaders.

To recognize this ongoing commitment, we created the Sally J. Kenney Student Leadership Fund as a partnership between the Newcomb Alumnae Association (NAA) and the Director's Advisory Council. The fund will be dedicated to programs and activities focusing on leadership skill development to prepare undergraduate students to

advocate for gender equity and lead in a gendered world.

Our transition to virtual events over the last two years allowed Newcomb to extend well beyond the boundaries of New Orleans to reach our alumnae globally. The 2022 Zale-Kimmerling Writer-InResidence and spring Book Club author, Brit Bennett, delighted Zoom participants with a reading from The Vanishing Half. In May, Houstonian Andrea Lapsley (NC ’72) also led a lively virtual book club discussion on the same book enjoyed by NAA members throughout the country.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming traditional graduation activities such as Under the Oaks, NAA Alumnae Awards, and Daisy Chain was a privilege. It was an honor to recognize the Classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972, which include past NAA Presidents Carter Flemming and Catherine Edwards, as they received their 50th-anniversary diploma. We then turned to this

year's extraordinary graduates to honor the Newcomb Scholars, grant recipients and Newcomb student award winners, including NAA Endowed Newcomb Scholar, Carly Shaffer.

As I end my presidency, I urge you to get involved. Join a Newcomb book club. Come back for reunions.

Nominate a classmate, or yourself, to serve on a committee or the NAA Board. Please send us your news so we can share it with others.

A special thank you to the NAA Board of Directors, who have committed their time and energy during a time of flux. And, as always, stay safe, stay healthy and stay connected.

Helene Dickson Sheena, MD (NC '87, M*91) President, Newcomb Alumnae Association

Lunch and a Lecture: Fridays at Newcomb Resume In-Person Programming

By Lauren Wethers (LA ’15, *16)

After transitioning to an entirely virtual program during the earlier months of the pandemic, Fridays at Newcomb resumed a regular in-person schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. Tulane students, faculty, and staff enjoyed hearing from speakers with expertise on a wide variety of topics, spanning from feminist analyses of horror films to elevating the voices of survivors of sexual violence.

Dr. Ebony Perro, Professor of Practice in the Tulane English department, provided space for audience members to discuss and process their anger at the end of a difficult fall semester. Her talk, entitled “‘Why You Always Gotta Be So Mad?’: Advancing Conversations About Black Girl Rage Through Black Women’s Literature,” explored both representations of rage and demonstrated its utility, guiding listeners to understand just how powerful their own righteous anger can be.

The schedule also included community leaders like Jacqueline Thanh, the Executive Director of VAYLA New Orleans. Thanh, whose work focuses on health equity, survivor advocacy, and intersectional direct service, delivered a presentation that gave attendees the tools to begin to understand how to create positive social change within their communities, with a specific focus on supporting immigrants and communities of color.

Three of the lecturers from Fridays at Newcomb (from left to right): Dr. Ebony Perro, Jacqueline Thanh, and Amy Brittain

And as travel slowly resumed, the series hosted experts from outside of New Orleans, including Amy Brittain, a Washington Post reporter. Brittain, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, discussed lessons learned from her podcast “Canary: The Washington Post Investigates.” The podcast, a seven-part series following the decision of two women to come forward with sexual assault allegations against high-ranking figures, created an access point to start a difficult conversation about what it takes to come forward with allegations and what happens after.

Despite interruptions caused by hurricanes and continued pandemic restrictions, the talent of the sixteen different speakers created a series that was educational, moving, and engaging. As the program continues to grow, we are looking forward to inviting more speakers who can open our minds to something new at the end of each week.

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Noteworthy at NEWCOMB Radical Poetics: An Evening with Khadijah Queen

By Laura Wolford

Each fall semester, Newcomb Institute invites a woman-identified poet to campus to be the Florie Gale Arons Visiting Poet. The program was established by the daughters of Florie Gale Arons (NC ’50) in 1999 in honor of their mother's 70th birthday, and over the past 23 years, a truly remarkable group of poets have come to campus.

In 2021, Newcomb was delighted to host Khadijah Queen as the Arons Visiting Poet. Queen is the author of six books of poetry, most recently Anodyne (2020), a finalist for the Colorado Book Award and winner of the William Carlos Williams Award from the Poetry Society of America; and I'm So Fine: A List of Famous Men & What I Had On (2017). Earlier poetry collections include Conduit (2008), Black Peculiar (2011) and Fearful Beloved (2015). Her verse

play Non-Sequitur (2015) won the Leslie Scalapino Award for Innovative Women's Performance Writing.

She is an Associate Professor in the department of English at Virginia Tech.

During her time on campus, Queen led a poetry workshop with a small group of local poets, including students and faculty from Tulane, University of New Orleans, and Willow High School, formerly known as Lusher. This small group setting providing an opportunity for local emerging writers to share their work and receive feedback from a distinguished poet.

The highlight of Queen’s visit was her public reading of Anodyne, which she gave to a full house of Newcomb and Tulane alumni, students, and faculty.

Student Nia Soto introduced Queen at the reading.

2022 Zale-Kimmerling Writer-in-Residence: Brit Bennett

By Laura Wolford

“As a fellow woman of color with disabilities, Queen’s work has served as an inspiration as she shares her narrative in a truly empowering way while challenging social norms and expectations,” remarked Soto.

“Additionally, seeing her success within poetry publication has helped me gain hope for my own career within poetry.”

In an article published by The Tulane Hullabaloo, student Asia Thomas described Queen’s reading as “engaging, mesmerizing, and moving,” going on to comment on Queen’s infectious laughter and warm engagement with the audience. “[Queen’s] first piece set the scene for a night of jaw-dropping, beautiful verse,” remarked Thomas.

Influential People. Her essays have been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Paris Review, and Jezebel.

Newcomb organized a series of events for Bennett’s visit, including a delightful in-person reading and an interview.

Bennett was introduced by student Taegan Bunch, who was ecstatic to meet Bennett.

Brit Bennett speaks at an in-person reading and interview (left) & students ask Bennett to sign their copies of The Vanishing Half (right)

Newcomb Institute was thrilled to host Brit Bennett as the 2022 ZaleKimmerling Writer-in-Residence this past spring.

Born and raised in Southern California, Brit Bennett graduated from Stanford University and later earned her MFA in fiction at the University of Michigan.

Her debut novel, The Mothers, was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for both the NBCC John Leonard

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First Novel Prize and the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Fiction.

Her second novel, The Vanishing Half, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, longlisted for the National Book Award, a finalist for the Women’s Prize, and named one of the ten best books of the year by The New York Times. Bennett has been named a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree, a NAACP Image Award Finalist, and one of Time’s Next 100

Her time on campus left a memorable impact on students, staff, and visitors alike, and there is no doubt we will be seeing incredible work from Queen for years to come.

“I keep feeling the need to pinch myself that I will be in the same room as one of my favorite authors in just a few hours,” remarked Bunch prior to meeting Bennett at dinner.

At the public reading, Bennett was joined on stage for an insightful conversation with Tulane professor Dr. Ebony Perro. Afterward, Bennett signed books for a long line of eager readers. Both Bennett’s reading and interview were broadcast via Zoom so the occasions could be shared with Newcomb Alumnae Association book club members across the country, who

Poet Khadijah Queen

had read The Vanishing Half as their book selection for the spring.

Bennett’s time on campus included a number of class visits to courses in the Tulane history department, gender and sexuality studies, and creative writing. These class visits allowed for small groups of students to engage in conversation with a celebrated writer whose work engages with issues of gender, race, place, and history.

Perhaps most engaging for students were the two book club lunches hosted by Newcomb, one with a group of Honors Scholars students in conjunction with Newcomb-Tulane College, and one with students who signed up for this opportunity.

Both groups were small, intimate conversations between students and Bennett, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Overall, Brit Bennett’s visit was a time marked by community, storytelling, and creative inspiration.

Speaking Truth to Power: Conceiving Equity 2022 featuring Loretta Ross

By Dr. Clare Daniel

On March 6, 2022, Newcomb Institute was fortunate to host renowned reproductive justice scholar and activist Loretta Ross, as its tenth annual Roe v. Wade speaker. Featured recently in The New York Times for her forthcoming book Calling In Call Out Culture, Ross is an associate professor of the study of women and gender at Smith College, and one of the founding mothers of the reproductive justice framework.

The Roe v. Wade lecture is part of Conceiving Equity, a yearly event that showcases Newcomb’s Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health (RRRH) interns’ work and includes advocacy activities created by our reproductive rights, health, and justice-related student organizations. After hosting the event virtually in 2021 due to COVID-19, over 120 students, faculty, staff, and community members were excited to convene in person.

During a reception before Ross’s lecture, attendees perused a poster gallery featuring the work of fifteen interns who were placed in paid positions at organizations and

with faculty members who work on reproductive rights, health, and justice. Interns and student leaders were able to meet, share their work, and network with Ross, community leaders, and Tulane faculty during the reception.

In her lecture, Ross outlined the origins and history of the reproductive justice framework, defined by advocacy organization SisterSong as “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.”

Ross corrected a widely held misconception that reproductive justice was developed in response to the white-centric mainstream reproductive rights movement. Ross

explained that although it is true that the mainstream movement failed to address the reproductive injustices faced by women of color and poor women, she and her colleagues founded reproductive justice as a response to their own experiences and needs, not as a corrective for white women.

New Orleans community leaders and researchers in reproductive justice. Some leaders in attendance, such as Deon Haywood, Executive Director of Women With a Vision, already knew and had worked closely with Ross, while others were able to meet and connect with her for the first time.

Drawing on her time working with the National Organization for Women, the National Black Women’s Health Project, and as the first African American director of a rape crisis center, Ross discussed the importance of communicating across differences to combat white supremacy and reproductive oppression.

Newcomb Institute was also able to host a lunch with Ross and several

In sum, students were inspired to be in the presence of a legendary reproductive justice activist, while older leaders were heartened by the energy and thoughtful engagement of their younger peers. Connections were made that will surely further Newcomb Institute’s mission of educating students for a more gender-equitable future.

Photos from Conceiving Equity 2022: Group photo of the participants with Ross, including several New Orleans community leaders and researchers in reproductive justice (left). Ross embraces Tulane junior Mickey Mickle (right).

Reflections from a Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Intern

By Pooja Talati (LA '23, SSE '23), RRRH Intern, Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies

Photo of Pooja Talati

Approaching the two-year anniversary of my time at the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies with their Maternal and Child Health team, I’ve been reflecting on the things I’ve learned and how my understanding of healthcare has expanded through this experience. At the beginning of this internship, I was unaware of the different birthing options available to birthing individuals outside of hospital births. I was also unaware of the need for access to these additional birthing options for many

people and the lack of support that underserved and under-resourced populations received during the birthing process. I did not realize how limiting barriers to access could be for community members in New Orleans until I began reading the transcripts of women interviewed about their birthing experiences, ranging from breastfeeding support to experiences with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As I’ve continued my journey into reproductive health, I’ve also learned more about the systems

set in place to support birthing individuals outside of hospital care and the ways that these systems need to be improved or expanded.

I can certainly say I’ve grown both personally and professionally in this role, and I look forward to bringing my experiences and newfound knowledge with me as I pursue a career as a physician.

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by Lauren Gaines (LA ’20)

fter braving a global pandemic and the disruptions of the past two years, Newcomb Institute shines a light on those individuals who, despite unprecedented setbacks, delays, and cancellations, have gone on to become trailblazers in their industries. NEWCOMB 30 Under 30 is not merely a celebration of accomplishments. It is a celebration of the journey, the process of identifying and pursuing one’s passions, and the spirit of ambition, reinvention, and perseverance. The common thread amongst the members of this cohort–some of whom are second and third-generation Newcomb legacies–is their deep connection to Newcomb, its history, mission, and vision.

In the profiles that follow, each 30 Under 30 honoree discusses the positive impacts made on them by Newcomb Institute, alumnae, and the programming made possible through the generosity of alumnae and friends. As we continue to navigate a political landscape that challenges our mission of educating undergraduates to achieve gender equity, this year’s honorees remind us that Newcomb Institute’s success lies in our ability to empower future generations to utilize an intersectional, feminist lens in all their pursuits. Their growing ascendancy in the fields of politics, education, philanthropy, business, technology, healthcare, and many more disciplines are a true testament to the legacy of Newcomb and illustrates that when one of us wins, we all win.

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30 UNDER 30 Samantha Morris, 26 she/her LA ’18

Medical Student, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Hearing patients’ stories and sharing in their medical journeys are the features of becoming a physician that most excite Samantha Morris. A medical student at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Morris is excited to have reached her clinical years and begun meeting with new patients each day.

“In becoming a physician, I'll have the privilege of playing a unique role in helping my patients continue to craft the narrative of their lives exactly how they'd like to,” discussed Morris.

“I hope to partner with my patients, listening to their healthcare goals, providing medical advice, and collaborating on the best way to achieve the picture of health they envision. I'm particularly passionate about LGBTQ+ healthcare and playing my part in ensuring that the queer community can both dictate their own healthcare needs and have those needs met by queer providers.”

For Morris, to be a physician is to be a lifelong learner dedicated to ensuring patients’ divergent needs are met.

“Two patients with the same diagnosis will have completely unique experiences,”

explained Morris. “I view it as my role to support the individual complexity of all my patients and learn from their stories so I may serve as a trustworthy resource for the medical concerns of my community.”

It was Morris’ experience as a Newcomb Scholar that taught her the importance of both collaboration and individuality.

“I loved being able to learn alongside women dedicated to the pursuit of their unique passions,” reflected Morris. “Hearing their perspectives broadened my own, and I learned how to effectively communicate in order to achieve a common goal, a skill that has undoubtedly shaped my outlook on the highly collaborative field of medicine.

Amidst our collaboration, we remained passionate about our individual pursuits.

Newcomb Scholars helped me recognize that my perspective on medicine as a poetry-entrenched Latin major was not only valid but valued.”

“I look forward to the relationships I will have built with my patients and the new patients I’ll meet each day. I see myself making time not only for work but for my family and my community, being present for all those who have supported me along this demanding path. I feel quite happy in the knowledge that while I’ll have accomplished so much, there will be so much personal and professional growth ahead of me.”

Morris’s eyes are set on her goal of becoming a primary care physician, and she looks forward to the day she can begin providing comprehensive healthcare to those who need it most.

Nina Baumgartner, 28 she/her SSE ’16, Ph.D. ’21

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine It is impossible to be bored as a neuroscientist. Nina Baumgartner would know, especially as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.

“It’s a wonderful combination of challenging hands-on lab work coupled with lots of time thinking and writing about some of the most complex questions regarding the brain and behavior,” remarked Baumgartner.

Studying both Neuroscience and Gender & Sexuality Studies as an undergraduate at Tulane helped shape Baumgartner’s academic and professional journey. It was then that she discovered the field of neuroendocrinology, the study of how hormones impact the brain.

“I first joined Dr. Jill Daniel’s neuroendocrinology lab at Tulane as an undergraduate and absolutely fell in love with research,” explained Baumgartner.

“After completing an honors thesis in Dr. Daniel’s lab, I stayed to pursue my PhD with her studying models of postmenopausal estrogen therapy and cognition. Following completion of my PhD, I joined the lab of Dr. Beth Lucas at UAB studying the role of ovarian hormone fluctuations in mediating sex differences in emotional memory processing.”

Baumgartner was introduced to Dr. Daniel through the Newcomb Scholars Program, during which Baumgartner interviewed her as part of her second-year seminar.

“The Newcomb Scholars program helped spark my passion for research, and I received a Newcomb Research Grant to fund my senior honors thesis project,” reflected Baumgartner.

She also worked as a Newcomb Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Intern.

As Baumgartner’s light continues to shine bright in the world of academia, she looks forward to solving more of the mysteries of the brain.

“In ten years, I hope to be running my own neuroendocrinology lab as a faculty member at a research university.”

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Cora Boyd, 29 she/her LA ’15

Founder and Love Life Consultant, Cora Boyd Enterprises Head Dating-Relationship Coach and Content Creator, Flirt Harder and Magnetics Love School Host, Pillow Talk Radio with Cora Boyd and Date Night Live with Cora Boyd A multi-passionate creator, a relationship expert, and for many a literal life saver, Cora Boyd has made your business her business as an all-around dating and love life consultant and media personality. By expressing herself through a variety of professional outlets, Boyd feels she can maximize the impact her work has on those around her.

“I have intentionally designed a career for myself in which I feel fully expressed professionally and personally across my favorite platforms, media, and passions,” expressed Boyd. “The #1 predictor of happines is the quality of our relationships, and it is so gratifying to see the ripple effect of positivity from the work my clients and I do together.”

Before launching her own business, Boyd spent two years working as a professional matchmaker at a company founded by Elle Magazine’s E. Jean Carroll.

Prior to that, she studied English, Spanish, and Psychology at Tulane.

“It became clear to me through this experience that there was a high desire among men to better understand

and connect with women, to improve their relational and dating skills, to sharpen their emotional intelligence, and to embody more of their healthy masculinity...and that most of the dating support available to them was pickup artists and teachers perpetuating toxic masculinity and manipulative behaviors,” explained Boyd. “And so, I decided to start my own business supporting men in the realm of love and coaching them.”

During her undergraduate years, Boyd was a Newcomb Scholar, a student worker, and a Newcomb grant recipient.

Her grants allowed her to teach English at Colegio Rudolf Steiner in Santiago, Chile and be the Community Artist Liaison at an international artists’ retreat at SOMA México in Mexico City, Mexico.

“My time as a Newcomb Scholar taught me to be a self-starter,” reflected Boyd.

“I learned to trust my vision and to believe in my ability to see my projects through to fruition. I learned the benefits of examining the world through an interdisciplinary lens, and I received a stellar education in gender politics. All of this has massively informed the work I do today.”

Boyd’s business has grown exponentially in the four years since its inception,

serving hundreds of clients. Boyd has also collaborated with Tinder, NPR, TVNZ, and more. Notably, a video featuring Boyd from the popular media company CUT currently has more than thirty million views on the company’s YouTube channel.

In the video, Boyd uses her immense expertise to singlehandedly determine couples who are dating among a group of strangers.

“Change starts at the personal level,” said Boyd. “I have seen that the interpersonal dynamics of dating are a microcosm for larger dynamics within society. I feel a great sense of purpose and passion in knowing that the work I do creates a ripple effect of respect, love, healing and mutual appreciation between men and women.”

As for the future, Boyd sees both her business and herself continuing to grow.

“I hope to be leading a tight-knit team, writing books, hosting a TV show, designing a fashion line, speaking at events, collaborating with other creatives, and mentoring and investing in womenled companies,” expressed Boyd. “And of course, I hope to be lounging by the pool eating stuffed grape leaves and reading many books.”

Alexa Authorlee, 22 she/her B ’22

Consulting Analyst, Accenture Consulting Development Program For Alexa Authorlee, working in the financial field presents an opportunity to uplift and think through solutions for medium-sized firms that are often overlooked in favor of larger institutions. As an incoming Consulting Analyst for Accenture, she looks forward to a career predicated on advocacy for others and herself, and it was this outlook that led her to pursue this opportunity instead of an offer from another finance organization.

“I realized working at a large financial institution for 12 hours a day and not feeling satisfied with my work was not

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what I wanted from life,” said Authorlee.

“I made the hard but fruitful decision to explore other fields.”

Empowerment has been a key personal value for Authorlee since her time as an undergraduate student. She was an active participant in Newcomb Institute’s Town Mom Program and received the 2022 Dorothy Young Memorial Award and the Class of 1909 Prize to the Outstanding Senior.

“Throughout my Tulane career knowing how to garner all possible resources and tap into why something is needed or deserved has been essential to founding and leading the student organizations that

I have been involved with and getting my career started,” reflected Authorlee.

Authorlee is excited to have found a professional home with Accenture, and she looks forward to bringing a healthy dose of compassion and empathy to the world of finance through her work with them and her own future business ventures.

30 UNDER 30 Angel Carter, 25 she/her SSE ’19, LA ’19, PA *21

Interim Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Tulane University Office of Undergraduate Admission Doctor of Public Health in Leadership, Advocacy, and Equity Candidate, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine While many faculty and staff members at Tulane University first encounter students when they arrive on campus each fall, Angel Carter has the unique opportunity to forge connections with students before they even choose to attend Tulane. As the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Tulane’s Office of Undergraduate Admission, Carter meets students from all over the world and helps them through their college application process. Her role allows her the pleasure of paying special attention to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), low-income, and first-generation students.

“I always say that my job as an Admission Counselor is to help students get into college, period,” explained Carter. “So, if that ends up being Tulane, that is amazing, but even if it doesn’t, they will have all the tools that they need to navigate through a stressful time.”

Carter’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is a deeply personal one, as she remembers a time where diverse representation at Tulane, particularly racial and socioeconomic representation, were at their lowest in recent history.

“As a student at Tulane, I dedicated my entire collegiate career to making sure

my voice was heard,” reflected Carter.

“That led me to having the chance to be in rooms or spaces where typically no—or very little—BIPOC representation was present.”

As an undergraduate student, Carter joined Green Wave Ambassadors, Tulane’s tour guide and student ambassador association, and eventually became the first Black president in the organization’s history. She also served as a first-year Resident Advisor in Josephine Louise House, an Admission Intern, a Newcomb Big, a member of the Tulane University Marching Band, and a producer of Newcomb Institute’s annual feminist production Hers, Theirs, Ours (HTO).

“Of all the organizations that I was involved in at Tulane, two of the most impactful programs that I ever did were HTO and Newcomb Big/Little,” expressed Carter. “These two organizations taught me valuable lessons in the power of community, friendship, and using your voice to stand up for what’s right and what you believe. My current job requires a lot of all of those things. The field of higher education changes fairly often, however, the work and nature of EDI is always about focusing on historically underrepresented students and communities.”

Carter sees herself doing equity work and advocacy for years to come. While she is currently pursuing her doctorate in public health, she has not yet ruled out the possibility of continuing both her education and career in higher education.

“I see myself walking around and being called Dr. Angel Carter, and I hope to have conducted meaningful research in the field of public health that will then allow me to transition into working with community and global health equity organizations,” said Carter. “[Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion] work is not for the faint of heart as it requires your time, voice, and can be emotionally taxing at times, but my mother always says, ‘If not you…who?’”

And if all else fails, Carter says her obsession with the Marvel Cinematic Universe will just have to do.

Katie Lentz, 29 she/her PHTM ’16

Director of Donor Relations, Thompson Foundation for Autism and Neurodevelopment Katie Lentz is helping reshape the conversation around autism as the Director of Donor Relations for the Thompson Foundation for Autism and Neurodevelopment.

“Connecting families affected by autism with resources and allowing our generous donors to see the impact of their gifts has been a joy,” expressed Lentz. “I have the privilege of engaging with those interested in the Foundation to create a lasting impact on so many lives.”

Lentz knew early on in her undergraduate studies that she wanted a career that centered on helping others. As a student,

she participated in Newcomb Institute’s Big/Little Program, Town Mom Program, and the Newcomb Mentoring Program, for which she also became a mentor as an alumna. Currently, Lentz serves as the Vice President for Students on the Newcomb Alumnae Association Board of Directors.

Looking to the future, Lentz hopes to continue her pursuit of creating a better world for others, whether that be advocating for women, achieving greater access to healthcare, or alleviating poverty in her community.

“This experience has allowed me to develop new skills and take on leadership roles that have given me an advantage in my career,” said Lentz. “I enjoy connecting with other alumnae over our shared love of Newcomb. Plus, I love having an excuse to visit New Orleans and our beautiful campus—there’s nothing better!”

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Lauren Wethers, 29 she/her LA ’15, *16

Program Manager, Student Leadership & Engagement, Newcomb Institute Career Coach, The Muse To play an integral role in the personal or professional development of young adults is both taxing and fulfilling work.

Lauren Wethers, the Program Manager for Student Leadership and Engagement at Newcomb Institute, sees this work as a privilege. In her role at Newcomb and as a Career Coach at The Muse, a national professional advancement service, she finds joy in seeing students slowly build an individualized toolkit of skills and experiences for their success.

“With my students, the best reward is watching them grow into their power and strength as leaders over the course of four years, along with the ‘lightbulb’ moments when you can see that they’ve figured out how to apply a key concept to their own lives,” expressed Wethers. “As a coach, I love being able to connect with people all over the country and coach them through pivotal moments in their careers.”

Wethers knew she was headed towards a career in student affairs when her courses and extracurricular involvements during her undergraduate years began to take up equal amounts of her time.

“The biggest driving factor behind making it my career, though, was the opportunity to be a role model and resource for underrepresented students,” reflected Wethers. “I definitely believe that my experience as an undergraduate at Tulane gives me a unique perspective as a professional here, as well as heightened empathy and awareness for the issues Black students face especially. I once was that student searching for someone who understood me in a new place, and I know I can be that person for current students as a professional.”

Wethers first got involved with Newcomb Institute as a freshman at Tulane, when she resided in Josephine Louise House.

She was an active member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Mortar Board honor societies.

“Although the Spark and CURRENT residential learning communities did not yet exist in Josephine Louise when I was an undergraduate, some of my fondest memories are in that residence hall-from practicing K-pop dances in front of a laptop to learning how to poorly walk in heels, [Josephine Louise] was where I formed silly memories and lifelong bonds with friends,” explained Wethers.

Outside of her professional development roles, Wethers co-hosts a literary podcast called Reclaiming Jane with fellow Tulane alum Emily Davis-Hale. She also serves as the Co-Captain of The 504th, a local running crew in New Orleans, and as Board Secretary for Youth Run NOLA, a sports-based youth development nonprofit organization.

“All of my involvement, both professional and volunteer, is geared towards building community, and I center that goal regardless of whether I’m leading a workshop or producing a podcast episode,” said Wethers.

In the next decade, Wethers hopes to be self-employed, dividing her time evenly between coaching and creative pursuits such as writing and podcasting.

Kara Angelini, 29 she/her LA ’15

Director of Development, Child Advocates – Denver CASA After starting a promising career in political fundraising, Kara Angelini realized her skills could be best utilized in nonprofit development, a field where she could actualize positive change in her local community.

This led her to her role as Director of Development, Child Advocates for Denver CASA, an organization that provides highly trained volunteers to advocate on behalf of children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect. Angelini feels lucky to see the work of her colleagues and volunteers up close and considers it motivation for her work.

“I am responsible for reaching out to everyone from longtime donors to newly interested supporters,” explained Angelini.

“I enjoy the work of speaking with our program team to authentically and accurately represent their work, passing along their stories to the funders and supporters who make our work possible.”

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During her time at Tulane, Angelini was a Newcomb Scholar, PLEN conference attendee, and served as President of Women in Politics. She looks on this time fondly, crediting Newcomb Institute with giving her the first sense of belonging in college.

“It was so refreshing to be around similarly curious people, interested in a broad array of disciplines but connected by a desire to share ideas and celebrate learning,” reflected Angelini. “Thanks to Newcomb, I felt confident in my ability to thrive in a professional environment, build relationships, and explore my interests.”

As she looks to the future, Angelini hopes to pair her interest in developing funds with supporting focused, transformational policy campaigns, particularly in support of women, families, and children.

“If there has been anything the past ten years have taught me, it is to be open to new possibilities and opportunities I would have never imagined,” said Angelini.

“I am currently in the process of pursuing my Master of Public Administration degree through the University of California. I love working in a missiondriven environment, and my hope is this degree expands my understanding of the public sector and how policy can be a force for transformative good.”

30 UNDER 30 Sophie Drew, 24 she/they B ’20

Senior Procurement and Logistics Coordinator, City Harvest For many, food is a source of joy, community, and even heritage, but for a growing number of Americans, access to the food necessary to feed themselves and their families can also be a source of great distress. This is where Sophie Drew, Senior Supply Chain Coordinator at City Harvest, comes in. City Harvest is the largest food rescue organization in New York City. Drew and her colleagues work daily to collect surplus food from restaurants and direct it to New Yorkers who need it.

“Between June 2020 and June 2021, we rescued and delivered 154 million pounds of food for families in NYC,” explained Drew. “While I know this is not a cure for the flaws in our nation’s food system, it feels great to have made a measurable difference.”

Learning about different aspects of both the domestic and global food systems and the United States’ logistics network has long been a keen academic interest for Drew. She is especially drawn to the role of economics in the food space and beyond.

“I knew since early in my academic career that I wanted to bring business and operations management principles to a non-profit organization or social enterprise,” said Drew. “My academic and extracurricular work led me to explore my interests in community development, food retail, consumer packaged goods and organic farming.”

As a senior in the Newcomb Scholars Program, Drew studied the Globalization of Mexican Food Retail, deepening her interest in food systems and the ways they often evolve to produce more waste, thus rendering them less effective in feeding all members of a given society.

She also studied operations and logistics abroad in Colombia through Tulane's A.B. Freeman School of Business.

use in my work and a wider lens through which to view it.”

Drew sees herself driving the food sourcing strategy of an organization someday, whether it is a food bank, hospitality group, grocery store or private labeling company.

“I want to continue developing relationships with vendors and make creative decisions that minimize food and transportation waste.”

“I am grateful to have had the freedom and guidance from Newcomb professors, Dr. John Trapani of the Freeman School, and my fellow Scholars to study something so specific that ultimately ties into what I do now,” expressed Drew.

“All of these learning opportunities have helped me gain both tangible skills that I

Aliyah Daniels, 25 she/her PHTM ’18

Lactation Counselor Development Manager, Laurence School If Aliyah Daniels could summarize her experience working alongside breastfeeding people and their families in one word, she would describe it as magical. She feels this work has been her calling since watching her mother care for her younger brother, and as someone who loves problem-solving, she finds her role both rewarding and fulfilling.

“I’m a big fan of all things reproductive health and have wanted to be a certified nurse-midwife for ages,” said Daniels.

“Pregnancy and postpartum can be stressful, even with huge amounts of support, and significantly impact our most vulnerable communities. I’m eager to champion reproductive wellness and hold space for the birthing process in any capacity.”

Daniels also serves as Development Manager at Laurence School, a primary school that centers social, emotional and physical development in children’s educational journeys.

“I’ve always been drawn to work that’s nurturing and empowering,” explained Daniels.

across different legislative areas--from environmental justice to gun violence and maternal healthcare.”

Daniels explored her interest in reproductive wellness as an intern in Newcomb Institute’s Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Internship Program. The program gave her the opportunity to work with Lift Louisiana, a local nonprofit organization that focuses on crafting policy solutions that benefit women and families. Daniels helped them organize the Justice for Louisiana Women Advocacy Day at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

Daniels also expressed her immense gratitude to the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine for giving her a solid foundation in understanding maternal health.

“I was beyond excited to be in the presence of such dynamic organizers,” recounted Daniels. “We partnered with The New Orleans Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood, The National Council of Jewish Women - NOLA, Feminist Majority Foundation, National Organization for Women, and Women With a Vision. It was incredibly inspiring to see the local community galvanized to create change

“I graduated braced with a global perspective on real-world issues, and I credit Tulane’s robust academic opportunities for that support,” said Daniels.

On the topic of the future, Daniels’ manifestations for herself are simple.

“Healthy, joyful, and surrounded by love.

The rest is gravy!”

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Katie Elder, 22 she/her LA ’22

Operational Support Technician, Federal Bureau of Investigation At the beginning of what is sure to be a promising career in public service, Katie Elder is entering her role as an Operational Support Technician at the Federal Bureau of Investigation with a deep commitment to community safety. She is excited to work within an organization that shares her values.

“Everyone genuinely cares about making communities safer and it shows in their work ethic,” described Elder. “It's a fast-paced, exciting environment a lot of the time but investigations are handled with the utmost seriousness.”

For Elder, the idea of working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation was not one she had thought of prior to her time at Tulane. It was during her collegiate career that she developed an interest in national security, and this interest led her to a three-year internship with the Bureau.

“I loved learning about international relations and strategy and began taking Russian classes and studying the postSoviet space my freshman year,” explained Elder. “My academic interests are deeply connected to my professional passions, and I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to apply what I have learned in the classroom in the workspace.”

Elder had varied involvement with the Newcomb Institute while studying at Tulane. She was a Newcomb Scholar, served as President of Women in Politics, received a grant to attend the PLEN Global Policy seminar in Washington D.C., and received the 1914-2004 Award for Exceptional Character.

“My time at Newcomb and Tulane taught me so much,” reflected Elder. “In the classroom, I learned how to think critically and ask for help. Through my extracurricular activities, I learned to engage thoughtfully with the community as well as how to lead with compassion.

I was lucky enough to have several excellent mentors at Tulane whose advice and encouraging words still guide me even now in post-graduate life.”

As she continues to identify her spheres of influence in her new position, explore all Washington has offer, and plan for a long career in public service, Elder is grateful for the life lessons, experiences, and advice that have carried her forward to this moment.

Allison Saft, 28 she/her LA ’16, *17

Author, A Far Wilder Magic and Down Comes the Night For New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, the best part of her job is the writing process itself, from the idea formation stage to the final edits.

“I love the blue-sky daydreaming stage of a new idea--and the final revision, when I get to focus on the line-level prose,” explained Saft. “Otherwise, connecting with my readers is a ton of fun. Writing can be a very solitary endeavor, but there is real magic that happens once a book is out in the world and is no longer only mine.”

Despite the immense success she has found in the field of writing, becoming an author was not something Saft initially envisioned as a career when she was younger.

“It was an escape for me--something I did purely for fun,” reflected Saft. “Plus, it didn’t seem all that practical. But after I finished my masters program and settled into my first day job, I thought a lot about what I really wanted to do with my life.

Ultimately, I realized that I was happiest when telling stories, and I had a lot of them I wanted to share. The year after I graduated, I spent every free moment I had researching the publishing industry and writing the novel that would become my debut.”

While finishing her graduate degree at Tulane, Saft worked at Newcomb Institute as a graduate assistant for student leadership and engagement. As an undergraduate, she performed in Hers, Theirs, Ours and participated in Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society.

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“I participated in two creative writing workshops that really shaped my work: one with Andy Stallings and another with Jesmyn Ward,” recounted Saft. “Those workshops were the first opportunities I had to take my writing seriously, and Andy and Jesmyn shared insights about the creative process that I carry with me today. I was fortunate to have incredibly generous and patient mentors in the department—ones who gave me the courage to dream big and take risks.”

In ten years, Saft sees herself continuing to write and challenging herself to take on more ambitious projects, whether in format, genre, or style. The most important thing to her is producing work that feels emotionally honest.

“When a book resonates with someone exactly the way I hoped, when they truly get what I was going for, there is no better feeling in the world.”

30 UNDER 30 Bronte Foley, 24 she/her LA ’20

Deputy Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer for Communications and External Affairs, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation In recent years, cannabis decriminalization and regulation has become one of the most controversial and impactful political topics in modern history. Bronte Foley, Deputy Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer for Communications and External Affairs, is humbled by the opportunity to engage directly with the individuals and communities affected by and involved in Illinois’ cannabis program.

“Illinois was the first state in the country to include broad and comprehensive measures centering equity in its adult use cannabis statute,” explained Foley.

“My office is specifically responsible for upholding the values of the legalizing legislation and ensuring that the communities disproportionately harmed by the failed war on drugs reap the benefits of cannabis legalization.”

Foley’s interest in cannabis as a policy issue was sparked by her knowledge of Illinois’ robust criminal history record expungement program. In legalizing cannabis for adult use, the Illinois General Assembly considered how to reinvest cannabis tax revenue in those communities most adversely impacted by criminalization, diversify the cannabis industry at all levels, and how to begin rectifying the individual harms caused

by the disproportionate enforcement of punitive drug laws and criminal history records involving cannabis. Foley’s office, the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO), oversees the financial regulation and taxation of cannabis, and she directly oversee branding, marketing, and outreach for Illinois’ cannabis program.

“Through my previous work, and in my personal life, I have witnessed the immense challenges individuals with criminal history records face as they navigate daily life,” expressed Foley. “I joined the cannabis regulatory field with an eye toward reducing and, eventually, eliminating those barriers through expungement.”

Foley’s record of political involvement stretches back to her undergraduate years, during which she served as President of Women in Politics, attended the 2018 Women’s March on Washington, and received Newcomb summer internship grants.

“In the environment Newcomb created, I learned to ask questions when I had them and to move about the world feeling confident in myself and my abilities,” described Foley. “Most importantly, throughout my undergraduate career,

I felt unconditionally supported by my peers at Newcomb and by Newcomb staff. In welcoming me, and people both like and unlike me, Newcomb staff and Newcomb as an institution, shaped my beliefs about service and equity, thereby informing, not only every aspect of my current work, but who I am and what I value as a person today.”

Policy and advocacy are both professional passions and great sources of joy and fulfillment for Foley, and she envisions a future working within government agencies or a nonprofit organization with a civil rights focus.

“Ultimately, I hope to continue working in public service, helping citizens navigate and reform the systems which are meant to serve them.”

Sarah Jones, 25 she/her LA ’20

Senior Research and Outreach Associate, DRG Talent Consulting Experts In the world of nonprofit organizations, finding strong and empowering leadership is a challenge. Sarah Jones, the Senior Research and Outreach Associate for DRG Talent Consulting Experts, meets daily with executive leaders hoping to change the political, social, and economic ecosystem and helps them find the organizations that suit both their passions and professional trajectories.

“I always tell people that this field found me,” explained Jones. “After a few weeks into the role, I knew that my work could have a direct impact on rethinking and even innovating practices and initiatives that could not just lead to more individuals from diverse backgrounds having access to senior leadership roles, but that they will have resources to ensure their success.”

Prior to DRG, Jones worked for a Black maternal health nonprofit in communications and fundraising. As a student at Tulane, Jones was a Newcomb Scholar, participated in the Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Internship Program, and attended PLEN and Feminist Camp.

“Through my mentors and various leaders I’ve met through Newcomb programming and my studies at Tulane, I’ve learned how to advocate and to have what others would consider difficult conversations,” described Jones. “I’ve learned how to have the courage (and the energy to continue) to discuss issues of diversity in the workplace, salary transparency, and flexibility in my work/life balance.”

and organizational demands, she would like to merge this with her academic background and think critically about workforce development and organizational ownership, particularly for Black, Indigenous, women, and femmes of color.

“I hope to research and propose pathways for them to not only obtain the resources and skills to operate their own nonprofits but to sustain and expand them.”

Jones hopes to learn from the executives she encounters in this work. Using her experience of unpacking hiring processes

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Pritika Sharma, 24 she/her LA ’20

Doctoral Candidate, Department of Anthropology, Boston University Pritika Sharma has always believed that to understand what makes us human, it is essential to get to the core of the interpersonal and intersubjective relationships humans have with one another. Her research as a doctoral student at Boston University centers on family, marriage, and romance in South Asia. Sharma explores those themes by studying middle-class Indian weddings in New Delhi.

“My research interests stem directly from my relationships with family and friends and conversations with them about what it means to be human,” expressed Sharma. “It is that belief that has shaped my research interests through which I explore what it really means to be a person today who experiences romance, marriage, and family life.”

Sharma spoke fondly of her doctoral journey, describing her experience at Boston University as tremendously positive.

“I receive not only full support and guidance from my advisors and faculty

mentors, but also the space and opportunities to pursue my interests and get involved in academic and professional endeavors that best suit those research interests,” described Sharma. “I am grateful to also be part of a strong academic cohort wherein people are hardworking, driven, brilliant, and supportive. Often Ph.D. programs can feel isolating; however, at [Boston], I feel that I am part of a strong community, so this path becomes all the more fulfilling.”

Sharma credits a long list of faculty and staff across Tulane’s campus with her introduction to anthropology. She also credits Newcomb Institute with preparing her to thrive in new environments and survive the unexpected challenges that come along the way. Sharma received several grants from the Institute, was a Newcomb Little, and served as Co-Producer for Hers, Theirs, Ours.

“Tulane and Newcomb prepared me so well that I am able to compete with other individuals in my program who have more degrees and experience than I do,” discussed Sharma. “In addition, I also learned teamwork, management skills,

patience, interpersonal communication, and professionalism, all of which have been useful not just in my professional life but also beyond.”

Sharma remains open to all opportunities that stem from a doctorate. She enjoys teaching as part of her program and is open to becoming a professor in the future.

"As someone who is doing a doctorate also as a path to better selfunderstanding, I am quite positive that I will be involved in doing the things I am doing today even in ten years,” said Sharma. “In addition, I see myself being happy, healthy, and surrounded by people I love at home, wherever that may be. Family and friends are incredibly important to me, and they are the constant inspiration for my work.

My future would be incomplete without them.”

Emily Galik, 26 she/her LA ’18

Catalyst Legal Fellow, Developmental Disabilities and Health Care, Disability Rights Maryland At a time where the legal world is becoming increasingly accessible, Emily Galik is transforming the theoretical training she received in law school into tangible legal assistance for those living with disabilities. In her role as the Catalyst Legal Fellow for Disability Rights Maryland, Galik finds her work most rewarding when she can decipher complex paperwork and legalese and produce the answers her clients are urgently seeking.

“My liberal arts education taught me to pick up on and critically consider details, and my legal work allows me to use that skill to explain concepts and situations that aren't necessarily

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intuitive,” explained Galik. “Pursuing a public sector legal career meant I could enter a field where my skills were useful, and be able to give back as a basic staple of my job.”

Hands-on guidance is truly a gift Galik is paying forward, having received mentorship and advice herself as an undergraduate student participating in the Newcomb Scholars Program. She also received grants through the Newcomb Summer Internship Program and the Institute’s partnership with PLEN. “The connections I formed gave me guidance that helped me be admitted to an elite law school, and the confidence to maintain my ultimate career goals in an environment that has a bit of a subtextual pressure towards the private sector,”

expressed Galik. “In moments of doubt, I could always rely on my Tulane and Newcomb networks to provide words of encouragement.”

The versatile nature of the legal sphere has instilled in Galik great optimism for what is to come as she furthers her career.

“Whether I’ll be of most help through direct legal services or by working within a government institution, I want to be where my skills and work go the furthest to help people access the help they need.”

30 UNDER 30 Sarah Swig, 29 she/her LA ’14

Policy Advisor, United States Senate How does public opinion transform into legislative action? This is the question that informs Sarah Swig’s work as Policy Advisor for the United States Senate.

Working for her home-state senator enables her to focus on issues that she cares deeply about, namely addressing the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice.

entry-level position answering phones for then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

She considers it the best decision she has ever made.

“I have the privilege of working with experts across a variety of fields—from scientists and researchers to state, local, and tribal governments, community members, and beyond —in order to inform the policies we push forward,” explained Swig. “With access to so many people and so much information, it is my job to figure out how to translate it into actionable recommendations for the Senator to help architect equitable policies that benefit our constituents. The work we do and the policies we choose to push forward will make a real difference for Californians.”

Public service has been a passion of Swig’s since her years at Tulane. She credits Newcomb and Tulane for reinvigorating her sense of community.

Before this role, Swig spent several years working at a nonprofit organization in Washington D.C. that worked to advance equity in K-12 education. As she searched for her calling, she decided to take an

“It was hard for me then because I had to start over, but I realize now that you’re never too old to make a life change and follow your passion,” said Swig.

“Newcomb and Tulane reinvigorated my sense of community,” recounted Swig. “I learned to value not just the people and the importance of loving your city, but the importance of giving back to leave your community stronger than you found it.

My current work embodies this mindset as I give back to California communities.”

Annual Latin American Symposium at Birmingham-Southern College.

“It brings me joy to know that I walked the same halls my grandmother did as a student,” said Swig. “Maybe it is part of where I get my drive to improve the lives of others and give back to my community.”

As she looks to the future, Swig hopes she will always be doing work that brings her joy and she sees a few Jazz Fest trips ahead of her as well.

Swig’s connections to Newcomb are deeply personal, as her grandmother, Bea Rault, attended Newcomb College and served as president of the student government. Swig received a grant from Newcomb Institute to present research on Argentinian media law at the 21st

Maggie Herman, 29 she/her PHTM ’15

Senior Legislative Assistant, U.S. House of Representatives The intersection of politics and policy is a dynamic space that gives Maggie Herman the opportunity to learn something new every day. As a Senior Legislative Assistant in Congress, she is able to combine her intellectual interests of public health and political science while improving the lives of others through thoughtful policy.

“Having the opportunity to work on policies that make communities more healthy, equitable and fair is so exciting and rewarding,” described Herman.

“It's also really cool to sometimes feel like I'm witnessing, and in a small way participating, in history first hand.”

Collaboration is key in the world of policy, and Herman is grateful to work among a diverse group of political minds that share her passion for healthcare policy issues.

“I get to meet so many interesting people,” said Herman. “Passionate

advocates, policy experts, and other public servants—it is fun to be able to learn from new people.”

Teamwork has long been an important facet of Herman’s professional journey.

While at Tulane she served on the Newcomb Senate and utilized a Newcomb grant to intern with the New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council, which sparked her interest in health policy. As an alumna, she has served as a mentor through the Newcomb Mentoring Program.

“The experiences I was able to have with the support of Newcomb helped me realize my passion for advancing women’s empowerment and health equity,” reflected Herman. “Newcomb exposed me to new ideas and successful women leaders, which helped give me the confidence to dream big and pursue my goals.”

Herman never imagined her academic curiosity and ambition would lead her to a career on Capitol Hill. As she looks forward, she hopes to be an active member of a supportive community where she and her colleagues will collectively strive to make the world a better place.

“Wherever I find myself a decade from now, I hope to be leading a meaningful life filled with friends, family, knowledge, and new experiences.”

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Top Row (from left to right): Simran Singh Jain, Sarah Jones, Maggie Herman, Allison Saft, Samantha Mor Middle Row: Aliyah Daniels, Katie Lentz, Hannah Novak, Rebecca Martin, May Bottom Row: Bronte Foley, Angel Carter, Lauren Wethers, Franziska Traut

rris, Courtney Liss, Kara Angelini, Nina Baumgartner, Sophie Drew, Cora Boyd, Clara Riley, Rachel Rummel ya Angele Pelichet, Alexa Authorlee, Tara Wilson, Helen Marsh, Tina Nguyen tmann, Emily Galik, Sarah Swig, Katie Elder, Pritika Sharma, LaKia Williams

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Simran Singh Jain, 24 she/they LA ’19

National Membership Coordinator, SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective In a moment where reproductive rights are being legally threatened and heavily restricted in the United States, Simran Singh Jain is taking on the work necessary to keep reproductive healthcare accessible to all who need it. Through her work with SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Jain has the opportunity to make a difference, shift cultural narratives, and drive change.

“SisterSong gives me a space to advocate unapologetically for abortion rights while centering the most vulnerable folks in our communities,” expressed Jain. “Doing work at the intersection of abortion and racial justice during this hostile political moment is as terrifying as it is invigorating, and I’m grateful to my team for inspiring me constantly and reminding me that we will keep fighting until all our people get what they need.”

Racial justice and abortion-centered work have been interests of Jain’s since high school. She grew up in a home where her parents encouraged political conversations at home and in their communities, but finding her own place and role in these movements took time.

“I often struggled to find my place within social justice movements due to my various interests and intersecting identities, and found myself jumping between abortion, sexual and genderbased violence response, and police and prison abolition work before finally landing in the Reproductive Justice world,” discussed Jain. “The Reproductive Justice framework is so expansive and encompassing that I’m able to see myself within it as a Queer Brown woman, not just as the sum of my identities, and that has been invaluable.”

As an undergraduate student, Jain discovered community and served as a leader within Students United for Reproductive Justice (SURJ), a Newcombsponsored student organization. She credits her peers with shaping the ideology and perspective she utilizes in her work today.

“We all learned together and continue to learn together, many of my peers at Tulane are still my greatest supporters, confidants, and friends,” reflected Jain.

“I don’t think it’s possible to truly be prepared to work in abortion rights, there’s no way to prepare for your government telling you that it does not care about your body, but the wonderful queer folks and women that I met at

Tulane and continue to hold dearly keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of showing up every day.”

In the next decade, Jain hopes our society will have made significant progress towards achieving racial and gender equity.

“I see myself doing all the wonderful things that life has to offer and being joyful as a political act of radical self-love,” remarked Jain. “I have no doubt that I will always be involved in the movement for change, so I see myself there too, continuing to be loud and unapologetic in what I believe.”

Jain also sees a full life for herself beyond labor, taking in all of the beauty and joy of world around her.

“I see myself in love, I see myself starting a family and writing poetry on the porch and with as many dogs as I can reasonably take care of...and then maybe a couple more. I dream of a flower garden and spending time with my loved ones, and if necessary, running an underground abortion network from my basement.”

Tara Wilson, 29 she/her LA ’16

Legislative and Budget Director, Massachusetts State Senate Organizing Committee Member, Massachusetts State House Employee Union

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Tara Wilson was driven to public service out of an urgency to use her skills to give communities a stronger voice in government and to build a better world. As a Legislative Budget Director for the Massachusetts State Senate, she finds purpose in collaborating with stakeholders, public officials, and their staff to connect people with resources and make necessary legislative changes.

transportation, and climate change,” explained Wilson. “I hope to give people tools to advocate for themselves about what they need and want from public officials.”

“I have had the privilege of working on topics including childcare, workers’ rights, housing, reproductive health, prescription drug prices, public

“As I was discovering my own identity, Newcomb and Tulane gave me the tools to improve my advocacy skills while instilling a sense of confidence that I could contribute in a meaningful way,” said Wilson. “I will never forget the moments of sitting in Newcomb facilities and organizing with other students. It

As an undergraduate student, Wilson was involved in Women in Politics, attended Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) seminars, and helped organize the Louisiana Sexual Assault Student Activist Conference.

helped me foster strong collaboration and leadership skills, and I learned so much from the other intimidatingly brilliant students involved with Newcomb.”

Over the next decade of her career, Wilson looks forward to accomplishing as much as she can in the world of public service, and she hopes to carry lessons she learned at Newcomb Institute with her for years to come.

30 UNDER 30 Courtney Liss, 28 she/her LA ’15

Associate, Keker, Van Nest & Peters Law Clerk, United States Court of Appeals From discovering newfound legal interests to tackling deep-rooted challenges, Courtney Liss has been able to bridge her interests in law and advocacy as a Law Clerk for Judge Gabriel Sanchez on the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals and now as an Associate for the law firm Keker, Van Nest & Peters.

“My favorite parts [are] getting to work with wonderful people on really tough cases, developing my pro bono practice, and getting really great oral argument experience only a few months into my career,” described Liss.

After graduating from Tulane and becoming the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, Liss attended the University of Michigan Law School.

Studying law was not originally in Liss’s plan, but after working in government relations and communications in the nonprofit sector, she realized her true calling lay in addressing contemporary social problems.

“I wanted to be able to work more directly on live issues and serve my community, especially as a queer Vietnamese American woman in a different forum,” reflected Liss. “That sent me to law school at Michigan Law, which introduced me to wonderful mentors, and those lovely people helped me find my way here.”

During her undergraduate years, Liss attended PLEN’s Women and Global Affairs and Women, Business, and Policy seminars. She also founded the Newcomb Book Club as a space for students to share their love of reading.

As she continues practicing law, Liss remembers one of the lessons she first learned at PLEN: lives and careers are often very surprising.

“I hope to still be practicing law, finding ways to use my passion for advocacy to support causes and communities I care deeply about, and finding ways to put ‘one hand forward, one hand back’ in terms of mentorship, as Professor Anna Mahoney says.”

“I'm not sure I would have made it to DC, where I worked for a few years before law school, or to law school without Newcomb,” expressed Liss. “The Institute gave me the encouragement and support I needed to take on big advocacy projects in college and sent me to DC for the first time through PLEN. These opportunities expanded my view of the professional world and created my network, which has been of immense importance to me at every step.”

Franziska Trautmann, 25 she/her SSE ’20

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Glass Half Full Franziska Trautmann is changing the environmental landscape in Louisiana through ‘glassroots recycling.’ As Co-Founder and CEO of Glass Half Full, Trautmann and her team are leading the state’s efforts to recycle glass into sand and gravel for disaster relief and coastal restoration.

“Instead of working to create more waste, we are constantly reducing it and figuring out ways to avoid landfilling waste,” discussed Trautmann. “I also love that through our research, we have figured out ways to use the glass sand in the environment to protect and restore our precious coastline.”

While they were still students at Tulane, Trautmann and her co-founder conceived the idea for Glass Half Full as a response to Louisiana’s lack of a formalized glass recycling system.

“We were tired of waiting for someone else to solve this issue so we decided to

take action,” reflected Trautmann. “Even though we were college kids with minimal resources, we decided to start recycling glass, however small our program would be. In the end, it has grown to be so much bigger than we ever expected.”

Today, Glass Half Full operates glass dropoff and collection services throughout the greater New Orleans area. Since its inception in 2020, the organization’s work has been recognized and supported by The Mike Rowe Foundation, NowThis, BuzzFeed, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Corona Beer, The Guardian, and The Gambit.

As an undergraduate student, Trautmann’s journey with Newcomb Institute began her first year when she moved into Josephine Louise House. She went on to become a Co-Producer of Hers, Theirs, Ours.

Trautmann. “I was given so many incredible opportunities to connect with the New Orleans community and learn how to be in service to others.”

Trautmann hopes to see Glass Half Full’s success grow over the next decade, and she hopes to find new ways to champion environmentalism.

“In ten years, I hope that Glass Half Full has expanded nationally and maybe even internationally,” said Trautmann. “I see myself as having started a new organization, while others are able to continue the work of Glass Half Full. I think I will always be in the environmental space though.”

“I think the service-learning component of Newcomb and Tulane prepared me a lot for the work I do now,” reflected

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Tina Nguyen, 26 she/her LA ’18

Medical Student, Louisiana State University School of Medicine-New Orleans For Tina Nguyen, patient care means learning about both their medical needs and who they are outside of the hospital.

As a fourth-year medical student at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine, she has had the opportunity to do most of her training in hospitals and clinics in the New Orleans area as she prepares to become an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN).

“While it may feel like reproductive rights are in danger now more than ever, birthing people, especially those who identify as BIPOC and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds have always had poor health outcomes,” expressed Nguyen. “It is my belief that doctors are responsible for identifying health disparities and serving patients in ways that alleviate those inequities. All of these issues are incredibly complex, but I pursued medicine so that I could understand them with the hope that I can provide the best, most competent and equitable healthcare for my patients.”

Nguyen also knows the value she brings to her field as a first-generation Vietnamese American.

“Growing up, I often had to accompany family members to doctor’s visits because they were afraid that they would not understand their doctor or that they would not be able to convey their concerns,” reflected Nguyen. “While I know that Vietnamese Americans make up a small percentage of our population in the US, there are pockets of us in communities like New Orleans who deserve to have choice when it comes to the physicians that we see, especially physicians who understand their cultural norms, look like them, and speak their language.”

Nguyen’s commitment to community is a common thread connecting her professional aspirations and her academic pursuits. During her time at Tulane, she was a Newcomb Scholar and served as President of Newcomb Senate, Co-Producer of Hers, Theirs, Ours, and a Newcomb Big. Today, Nguyen is a member of the Newcomb Alumnae Association Board of Directors.

“The courses that I took as a Newcomb Scholar pushed me to see myself as a capable leader, and the support that I had from Newcomb in my undergraduate years gave me incredible confidence in my abilities,” said Nguyen. “The background that I have in Gender and Sexuality Studies allows me to understand the world that we live in and provides me with a framework that I can use to solve the problems that I see in today’s healthcare system. My time with Newcomb and at Tulane, from professors to peers, taught me a lot about how to be a feminist in today’s world, and I carry that with me in all of my work.”

Over the course of the next decade, Nguyen looks forward to all the lessons she will learn as a new doctor, and she is open to specializing even more.

“Regardless of where I am or what I’m doing, I hope that I’ll be providing all people with the reproductive healthcare that they want and need.”

Helen Marsh, 25 she/her LA ’19

Account Manager, McDermott Will & Emery’s Farragut Square Group For Helen Marsh, her favorite part of her role as Account Manager for Farragut Square Group is working at the intersection of healthcare and finance and being a part of the puzzle that leads to innovative healthcare solutions.

“Every day is different, so one day, we might be focused on diabetes, and the next day, it might be cardiology, which keeps it interesting,” explained Marsh.

Marsh credits her discovery of this passion to her mother, whom she says knew Marsh’s education and interests would lead her to this career path.

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“My mom’s famous words, among others, were ‘healthcare, healthcare, healthcare,’” recounted Marsh. “While I had not intended to listen so keenly to those words, she has a way of knowing what is best.”

Marsh’s tenure as President of Newcomb Senate instilled in her the importance of knowing where she stands, communicating the facts to stakeholders, listening, and keeping everyone on the same page.

“My time with Newcomb and the Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (SISE) program taught me to invite more people to the table,” said Marsh. “It can be easy to fall into a routine, but I have found that asking someone new to join the conversation often leads to bigger and brighter ideas.”

As for the future, Marsh hopes to spend her time uplifting women in a field that is still marked by much gender inequity and discrimination.

“By the time I am 35, I see myself figuring out how to support women in finance and across the workplace, continuing to ask my mentors for their insight, and if I’m lucky, collecting Newcomb pottery.”

30 UNDER 30 Rebecca Martin, 27 she/her SSE ’17

Senior Advisor, Cybersecurity Engineering & Operations, Dell Technologies Freedom and flexibility can be rare experiences in the world of science and technology, but for Rebecca Martin, they are a daily occurrence. As Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity Engineering and Operations at Dell, she enjoys curating her projects and centering her role around her interests.

“When I began studying cybersecurity at Tulane, the field was not as widely talked about as it is today,” described Martin. “I felt that cybersecurity would only become more prevalent over time and wanted to be ahead of the game. The field is constantly evolving and my work feels both relevant and exciting.”

Martin has been steadfast in her pursuit of a career in technology since her days as an undergraduate student. While at Tulane, she was an intern and research assistant in the Collat Media Lab (now the

Technology and Digital Humanities Lab), attended the Grace Hopper Conference, and was a member of Newcomb’s Women in Technology (now Equity in Technology) student organization.

“I would not be where I am today without Newcomb Institute and Tulane's support and investment in women in technology,” expressed Martin. “My internships with the Collat Lab were fundamental in providing me with hands-on experience through my projects with several technology nonprofits in New Orleans.

These projects laid the groundwork for my prospective job conversations later at the Grace Hopper Conference for Women in Computing. While the Women in Technology student organization was small during my tenure as a student, the opportunities provided by Newcomb were hugely influential in each of our careers.”

Martin hopes to have a positive impact on the young women following in her footsteps as her career continues to progress.

“I hope to rise to a place in my career where I inspire young women in technology and influence changes in the industry to provide more opportunities and more support for women in the field.”

Hannah Novak, 27 they/she PHTM ’18

Public Health Analyst, United States Food and Drug Administration The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) centers public health by regulating the products Americans use each day, from food to cosmetics. As a Public Health Analyst for the FDA, Hannah Novak helps the agency with its regulation of medical devices by transforming complex scientific and medical documents into accessible information for the public.

“I really love being part of a process of continuous growth in incorporating health equity principles into the way we communicate and finding new ways to make sure that key information, such as recalls or safety information, is shared in appropriate and understandable ways,” explained Novak.

Novak’s motivation behind their current work is their deep commitment to achieving health equity, and this is a cause they have been tackling through many roles throughout their life.

“After having worked in more directservice public health roles, I'm glad to have the chance to explore regulation and policy as another aspect of a multifaceted field,” said Novak.

As an undergraduate student, Novak was instrumental in planning the first Louisiana Sexual Assault Student Activist Conference and was heavily involved in Tulane’s Sexual Aggression Peer Hotline and Education (SAPHE) student organization. Both endeavors were kickstarted through Newcomb funding.

“Newcomb provided funding, but also guidance and structure to learn skills that are challenging to develop on your own,” recounted Novak. “Planning the Louisiana Sexual Assault Student Activist Conference helped me gain the ability to coordinate and communicate across groups about shared concerns; writing SAPHE workshops and presentations helped me learn how to tailor tools and resources to individual groups; the Public

Health program gave me the entire foundation to understand my work and continue to strive toward equity.”

Through their work, Novak has learned the importance of balance, checking in with themselves, and best positioning themselves to serve others.

“One thing I learned early is that burnout happens faster than anticipated and is hard to bounce back from,” said Novak. “I could see myself in a role that combines more direct service public health work with policy development, but overall, I see myself in a supportive community and balancing work with enjoyment and personal growth.”

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LaKia M. Williams, 24 she/her SSE ’21

Project Assistant, Person-Centered Reproductive Health Program, University of California, San Francisco’s Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health Community Coordinator, Abortion on Our Own Terms Campaign Reproductive justice is of utmost importance for LaKia Williams, both personally and professionally. As Project Assistant within the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health and as the Community Coordinator for the Abortion on Our Own Terms Campaign, Williams is an advocate for health equity for marginalized groups through both research and grassroots organizing.

“As a descendant of enslaved people, the history of reproductive oppression of enslaved women is something that feels very personal to me,” described

Williams. “Unfortunately, the history of reproductive oppression doesn’t stop in the past. The current racial disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity and the lack of access to abortion care for Black people and other marginalized demographics highlights the need for reproductive health researchers, providers, and lawmakers who are dedicated to improving the lives and reproductive experiences of the most marginalized people.”

Reproductive health, rights, and justice have long been passions for Williams, who was a Newcomb Scholar during her time at Tulane. She also served as President of Students United for Reproductive Justice (SURJ), attended Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) seminars, and was an intern in the Institute’s Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Internship Program.

“I feel that Tulane, and Newcomb specifically, went above and beyond in preparing me for a career in reproductive health, rights, and justice,” said Williams.

“I was afforded many opportunities, from attending conferences to doing research abroad, that allowed me to grow in my understanding of the work I currently do and to grow as an individual. I am deeply appreciative of the Newcomb Scholars Program and Dr. Clare Daniel, who was dedicated to my educational and professional growth, and constantly presented me with opportunities and connections, even after graduation.”

Williams is ready for a long career advocating for access to reproductive healthcare and hopes to become an abortion provider that can offer full spectrum services to those that need them most.

Rachel Rummel, 27 she/her SLA ’17

Program Coordinator, MATHCOUNTS Foundation Rachel Rummel believes today’s youth will change the world. In her role as Program Coordinator for the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, an education nonprofit that provides resources and offers programming to students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, Rummel witnesses hundreds of students display their love for mathematics each year.

“Working as a 1st grade and preschool teacher, I witnessed first-hand how math is oftentimes, sadly, intimidating to kids – especially young girls,” recounted Rummel. “At MATHCOUNTS, our mission is to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving, for both students who love math and students who fear math.”

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In Rummel’s role, she gets to see thousands of kids put their best foot forward in the organization’s Competition Series. The Competition Series is a bee-style math competition that hosts over 25,000 student participants in each year. There are four competition levels: school, chapter, state, and nationals.

“I’ve worked for MATHCOUNTS for almost three years now, but due to COVID, our programs were moved online for the past two program years,” explained Rummel. “This May, I experienced my first in-person national competition, and it was incredible. To see the 220 national competitors together for the first time was powerful, and a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, volunteers, and staff.”

Rummel is no stranger to providing youth with tools to succeed. As an undergraduate, she served as the Executive Director of Women and

Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE), a Newcomb-sponsored organization.

“Newcomb and Tulane provided me with invaluable opportunities to gain experience in the fields I am interested in, to learn from some of the most impactful and accomplished problem-solvers and academics, and to question and fight against oppressive systems,” expressed Rummel.

Rummel is continuing her education, pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in social and education policy at George Washington University. In the future, she hopes to utilize her expertise in policy work, helping to formulate inclusive, intersectional, and equitable social and education policies.

30 UNDER 30 Maya Angele Pelichet, 26 she/her SSE ’18

UX Designer 2, Microsoft Co-Host, The Designers Toolkit Podcast Computers. Each of us comes into contact with them on a daily basis, but Maya Angele Pelichet is one of few that could easily explain the intricacies of computer science and user experience design over a cup of coffee. As UX Designer 2 at Microsoft, she has been working on the company’s application Viva Connection, which helps inform, motivate, and engage employees in Microsoft Teams. Pelichet also co-hosts The Designers Toolkit, a podcast geared towards helping those who are interested in becoming user experience designers learn how to succeed in the industry.

“I love my job because UX combines so many aspects of technology, research, data, and design which allows me to be creative and design practical, useful products for people,” said Pelichet.

“Being able to translate the way people think into functional products that make their lives easier is my favorite part of the job.”

Pelichet has been part of a multinational team and has traveled to collaborate with Microsoft’s Oslo and Nairobi teams.

“This was a very fulfilling experience that provided for a lot of diverse perspectives that have uniquely informed the way my team works and the product we design,” said Pelichet.

Pelichet’s computer science journey began with a course she took on a whim her sophomore year at Tulane. Surprised by how much she enjoyed the class, she joined Newcomb Institute’s Women in Technology (now Equity in Technology) student organization and would go on to become Co-President.

develop real work for my portfolio that I was able to use in interviews to get my first job out of college at the Starbucks Corporate HQ in Seattle, WA. All in all, I attribute much of my early career success to Women in Technology and the many opportunities Newcomb Institute provided me.”

“Through [Women in Technology], I learned about the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference which brings together thousands of women in computing every year,” reflected Pelichet. “I attended a seminar at this conference on UX design and learned about how this career path blended design, technology, research, and data. It felt like the perfect fit for myself career-wise, so I did everything I could to learn about UX and pursue internships that would prepare myself for this role after graduating.”

In ten years, Pelichet sees herself in a managerial position in UX design mentoring others and helping them shape their careers. She also hopes to write a children’s book about computer science.

In addition to her involvement in Women in Technology, Pelichet was an intern in Newcomb’s Collat Media Lab (now the Technology and Digital Humanities Lab).

“I personally wasn’t fully aware of what computer science was until college and I would love to provide more resources to kids than I was privy to,” said Pelichet. “That goal is a bit more far-fetched, but I think it’s always important to dream big.”

“Newcomb Institute and Tulane were extremely influential in impacting my values, helping me achieve my career goals, and progressing quickly in my career,” expressed Pelichet. “The Collat Media Lab internship allowed me to

Clara Riley, 24 she/her LA ’20, SW *21

Intake and Group Social Worker, Prospect Place, Center for Urban Community Services For Clara Riley, social work is more than a job. It is a daily investment in the human rights and dignities all people be able to access. Riley carries this belief with her in her work as the Intake and Group Social Worker for Prospect Place.

Prospect Place is a women's shelter within the Center for Urban Community Services, one of the largest housing organizations in New York City, which provides transitional housing, supportive housing and mobile crisis intervention for unhoused individuals living with severe mental illness.

“My favorite aspect of this program is the ‘housing first’ approach, which allows our clients to reach essential stability without harsh constraints or barriers to access,” described Riley. “I am also a

strong believer that housing is a human right, and I’m humbled each and every day to be a part of the recovery and healing journey for many individuals who live at Prospect Place.”

Riley’s combined interests in social justice, harm reduction and advocacy led her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree, which opened up a plethora of opportunities for her to engage with communities on a variety of levels.

During her time at Tulane, Riley was selected to participate in Newcomb Institute’s Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Internship Program and worked as an intern with the New Orleans Abortion Fund.

“Having the opportunity to learn about a variety of social issues and injustices through the academic aspects of Tulane was integral in developing my understanding of intersectionality and oppression,” said Riley. “My experiences working with nonprofits in the New Orleans community also inspired me to continue exploring social work following my graduation.”

In the future, Riley hopes to continue to be on the frontlines of progressive change and become more involved in policy reform on a national level.

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In Memoriam

The H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College Institute remembers all of our alumnae who have passed away in 2022.

Carolyn Elsa Robbert Davis (1921-2022)

Judith “Judy” Bondurant Spencer (1934-2021)

Carolyn Elsa Robbert Davis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Albert August Robbert and Louise Wolff Robbert. She graduated from Newcomb College in 1942 with a degree in mathematics. While at Newcomb, Davis was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Mortar Board National Honor Society, and numerous other honor societies recognizing scholarship, leadership and service. She was also elected Tulane's Homecoming Queen in 1938 and was a Tulane cheerleader each of her undergraduate years. Davis later served as President of the Newcomb Alumnae Association (NAA) from 1968 to 1972, and served as a class agent for the Newcomb College Class of 1942 without interruption during her lifetime. In the 1990s, she also served another term on the NAA Board of Directors. In 1999, Davis received the Newcomb Service and Loyalty Award because of her unwavering commitment to and love for her alma mater. When her children were grown, Davis taught school-age expectant mothers for ten years in the Orleans Parish School System. She was also a realtor for fourteen years and then managed her sonin-law's medical practice. During her lifetime, Davis participated in numerous organizations and served on many boards and committees with grace and enthusiasm.

Judith “Judy” Bondurant Spencer was born in San Antonio, Texas to Dr. William Bondurant, Jr. and Martha Nieminen Bondurant. She attended Alamo Heights High School and graduated from Newcomb College with a degree in English. In 1963, she married Norman Spencer, and the couple had two children, N. Stuart and Martha. Spencer returned to San Antonio and chaired various English, speech, and drama departments within the San Antonio Independent School District. She also spent ten summers directing Off Broadway Players, a theater group out of First Presbyterian Church, in addition to obtaining a master's degree in English from Incarnate Word College, focusing on Mexican American literature. After retirement, Spencer would spend eight years as Director of Christian Education at St. David's Episcopal Church, San Antonio. Her board memberships, fundraising, and volunteering on behalf of San Antonio institutions continued throughout her life. These groups included the KLRN Community Advisory Board, Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions National Historic Park (now Mission Heritage), the San Antonio Conservation Society, Planned Parenthood of South Texas, San Antonio Teachers Council, Texas State Teachers Association, and First Presbyterian Church.

Sandra Jean Shainock Adair Renee Irene Anderson Allen James Katherine Mackenroth Andersen Jacqueline Provosty Avegno Pickens Costley Bailey Jeanne Marie Marcoux Bolen, MD Jane Evelyn Burkenroad Bories Carole Joy Rambach Breen Patricia Elan Burkenroad Brickhouse Lorynne Davidow Cahn Emily Elizabeth Lackey Cox Mary Henriette Wineman Davis Caitlin Reed Donohue Elizabeth Wheless Eglin Gladybelle Isabelle Gruber Ensminger Patricia Wylie Faust Carol Munro Stanley Fenner Olive Roberts Forman Martha Louise Marshall Foster, MD Phyllis Ray Lowry Galloway

Roberta Irene Gordon Judyth Field Gustafson Jean Brandin Hall Sara Eustis Harris Betty Trelford Hellmann Sarah Frances Hightower Hill Katherine Virginia Holland Louise Ryder Horn Barbara Weiss Jaffe Susan J. Sicotte Jepson, MD Mary Eugenia Knight Kimzey Sharon E. Heath King Joyce Marks Dattel Kuh Betty Lott Lauffenburger Frances Kentner LeBreton Nancy Farwell Leman Anne DeRussy Derussy Leonard Laura Jean Magee, EdD Leslie Ainsworth Maggio Isabel Ochsner Mann

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of August 12, 2022.

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Paulette L. Gardy Marcus Eola Levy McConnell Joan Girot Noel Alyce Marechal O'Brien Elva Hollins Palmer Patricia Greco Parentela Marie Lena Hornyik Pickerill, PhD Beverly Jackson Powers Lorin M. Readmond Patricia Isabel Karst Reed Kay Anderson Rizzo Julie Meredith Saul Mary Catherine Dicks Schmidt Shirley Bernice Tanenbaum Seelig Ruth Jean Felder Shelton Julia Conger Shoup Beverly June Silberling Marian Petchesky Silver Ann Stephens Smith Eleanor Genevieve Smith

Marie Louise Levy Steuer Kathryn Hansen Sullivan Beth Greenwald Sweet Linda Lee Talmadge Suzanne Elizabeth Deddish Taylor Karin Ann Verdon Margaretha Yvonne Laan Viguerie Ursula A. Vonrydingsvard Von Rydingsvard Virginia McConnell Walker Kathleen Marie Kehl Waltman Deborah Gardner Whalley-Kendrick Jane K. Wheelahan Florence Jones Witt

Thank You!

NEWCOMB

Donor Honor Roll

We appreciate the financial support of alumnae, parents, and friends. We proudly announce the donors to Newcomb Institute, including those that have made gifts to the Newcomb Alumnae Association, during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Thank you for your support. The Newcomb monies benefit today’s Newcomb Institute programs, just as they benefited students who attended Newcomb College. Funds functioning as endowment and true endowments support the Newcomb Institute. The Newcomb Foundation Board ensures that the Newcomb Institute spends that money wisely. Named endowments support a variety of other activities, including lecture series, research grants, and the Newcomb Archives.

Catherine Adami and Jeven Adami Amie Adams Nira Agrawal Laura Albert and Justin Albert Anissa Allbritton and J. Allbritton Vanann Allen Sabina Altman Matthew Anderson Bethlehem Andrews Kara Angelini Elsa Angrist Lory Arnold and Jacob Bryan Gina Arons and Ronald Siegel Nancy Aronson and Virginia Besthoff Teresa Auch and Michael Auch Tara Auclair Jessica Baff and David Baff Rebecca Baker Françoise Le Gall and Jeffrey Balkind Jessica Barnes-Nielsen Victoria Barry Lynn Barton and David Barton Adelaide Basco Amy Bashiti and Samer Bashiti Laura Bates and John Bates Diane Baum and John Baum Emily Baum and Joshua Burke Nina Baumgartner Kathy Baxter and Johnny Baxter Elaine Baylor Cynthia Beaird and W. Beaird Joanna Bean Alyssa Beard Alison Bedell Meredith Beers Elizabeth Bellino and Peter Towns Christine Bellino and Thomas Bellino Joan Benjamin Jennifer Berne Mayah Bernstein Lisette Betancourt Constance Birabent Bernadette Birzer Laurie Block Rita Bloom and Herschel Bloom * Harriett Bobo Robin Boch

Lucile Bodenheimer and James Holiday Rebecca Boothby Susan Borrelli Mary Bostick Lori Boswell and William Boswell Margaretta Bourgeois and Lionel Bourgeois Sharon Bourgeois and St Paul Bourgeois Benedicte Boutrouille Eleanore Boyse and Matthew Boyse Jeanne Breckinridge and Lex Breckinridge Lindsay Brice Barbara Bridges Deborah Britt and Corbett Britt Kathleen Britton and John Britton Helen Brooks and R. Brooks Julia Broussard and Daniel Thompson Gregory Brousse Paula Brown Sarah Brown Katherine Brucker Stephanie Buckwalter Elizabeth Bui and Jeffrey Martin Barbara Burgess Jessica Burt Denise Butler Bridget Cabibi Nancy Cadwallader Gisele Calderon Elizabeth Carmody and John Carmody Michelle Cash and Warren Cash Susan Cator and David Cator Jane Cease Phillippa Chadd Mariya Chadovich Bonnie Chapman and William Chapman Charles Chauvin Beth Chauvin Hamilton Chauvin Mary Chauvin and Bradley Carleton Chun-Chih Chiu and I-Ping Chiu Chelsea Cipriano and Taylor Conrad Holly Clement and Stephen Clement

Jane Cody and Murray Simpson Adele Cohen Vicky Cole and Stephen Cole Susan Cook and Clayton Cook Charlotte Cooksey Heather Corbett Linda Costopulos Amber Countis and Andrew Countis Rachel Couper and Eric Couper Kaye Courington Kerianna Courtney Alice Couvillon and Robert Couvillon Sarah Covert and Seth Knudsen Mary Cox Aimee Crago Lisa Cristal and Bruce Cybul Alexandra Cudney Mildred Currie and William Basco Ann Curtis Rebecca Curtis and Philip Curtis Barbara Cusachs Clare Daniel Jennifer Daniel and Sara Slaughter Andrea Daniels and Michael Daniels James Daniel Brianne Darragh Frank Daspit Ilene Davidson Barbara Mollere and Louis Davis Perrin Davis and Jake Davis Rebecca Joslin-Davis and Reginald Davis Frances Day and Richard Day Hannah Dean Stacy DePizzo Mary Dickson and Brooke Dickson Barbara Dickson and Sandler Dickson Clare Dimaunahan and Scott Mendenhall Etta Dimitry and Richard Dimitry Katie Dochen Emily Doliner Joan Donovan and Robert Donovan Annette Doskey Clare Doyle Elizabeth Duplantier

Marian Durfey and Allan Durfey Elizabeth Dwyer Lauren Eckert and Gregory Eckert Catherine Edwards and David Edwards Nancy Ehlers and Glenn Ehlers Annette Ehrhorn Paula Eichenbrenner Lauren Elkin and Matthew Jasie Carolee Elliott and Stephen Elliott Caroline Elliott Amy Enchelmeyer and Collin Warren Donna Esteves and Richard Esteves Stacie Goeddel and Michael Etheridge Abigail Ex Merri Ex and Mitchell Ex Nina Ex Kathryn Facchiano Ann Farmer and Thomas Farmer Alexander Fast Martha Fazio and Steven Fazio Laura Felt and Robert Felt Joshua Fertitta Briah Fischer Debra Fischman Jill Fisher and Geoffrey Fisher Jennifer Fitting Camille Fitzsimmons Carter Flemming and Michael Flemming Chrissy Foderick Ann Owens and Robin Forman Regan Forrester and William Forrester Sarah Fraker Jensen Leslie Franklin and Steven Franklin Misty Frederick Linn Freedman and Steven Freedman Nell Frewin-Hays Amanda Fuselier Lauren Gaines Emily Galik Brian Gamble and Henry Harbin Gloria Gargiulo Pedrelli and Adriano Pedrelli Mary Garrard Amy Gatzemeyer and Garrett

Gatzmeyer Lisa Gellman and Bruce Gellman Preeya Genz and Daniel Genz Dana Gerard and Quin Gerard Elizabeth Gerhart and Stephen Gerhart Mary Edith Germeau Elizabeth Gilmartin and J.J. Gilmartin Rebecca Gipson Nancy Goedecke Jacqueline Gold and Melvin Gold Claudia Goleburn Donna Golub and Seth Golub Monique Goodwin Sheila Gorey Shelley Gorson and Alan Salpeter Abbey Graf and Jason Graf Jennifer Grant and Jeffrey Grant Lori Grayson and John Grayson Emily Greenfield and Aaron Viles Jane Grimshaw Patricia Gruenberg and Alan Gruenberg Madeleine Grynsztejn and Thomas Shapiro Kathryn Gsell Nicolette Guillou Hannah Hale Amanda Hallauer and Todd Hallauer Allyson Halperin Marilyn Hamly Beth Hammerman and Neil Hammerman Priscilla Handy Sharon Funk and Joshua Hanna Laurel Hanson Amanda Hardy Gwen Harley and George Harley Shanna Harper Alexandra Harrington and Michael Harrington Ann Harris Ina Hart Jessica Hart Cynthia Harter and John Harter Elizabeth Hartzog Nan Heard and Paul Krogstad Susan Hecht and Richard Hecht

* deceased This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of July 31, 2022.

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Ashley Hedemann and Stephen Hedemann Rosaria Heide and Rudolph Heide Tyler Helm Jean Hendrickson and R. Hendrickson Jane Henning Julie Henriquez Aldana and Mynor Aldana Kathleen Henry Margaret Herman Sarah Herman Vicki Herman and Mark Herman Martha Higgins and Christopher Higgins Rich Higgins Daphne Hill Gayle Hill and Robert Hill Christy Himel Mary Beth Hines and Douglas Hines Nancy Hoffman and Phillip Hoffman Paula Hoffman Jennifer Hollenbach and Andrew Hollenbach Emily Holm and Theodore Holm Reva Holmes and Michael Holmes Paige Holtgreve Francine Horwich Jacquelyne Howard and David Howard Emma Hurler Patricia Hurley and Kim Hill Andrea Huseman and Jeffrey Huseman Tanya Isaac Daniel Jablonski Augusta Jacobs and Benjamin Jacobs Andrea Jeanfreau and Robert Jeanfreau Jean Jew Greg Johnston Emily Jones Halena Jones Marsha Jones and Albert Jones Sarah Jones Anne Joseph and Alfred Joseph Ricki Kanter and Joel Kanter Laura Kanter Susan Kantrow and Byron Kantrow Robin Kaplan and Abram Kronsberg Veronica Kastrin Angela Keesee Susan Keith and Samuel Keith Esther Kelly and Francis Kelly Rebecca Kelly Jessica Kennedy Ann Keogh

Ann Kerr Jeila Kershaw Pamela Key Diana Khajautia-Bharucha Suzanne Kinney and David Kinney Lucinda Kittrell and Scott Kittrell Samantha Klein Melrose and Mike Melrose Sara Klingaman Stephanie Knopp Mary Kock Molli Kuenstner Kirsten Kuhlmann Barbara Kurshan Katherine Kusner and Michael Kusner Jacklyn Lane Judi Lapinsohn Andrea Lapsley and Robert Lapsley Constance Larimer Mary Leban Blaine Legum-Levenson Carla Lentz and Edward Lentz Elizabeth Lentz Katie Lentz Malachi Lentz Mary Ann Leo Lisa Lettau Andrea Leverentz Michele Levy and Melvyn Levy Fergie Lewis and Patrick Lewis Sharan Lieberman and Jordan Karlitz Barbara Lief Barbara Livingston and Milton Livingston Nia Lizanna Joyce Lobrano and Francis Lobrano Leann Logsdon Norma Lombard Christi Longlois Geneva Longlois-Marney Elizabeth Lopez Corie Louie Kathryn Lovejoy Thomas Lynch Joel Lynn Allyson Mackay Carolyn Mahady Amanda Mahnke Anna Mahoney and Patrick Mahoney S. Mahorner Virginia Maietta Sarah Mallonee Denise Malone and Thomas Malone Julie Mandell and Robert Mandell Barbara Mansberg Diane Marcus Helen Marsh

Leo Marsh Marianne Marshall Suzanne Martin and Terry Martin Mariana Martinez and Adam Martinez Sean Marx Glenn May Robyn Mazur and Joseph Penachio Rebecca McClain Sonia McCormick Mary Helen McCoy and Stephen McCoy Anne McCulloch and Edgar McCulloch Judy McEnany and Michael McEnany Elizabeth McGehee Anne McGlynn-Wright Elizabeth McHugh and Patrick McHugh Barbara McInturff Meredith McInturff Jean McKinley Suzanne McMullen Sandra McNamee and Douglas McNamee Claire McVadon and M. McVadon Patricia Meadows and William Meadows Alida Melancon and Charles Melancon Sharon Melville and Nornam Bridges Melissa Mendoza and Charlotte Green Zo Mendozi Suzanne Mercer and John Mercer Mary Meredith and Paul Ronan Katharine Ross-Merrell and James Merrell Kimiko Meyers and Charles Meyers Elaine Miller and Aaron Stambler Jennifer Mills Priscilla Mims Lara Mintz and Clifford Mintz Marilyn Mislove and Michael Mislove Patricia Mitchell Marie Monroe and James Monroe Kathryn Montgomery Dominique Moore Ashley Moran and Kevin Moran Anne Morse and James Morse Debbie Mulvenna and Carlo Mulvenna Leslie Nahs Jossy Nebenzahl Alison Nelson and David Nelson Elizabeth Nelson and David Kelley Tina Nguyen Jewelynn Nice Katherine Nichols

Lisa Norris Joan Rogers Marianne O'Carroll Kathryn Roman and James Roman Colleen O'Donnell Sonja Romanowski Anneke Olson Erin Rusonis Judith Olson and Leonard Olson Sharon Russell Dorie Osisek and Damian Osisek Kathryn Rydberg Andrea Otero Emma Saltzberg Statira Overstreet and W. Rich Caroline Sampson Rachelle Parker and Nathan Parker Marcelo Sanchez Sybil Patten Ruth Sang Lani Paxton and William Paxton Teresa Santa Coloma and Lynn Pyke Gale Payne and John Payne Aracelly Santana Ryan Pearce Carolyn Saunders Marilyn Pecsok Sofia Pendley and Shane Pendley Sally Savage and Stephen Savage Sallie Scanlan Amelia Pepper Susan Schaefer Katherine Peres Clara Perry and Michael Schwartz Lauren Lee Schewel and Abraham Schewel Jessalyn Peters Theresa Schieber and Ray Rybak Barbara Peterson Patricia Pfeffer and Gerald Pfeffer Susan Schippert Will Schippert Deirdre Phillips Dorothy Schmit and Paul Schmit Roxane Pickens and Daniel Ellen Schneidau and Marc Dickinson Schneidau Paula Picker and Joel Picker Helen Schneidau Marjorie Pinsker and Clive Pinsker Jacqueline Schornstein Suzanne Plaisance and Autrey Rhonda Schornstein and Michael Plaisance Schornstein Inell Potter Paula Powers and Bernard Powers Alexa Schwartz Sandra Segel Rebecca Powers Jennifer Seibert and Nicholas Andrea Price and Todd Price Seibert Evelyn Prince and Julian Prince Samantha Seigman and Peter Terryl Propper Seigman Laura Purswell and Michal Purswell Jennifer Sekerka Julie Qiu Karen Seltzer and Steven Seltzer Ann Queen and Richard Shivar Carly Shaffer Linda Quick Dorcas Domenico and George Maureen Quinn Shaffer Sarah Quintano Susan Shaffer Annette Rau and Jack Rau Susan Shafton Chloe Raub and Daniel Shedd Michelle Sharp and Jeremy Sharp Dana Ray Maude Sharp Kathryn Ray and David Ray Ashley Sheed Shirley Reddoch and Gregg Brittney Sheena Petersen Erin Sheena Laura Kreller and Christopher Michelle Sheena Reeves Pamela Reuter and Merrill Reuter Helene Sheena and Ronnie Sheena Christina Le-Short and Aaron Short Jill Reynolds Aaron Siegal Lisa Rice and Thomas Thompson Marion Siegman Andrea Richardson and Dee Silverthorn and Andrew Christopher Richardson Silverthorn Anne-Marie Richeme-Zweidler and Jane Simmons Daniel Zweidler Jennifer Simoneaux and Robert Catherine Richman Simoneaux Gracibel Rickerfor Michael Simons Ederlaida Ritter and Ryan Ritter Amanda Roberts and Sean Roberts Tracey Sirles Cynthia Skaalen and Peter Skaalen Shelley Roberts and Jeffrey Aidan Smith and Patrick Sullivan Roberts Alexis Smith Joey Rodriguez

* deceased This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of July 31, 2022.

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NEWCOMB FALL FALL 2022 2022 NEWCOMB

Caitlin Smith Carol Smith Charlene Smith Cynthia Smith Janis Smythe and Anthony Smythe Marcia Spielberger Luther Stacy Judith Steinberg Melissa Striner and Jerome Steiner Rosina Stephenson and Robert Stephenson Karie Stern and Eric Peterson Rachel Stickney Jean Stickney and Robert Stickney Susan Stine Mary Stinson Carol Stivrins and Timothy Stivrins Elizabeth Stocks Carolyn Stolz Susan Strachan G. Stricklin and Stephen Nichols Kathleen Sukenik and Greg Sukenik Raleigh Susskind Marleen Swerdlow Donna Taylor Rebecca Teeter Tammy Thaggert Sarah Therriault and Russell Therriault Donnalyn Thomas and Herman Thomas Patrice Thomas Brenda Thompson Kathleen Timmins Alisa Toney Alice Torrey and William Torrey Elena Toulios and Christopher Oliver Priscilla Traficanti and Bryan Traficanti Betsie Tremant Nicholas Tringali Susan Tucker Sandra Turkel and Richard Turkel Christine Turner Jennifer Turner John Turner Patricia Turner

Patricia Uchello and Carlo Uchello Sarah Yousha Dolores Valtierra McKenzie Ziegler Laura Van de Planque and Michael Paula Zielonka and Carl Zielonka Van de Planque Ilene Zier Michelle Van Wyk Ronna Zoll and Steven Zoll L. Janice VandenBrink and Randy Linda Zoller and Michael Zoller VandenBrink Marcia VanderVoort and Thomas VanderVoort CORPORATIONS Isabelle Varlan AND FOUNDATIONS D. Veta and Mary Dutton Patricia Vorhoff and Gilbert Vorhoff American Endowment Foundation Beaird Development, Inc. Robbert Vorhoff Betancourt Stuttering Center Elizabeth Waldman and Todd Waldman Birmingham Jewish Foundation Kathy Walker and Jeffrey Walker Blue Grass Community Foundation M. Walker Chicago Community Foundation Leigh Anne Wall Commonwealth Charitable Fund Teresa Warkentin and Jonathan Deloitte Foundation Warkentin Deloitte LLP Joan Watkins Collins C. Diboll Private Foundation Maria Watson Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Susan Wedlan and Harold Rosen Frontstream Kathy Weil Gargiulo Periodontics SC Karen Weinberg and Daniel Jewish Community Foundation of Weinberg San Diego Sue Robin Weinhauer and Robert JPMorgan Chase Weinhauer JPMorgan Chase Foundation Laura Weinkle K.W. Parking, LLC Riki Weinstein and Daniel Morrison Kahn Education Foundation Patricia Weiss Nebenzahl-Spitz Foundation Martha Wells and Max Wells Out of the Box Foundation Lauren Wethers Renaissance Charitable Bridget Wicklander Foundation, Inc. Chloe Wicks Sap Concur Nancy Wiener Schwab Charitable Fund Joan Wilcox and Charles Wilcox The Greater New Orleans Sandra Willen and Jon Willen Foundation Priscilla Wilson U. S. Charitable Gift Trust Marianne Wilt and Richard Wilt Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Carol Wise M.B. and Edna Zale Foundation Judilyn Wise and Michael Wise Nancy Wogan Laura Wolford and Daniel Sharp Tara Wolman and Steven Wolman Penny Wyatt Heather Yanak and James Phelan Jeanette Yanak and Charles Yanak Kyle Yanak Suzanne Yayman and Sergio Rodriguez-Beristain Nicolette Yianilos and John Carey

* deceased This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of July 31, 2022.

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