LEAD Alumna Profile

Life After LEAD

Puja Bhardwaj ’16, DO Doctor. LEADHer. Friend.

Her story, like that of many LEAD students, is one of firsts. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the LEAD program, we hope to share more stories of LEAD alumnae who are making a positive impact in their communities.

Navigating My First Year of College

I would describe myself as a friendly person once I get to know you. During my first year of college, I was so quiet, shy, reserved, and sheltered. It was hard to adjust.

Starting the LEAD Program

The 2012–13 academic year was certainly a year of firsts—my first year as a college student and the first year of the LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program. I was anxious. However, during my first LEAD session, I could see that I was surrounded by a community of friendly people. The staff was engaging and I immediately felt welcomed.

An Unforgettable LEAD Experience

The beauty of the LEAD program is that I was encouraged to get out of my comfort zone. I still remember our trip to an adventure park to go zip lining. I was terrified and didn’t want to do it, but I turned around and heard my LEAD cohort members cheering me on. It seems so insignificant when I think about it now, but in that moment, I thought to myself, “Maybe I could do things I thought I couldn’t do.” I stepped up, leaned off the platform, and had a great time zip lining with my LEAD cohort. I often reflect on that small moment that greatly impacted the rest of my college experience.

Invaluable LEAD Sessions

At the start of the program, I did not realize how informative leadership sessions, practical life-skills workshops, and mentorship from others would truly impact my life. My favorite LEAD session was on salary negotiation. I still remember those tips and techniques and use them today as I search for my first job as a doctor. I was only 19 years old when I had that LEAD lesson. That invaluable information is never outdated and I never received it anywhere else.

My Lifelong LEAD Friendships

I was once asked, “What does LEAD mean to you?” Without hesitation, I said it means empowerment, friendship, and support. The staff became my friends and I never felt like there was a generation gap. Through collaboration and community, my classmates helped me see different ways to view life. I met some of my very best friends through LEAD—Theresa DeFreitas ’18, Anna George, and Cassie Pastier ’16. We always keep in touch and have been there to support each other through the challenges and celebrations of life. In fact, when I got married in August, they were in my wedding party. They are my LEAD friends that became family.

Overcoming the Challenges of Life

Family and friends got me through the most difficult days. During the pandemic, I had just started my intern year of residency at Mather Hospital in New York City. I was in a class that was forced to graduate from medical school early because the world needed us to work at hospitals that were filled to capacity with patients but lacking the staff to support the demand. I remember one nurse saying to me, “Make sure you take care of yourself first.” I went from an early medical school graduation into the chaos of the pandemic and uncertainty of the future. She was right. I worked long shifts. I learned to take care of myself so I didn’t burn out. I was a new resident and literally “learning as I went.” I saw people’s lives change for the worse in one day. At times, I felt alone and isolated since I lived away from my family. My colleagues and I were in a high-risk group so we could not socialize with each other outside of work. During that time, it was important to stay virtually connected to family and friends. They never made it seem like I couldn’t talk about what I was feeling. Instead, they showed me unconditional love.

Looking Back

College was a time of discovery. I discovered LEAD. I discovered new friends. I discovered what it means to get outside my comfort zone. My advice to first-year students starting the LEAD program is to do something every day to better yourself. College is one of the unique times in life where you really can embrace opportunities and build lifelong friendships. Go out there and enjoy the experience.

Getting out of her comfort zone and zip lining at an adventure park.

Moving Forward

Completing my college journey was exciting and scary. However, LEAD equipped me with what I needed to be successful and make a positive impact in this world. I encourage seniors and those entering the professional world to stay true to yourself while saying “yes” to opportunities.

Life After LEAD

I’m currently in the third year of my internal medicine residency. I hope to complete an internship in sleep medicine and eventually become a hospitalist in acute care while working in the sleep laboratory part-time. Taking the lessons I learned in LEAD, I also want to become an academic hospitalist and teacher. Each step on my journey has been unique. I thank LEAD for providing an empowering community where I could lean forward and thrive while constantly hearing my support squad cheering me on.

Puja (seated) with her LEAD bridal party (left to right) Cassie Pastier ’16, Anna George, and Theresa DeFreitas ’18.

The Path to LEAD

The Women’s Education and Leadership Fund (now known as The Women’s Advancement Initiative) was established in 2006 to advance the potential of women in the Hartford College for Women (HCW) tradition.

After the success of its Dorothy Goodwin Scholars and Laura Johnson Leaders programs, and a thoughtful strategic planning process facilitated by then-Chair Lucille Nickerson, the Board of Directors decided to increase its focus on students. The result was the development of LEAD (Leadership Education and Development), an innovative program for students. The design of LEAD was inspired by the way students at HCW were supported and challenged. Alison Gallagher Coolbrith Lastra ’65 (HCW) and Barry Lastra became the inaugural investors of LEAD, and their generous challenge inspired donations from dozens of other people.

LEAD responds to the unique challenges and opportunities undergraduate women experience at each stage of their college journey and beyond. Twenty-five students started the program in 2012 and became the first LEAD graduating class in 2016. These humble beginnings have grown into a sisterhood across time with 180 LEAD alumnae joining the 3,570 HCW alumnae in being successful in their lives and communities.

Today, the LEAD program serves more than 100 women students each year with 50 bi-weekly leadership and development sessions, events to encourage bonding, and a supportive empowering community.

LEAD students are proud to continue and celebrate the legacy of Hartford College for Women.

The LEAD Endowed Fund

To sustain LEAD, Lucille Nickerson and her husband, professor emeritus Ralph Zegarelli, launched the LEAD Endowed Fund. Additional gifts are welcomed and appreciated. Please see page 11 for ways to give.

In 2014, Puja received her professional headshot at a LEAD mock job interview session.

Puja Bhardwaj ’16, DO Doctor. LEADHer. Friend.

In 2014, Puja received her professional headshot at a LEAD mock job interview session.