A panel on women in leadership was held on April 15 at Stony Brook University’s Sidney Gelber Auditorium, bringing together prominent women from business, academia, and the nonprofit sector to share their experiences and insights. The event was part of a series of presidential panel discussions during the inauguration of President Andrea Goldsmith.
The discussion focused on how leadership often develops in unexpected ways and is shaped by persistence, mentorship, and openness to change. Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America and former director of policy planning at the U.S. State Department, said, “Leaders are made as much as they are born or at least they are encouraged as much as they are born. There is often someone else who says of course you can do it.” Goldsmith opened the event by highlighting the value of learning from others’ journeys: “I am thrilled and honored that this group of outstanding leaders have joined us to participate in my inauguration panel focused on ‘Women in Leadership.’ I know the audience, particularly our students, will find this panel to be invigorating, and motivating.”
Panelists included Marilyn Simons—co-founder and chair of the Simons Foundation; Barbara G. Novick—co-founder of BlackRock; Maria Klawe—president of Math for America; and Slaughter. Each described non-linear career paths influenced by opportunity and resilience. Simons said her own journey was shaped by saying yes to opportunities: “I was pretty undirected… But I was a hard worker and I loved learning and I was offered opportunities and I said yes.” Novick shared that growing up she did not perceive any gender-based limitations: “Growing up, it never occurred to me that there was a difference, career wise, of boys versus girls.” She also reflected on finding fulfillment beyond professional success: “Being good at it doesn’t mean you have to like it,” Novick said.
Klawe discussed how connecting different networks can drive change: “The easiest way to actually make an impact is to connect networks that aren’t connected.” Slaughter emphasized learning from criticism: “If you want to be a leader, you’re not going to be liked all the time… You may have an argument in which you are 98% correct… Focus on that 2%. Run toward the criticism.” Mentorship emerged as a central theme throughout the discussion. Slaughter said mentoring involves more than giving advice—it also includes sponsorship.
Simons spoke about founding Stony Brook Women’s Leadership Council—a mentoring program for undergraduate women—and its impact: “Just being tapped on the shoulder and asked to do something gave me a lot of opportunity… I don’t think that I’ve ever done anything as rewarding as mentoring young women.” In closing remarks addressed directly to future leaders in attendance she advised them: “If you get invited to have a seat at the table, take that seat at the table,” referencing advice given by President Barack Obama.
Goldsmith concluded with reflections on Stony Brook University’s mission for developing leaders across disciplines: “This has been such an inspiring and powerful discussion… At Stony Brook we are educating future leaders… Together we will build pioneers who will make an impact on Long Island, New York City, the state and world.”
