What I Learned
Whether they're running universities, political campaigns or major corporations, these 11 remarkable women have found their own ways of overcoming obstacles.
Amy Gutmann
President, the University of Pennsylvania
I've had terrific male and female mentors, some of whom surprised me by taking an interest in me and my work. Some people think that mentors are people who sit down and give you advice on how to succeed. I don't think that's the way the best mentors work. I think the best mentors are people who are talent scouts and show you how to succeed by modeling it themselves and being supportive of very talented people. I feel that when I am launching talent myself, I am doing something that is not only good but was also essential to my own success.
I was a university professor for two decades, and I have former graduate students who are now professors at major universities all over the world. It gives me great satisfaction to have helped launch these amazingly accomplished people.
At Penn, half of my executive team and deans are women—not because I set out to have women, but because I hired the most talented, hardworking people. So many women in these jobs would not have been conceivable when I started out in academia. I have women running my computer operation, my budget operation, my police force. My deans of the veterinary school, arts and sciences, and nursing are all women. That's a revolution in academic life.
Janet Murguia
President and CEO, National Council of La Raza
Public service is still a noble calling, and it is an incredible opportunity to make a positive difference. When I got out of law school, I didn't mind starting as a legislative assistant, even though I was making very little money. You need to get the experience and learn. You have to be patient. You have to be willing to work through a few stages before you get to the exact ideal job that you want. I run across a lot of young people, and they immediately want to be in that ideal job. You don't want to discourage them from chasing their dreams. But there is a road, and you have to be willing to follow that road and overcome obstacles.
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Member Comments
Posted By: Winnie Kathurima @ 10/23/2007 9:20:29 AM
Comment: Comment: Dear Mary Robinson. I read your short powerful story in the Oct 22 newsweek and thought I should congratulate you and add a line to your already growing global impact. I am a Kenyan woman, Director of the leading Microfinance Bank in Africa; Equity Bank. Could you please add me to your list of activities the role of Microfinace more so in breaking the chains of poverty for our people and especially women. I know we can make a huge difference together with the other elders in your amdirable team. Keep up the good work. You lifted me to the next level of my career just with your words. Winnie Kathurima
Posted By: Winnie Kathurima @ 10/23/2007 9:19:37 AM
Comment: Comment: Dear Mary Robinson. I read your short powerful story in the Oct 22 newsweek and thought I should congratulate you and add a line to your already growing global impact. I am a Kenyan woman, Director of the leading Microfinance Bank in Africa; Equity Bank. Could you please add me to your list of activities the role of Microfinace more so in breaking the chains of poverty for our people and especially women. I know we can make a huge difference together with the other elders in your amdirable team. Keep up the good work. You lifted me to the next level of my career just with your words. Winnie Kathurima
Posted By: Winnie Kathurima @ 10/23/2007 9:14:29 AM
Comment: Dear Mary Robinson. I read your short powerful story in the Oct 22 newsweek and though I should congratulate you and add a line to your already growing global impact. Iam a Kenyan woman, Director of the leading Microfinance Bank in Africa; Equity Bank. Could you please ad to your list of activities the role of Microfinace more so in breaking the chains of poverty for our people and especially women. I know we can make a huge difference together with the other elders in your amirable team. Keep up the good work. you lifted me to the next level of my career just with your words. Winnie Kathurima