Dear Columbia College Women,

Happy July! Here’s to enjoying the warmth and energy of the sun.

Every year at this time I reflect on the connection, achievements and initiatives that CCW brought to life during the past academic year. CCW’s dedicated board, volunteers and broader community have had a positive impact in a time when community and gathering with like-minded alumnae has meant so much. It has been heartening to see us network, exchange ideas, share stories about our Columbia experience and make connections.

CCW highlights since my last quarterly update:

• CCW’s Annual Signature event, this year held on April 17 and titled “A View from the Top: Women Navigating Leadership and Change,” was well attended. It featured four alumnae panelists and an alumna moderator — all leaders in their field — sharing their points of view on leadership and careers, and offering life lessons.

• CCW launched Career Convos, brief one-on-one mentoring conversations between a CCW board member and an undergraduate during which they discuss topics such as career paths, networking, and the alumna’s personal and professional journeys. We are excited for more conversations this Fall.

• CCW recently recognized three board members for their service and welcomed eight new board members, all of whom have a broad range of experiences and are highly engaged with Columbia. They begin their service on July 1.

I am grateful for the CCW community and the many ways that alumnae are supporting each other and using their voices to bring people together. Whether it be a book talk, marketing panel, leadership conversation, “Sweat and Connect” workout, lunch and learn with students, casual catch-up or meeting someone new, CCW is bringing alumnae together to engage, celebrate and give back, which is welcome and appreciated in these challenging times.

I am excited about what’s ahead for CCW, including implementing new programming, meeting and working with volunteers who reached out and expanding our reach across the globe. We have exciting events and programs planned for the summer and the next academic year — read more below!

We have a lot to celebrate, and even more to learn and to take action on, so please let us know your interests. CCW needs proactive alumnae to continue to succeed in our mission of amplifying women’s voices every day.

I wish you a healthy and fun summer, and I look forward to hearing from you and/or seeing you at an event!

With deep gratitude,

Nancy Pak CC’90, BUS’95