Sisterhood, leadership, community, and hope

Katharine is currently an administrative assistant at The Horace Mann School in the Nursery Division. Before her time here, Katharine spent time at the Hewitt School after her time as an executive assistant to the VP for Development at Barnard College for nine years.

In her time outside of work, Katharine is a member of the Executive Committee of the Friends of the Smith College Libraries and served on the Board of Directors of the Smith College Alumnae Association. In her community, Katharine is known for serving as the Elementary PTA President, her school’s foundation President, and as a member of the Board of the local region of the American Youth Soccer Organization where she coordinated the summer soccer camp for 10 years.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a graduating Walker’s student?

Life is not linear. You can make plans, and you should, but be prepared to adjust those plans. Take chances and risks when they present themselves. Don’t play it too safe. Life is indeed short, and if you don’t take those chances, you might regret it later in life when it might be too late… though, I’ve been told it is never too late! Also, cherish your friends from Walker’s. Stay connected to them. And go back to Simsbury for your reunions when ever your life allows it. Reunions are so much fun!

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being on the Alumnae Board?

I always feel so empowered when I’m back on campus and brainstorming with my fellow board members. It’s such a magical feeling being back on campus and getting to share stories with each other all while continuing to share our love with the school and future alum.

What is your fondest memory or tradition from your time at Walker’s?

I loved walking back from the barn with my friends to Cluett.

Sarah is a retired Sales Management professional whose career flourished in the wholesale bakery business in Southern California. Now, she is active on boards on non-profit foundations serving the substance abuse recovery community.

What do you find to be the most rewarding part about being on the Alumnae Board?

I am filled with admiration and gratitude for the leadership of Meera Viswanathan and for the many ways she has brought our school to another level of excellence. I have loved meeting other alumnae sharing the same dedication to developing the minds of the next generation of women leaders.

Nicky spent 12 years in publishing, first in books and then magazines. She shifted gears about three years ago and is now the director of administration for a general contractor in East Hartford, CT. It’s a great company with a small but talented team. They offer their clients everything from the architectural, interior and branding design, to the actual construction.

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being on the Alumnae Board?

I love learning about all of the new opportunities being offered to our students. It seems like everything has gotten better, from the curriculum to the community partnerships. It’s very exciting and I’m always eager to help spread the word.

Senior Director of Business Development & Corporate Sponsorships at Global Citizen

What is one piece of advice you would give to a graduating Walker’s student?

Welcome to the incredible community of Walker’s Alumnae! My closest friends still to this day are from EWS, and I am now very lucky to have new friends across generations within the alumnae community. Hold true to our values: Sisterhood, Leadership and Community.

Elize is a clean water activist, volunteer for multiple amazing charities, has owned a children’s boutique, managed a political campaign, and has a passion for costume design. She’s a “jack of all trades, master of none.”

How did attending Walker’s impact your path and where you are now?

The friendships I built at Walker’s have sustained me and helped build me into the person I am now. We continue contact and our friendships have evolved from teenage-hood all the way through parenting and everything in between.

Jeanette has just returned to the USA after traveling for the past four years while working remotely. She is a UX Designer and her current contract is with TIP Global Health, an NGO focused on last-mile health care in rural Rwanda. Prior to that Jeanette helped start-ups such as WeWork and Remote Year during their early stage, rapid growth.

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being on the board?

I love becoming more involved in the Walker’s community.

Caroline Strapp is a dual degree student at the University of Connecticut where she has completed an English degree and is finishing a second in Graphic Design. She has worked as the Yearbook Managing Editor, Magazine Managing Editor, and now as a Designer at UConn’s Nutmeg Publishing.

What is your fondest memory or tradition from your time at Walker’s?

Lots of small things! My favorite tradition is probably Mountain Day. For a fond memory… It’s a tie between getting a lunch table with your best friends, and dance practice with Ms. Soule and all my teammates.

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being on the Alumnae Board?

I love feeling connected to Walker’s in any way I can. Monthly calls with the Alumnae Board remind me of my time at Walker’s and how grateful I am for my wonderful three years on 230 Bushy Hill Road. As a member of the student engagement committee, I have loved finding new ways for students and alumnae to stay connected!