40 Wellesley College Students Spend Winter Break “Strategizing for a Better World”

In 2010, The Washington Post wrote about “The Hillary Effect” -- The “Hillary” they were referring to was US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Wellesley College ’69) and the “effect” was an marked increase in female ambassadors to United States. Proof, I think, that one strong, intelligent women can, in fact, make a big difference in the world... now, imagine what 40 empowered women can do!

For the better part of the last month, 40 Wellesley College juniors and seniors have been participating in the Madeleine Korbel Albright Institute for Global Affairs. They’ve been learning from the expertise and perspectives of faculty and thought leaders from a wide variety of fields including environmental science, sociology, political science, and economics. They were asked to use what they’ve learned to develop and propose innovative solutions to world problems. Some the topics presented this year include:

• "Making available the funds required to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, cholera, malaria and tuberculosis;"
• "Promoting food availability and affordability;"
• "Pursuing excellence in education at all levels with a focus on ensuring gender parity;"
• and "Mobilizing the political will to assist victims of natural disasters"

They will continue to apply what they've learned by participating in Wellesley-funded internships in the United States and abroad this summer. Maybe one day in the not-too-distant future we’ll be hearing about the: Bethel, Samaa, Misbah, Eliana, Carolyn, Pratibha, Joanna, Anya, Tenzin, Cassandra, Rutendo, Sophia, Aisling, Marice, Camille, Davina, Esther, Kathryn, Kimberlee,Zoee, Melanie, Angela, Elena, Anna, Evgenia, Pin, Kim, Melda, Zsofia, Karen, Christina, Julia, Cailey, Jugera, Deborah, Michelle, Wendy, Eugenia, Hilary (with one “L”), Julia, or Lily Effect! 

Read more about this year's fellows on the Albright Institute Web site or, for a student’s perspective about what it’s like to be an Albright Fellow, watch this video that profiles 2010 Albright Fellow Rachel Snyderman '11.

The Albright Institute will close with a public event tomorrow night: Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright '59 and former World Bank President James Wolfensohn join moderator Suzanne Nossel, executive director of Amnesty International, to discuss what can be done to reinvigorate international organizations like the United Nations. With an introduction by Wellesley President H. Kim Bottomly. More details are .

The event will take place on campus in the Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall Auditorium (search “Alumnae Hall”) and will also be streamed live online. A reception will follow. Join us for both - this event is free and open to the public.