‘Show people who you are’: Women’s Leadership Summit inspires in 10th year with record number of alumnae speakers

SUNY New Paltz brought a record 50 alumnae and thought leaders and approximately 200 students together for an afternoon of career wisdom and inspiration at the Women’s Leadership Summit, which was held for the 10th time on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. 

“We were so fortunate to have such a robust turnout of participating SUNY New Paltz alumnae, women thought leaders and students,” said Lisa Sandick,  program director for special events and sponsorships at SUNY New Paltz.

Each year, the Summit hosts small, informal conversation groups where professionals in fields ranging from law to business to the arts interact with students embarking on the first steps in their career path.  

“I got the chance to speak with people that have essentially made it,” said Dayanara Medina Tapia ’26 (Astronomy). “It felt gratifying to ask questions and feel listened to.” 

Serving as keynote speaker was Damali Peterman, founder and chief executive officer of Breakthrough ADR, a workplace conflict mediation practice. Her rousing talk was based on the foundational principles that guided her storied career as an attorney, author, professor and entrepreneur, and are outlined in her book “Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want.” 

“Before you can be what you want to be, you have to know what you want,” she said. “Then, you have to show people who you are.”  

Alumnae speakers echoed Peterman during individual breakout sessions organized by school and shared how being authentic helped them navigate challenging times at work. 

“There are going to be people who may not want you in the room, but you must lean into your truth,” said U.S. Court of International Trade law clerk Shanoor Khan ’20 (Political Science & International Relations). “Then, you have the chance to prove them wrong, which is always satisfying.”  

The exchanges between students and alumnae encapsulated the power of networking, especially at the beginning of a career.  

“You can apply for all the job openings out there in your field, but if you’re just coming out of college, you need to meet face-to-face with the people who could hire you,” said Elisha Brestovansky ’13 (Accounting), a tax director with Hudson Valley-based accounting firm PKF O’Connor Davies.  

“Being here showed me that earning the degree is more than just focusing on the books,” said Isaac Garcia ’27 (Finance). “This truly took me out of my comfort zone, and I hope to make more contacts during my time at New Paltz.” 

The 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit was hosted by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations and sponsored by the SUNY New Paltz Foundation.