In December, four Chilean alumnae met in Santiago to share valuable insights from the Columbia Women in Leadership Workshop held in New York earlier in the year. This three-day seminar brought together global leaders for sessions on gender equality, strategic communication, and personal empowerment.
The alumnae—Isabel Aninat (LAW'13), Paula Estévez (SEAS'06), Rosario Palacios (GSAPP'00), and María José Pérez (SEAS'15)—were part of a group of five women sponsored by the Santiago Center to attend the workshop on campus in mid-June. Katherine Lama (SIPA'16), was unable to attend.
During their presentation, the alumnae reflected on relevant workshop sessions, which ranged from advancing gender parity in boardrooms to mastering TED-style public speaking and strategic networking. Each session was designed to equip participants with skills and strategies for navigating leadership as women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
A recurring theme was tackling “impostor syndrome,” which can lead individuals to doubt their achievements and attribute success to chance rather than skill. The workshop also encouraged participants to challenge limiting stereotypes around women’s roles and to explore whether social structures or personal agency drive these narratives.
Above all, the alumnae emphasized the importance of authenticity and remaining true to one’s core values in any leadership role.
After the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to network and discuss these leadership themes with the alumnae in smaller breakout sessions.
For photos of the event, please visit the gallery here.
