dream Celebrating the legacy of black alumnae at Simmons
policy makers community health for 25 years, holding positions in Roxbury, MA, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. ADDITIONAL DEGREES: MSW, Boston College; MPH, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
What element of your personality has most helped you to achieve success? I am very determined, focused, tenacious, and persistent. As a child, I was determined to make something out of my life, no matter what obstacles I faced.
For the past 25 years, Leslie Morris ’75 has witnessed the challenges facing young girls of color through her work at community health centers. “Far too many are falling by the wayside,” she says. Their challenges inspired Morris to create the “Women of the Dream” project, a research initiative featuring data from black Simmons alumnae who have become leaders in their fields since graduating in the ’60s and ’70s. Morris has collected materials, histories, and insights from more than 100 black graduates from this time period. She hopes to eventually develop and publish an inspiring reference guide for underprivileged African American girls. “When the book is opened, they will see profiles and pictures of these extraordinary black women graduates of Simmons,” Morris explains. “It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of responsible, positive adults in the lives of young people.”
Leslie Morris ’75 ACCOLADES:
★M orris released an autobiography entitled How Ya Like Me Now, in 2007. ★S he founded one of the nation’s first HIV testing programs and implemented a nationally recognized teen abstinence program that was featured on both the CBS Evening News and CBS This Morning. 1
Simmons
For the past seven years, Morris has been Director of Community Relations at the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA), working closely with state policy makers on health issues that impact the poor. She is also a part-time instructor at the Rutgers University School of Social Work. CURRENT WORK:
PRIOR WORK: Morris
has worked in
What role did Simmons play in your success? Most of my friends at Simmons were extremely serious about their education and the benefits it would later bring. Having grown up in public housing where a number of my close friends fell prey to teen pregnancy and substance abuse, it was both refreshing and encouraging to meet and affiliate with women who were on a different path in life. This exposure definitely served to solidify my goals and priorities. I often say that ‘Simmons chose me, I didn’t choose Simmons.’ This may be true, but I chose to take advantage of the opportunity that was presented to me by Simmons College. And choosing to attend a women’s college was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. What dream do you have for young women of color today? I want young women of color to work on self-development before they seek marriage and children, to be leaders rather than followers, and to shape their own lives based on what’s important to them. Lastly, I want young girls of color to transition into young adulthood equipped with the internal resources that will allow them to make sound decisions about their lives.
Meet the “Women of the Dream” These inspiring, accomplished alumnae represent the African American women who came to Simmons in unprecedented numbers between 1965 and 1979. Among the first generation of black youth to benefit from the Civil Rights Movement, they have risen to
positions of leadership in a range of fields: business, media, education, human services, government, and healthcare. Meet some of these extraordinary women in the pages that follow, starting below with select alumnae policy makers.
chairman of the Federal Labor Relations Authority, where she oversaw the enforcement of fair labor practices for government employees. She began her federal career as an attorney with the Employee Benefits Division of the Office of the Solicitor at the U.S. Department of Labor, and went on to work in several capacities for the FLRA, starting in its Boston office.
Carol Waller Pope ‘74 B.A., Psychology and Education
Three presidents, including Barack Obama, have nominated Pope to the highest levels of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), an independent agency that governs labor relations between the federal government and its employees. She is the first FLRA career employee to serve as the agency’s chairman and member. ACCOLADES: ★ National Partnership
for Reinventing Government, Hammer Award ★ Federal Labor Relations Authority Special Achievement Award ★ Simmons College Alumnae Service Award by both President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Pope has served as a member of the FLRA since 2000.
ADDITIONAL DEGREES:
J.D. Northeastern University What element of your personality has most helped you to achieve success? Self-confidence. What role does education play in women’s success? What role did Simmons play in yours? Education is the key to success. Formal education, life lessons, and experiential education all deliver the tools for success. Simmons provided me with a good education and excellent role models — in both my peer group and in its faculty and staff.
ACCOLADES: ★ Boston YMCA
Black Achievers
Award CURRENT WORK: Appointed to the bench by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in 2009, she hears both criminal and civil matters within the jurisdiction of the BMC. PRIOR WORK: Dashiell has extensive experience in state and federal contracts, legislation, and regulations, and has practiced law in the public and private sectors. ADDITIONAL DEGREES: J.D. Northwestern University
What dream do you have for young women of color today? That they develop and maintain an unshakable confidence and belief in themselves. I would like to see them proudly acknowledge who they are as individuals and the value their presence brings to any situation. I want them to appreciate their inner and outer beauty and intellectual gifts, and not “settle” for less than they deserve.
Pamela M. Dashiell ‘75
current WORK: Nominated
B.A., Psychology and Education
prior WORK: President Barack Obama selected Pope in 2009 to become
Dashiell presides as an associate justice of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Boston Municipal Court Department (BMC). Simmons
2
business
M
any “Women of the Dream” have made significant contributions as top executives in major corporations, including IBM, Xerox, and Gillette, and as innovative entrepreneurs. By developing in-demand expertise and an ability to manage people and change, they’ve broken boundaries in the business world.
Current Work: As CEO and President of Catherine Eagan Enterprises, LLC, Eagan heads two of its primary entities: Eagan Financial Group and the Wealthy Woman Network. Prior Work: Eagan has shared her knowledge of personal financial management and business development on television programs, radio shows, and in numerous print publications. She has also authored more than 10 books including Dominating Money. Additional Degrees: Ed.M.,
Harvard
University What element of your personality has most helped you to achieve success? The elements for my success include faith, discipline, education, great mentors (including family), determination, effort, confidence, adaptability, tenacity, and courage. Ultimately, it’s my belief system, a vision for the future, being teachable, a life-long learner, and never being dissuaded from my pursuits.
Catherine B. Eagan ’75 B.A., Education and History
Eagan is an experienced and trusted voice in the financial community, with a passion for teaching people how to gain increased financial intelligence and effectively manage money regardless of global economic challenges. Accolades: ★ Received the
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the Detroit City Council in 2011. ★ Named #2 in the Top U.S. African American Christian Women Entrepreneurs list by Empowering Everyday Women. 3
Simmons
What dream do you have for young women of color today? To see them identify and pursue their personal greatness and fight for their right to be successful in every aspect of their lives. My hope is that each of them will become contributing family members, successful in work, contributors to society, and anchored in faith.
Ann Hayward ‘66
B.A., History and Government
With more than three decades in administration, project management, and audiovisual communications, Hayward has excelled as a senior executive in both the nonprofit and corporate worlds.
refused to quit. I approach most matters at work this way. What role does education play in women’s success? What role did Simmons play in yours? Education and preparation are crucial. Obtaining a graduate degree is icing on the cake and has become important, if not required, to obtain top positions. A Simmons education encourages women to be independent, develop leadership, and pursue any career, particularly those dominated by men.
ACCOLADES: ★ Multiple awards
for her radio series Then I’ll Be Free to Travel Home: The Legacy of the New York African Burial Ground, which aired on National Public Radio
Hayward collaborates with a variety of clients as an independent consultant to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She also continues to write, direct, and produce audiovisual productions for corporate and public broadcasting. CURRENT WORK:
PRIOR WORK: Hayward’s accomplishments include high-profile work as a producer, director, and writer. Among her many freelance audiovisual clients are the Disney Channel, Levi Strauss, and the National Geographic Society. As a project management consultant, she has advised clients ranging from NASA to the Miami Science Museum.
Post-graduate certificate in Journalism as a Knight Fellow, Stanford University ADDITIONAL DEGREES:
What inspires you to want to help the next generation of women of color? I am striving to live in an environment of social justice and mental peace. As I try to be respectful, inclusive, and supportive of all people and to work toward the best development of myself and those around me, why would I NOT want to help the next generation of women of color?
Claudia Herbert ‘75
JoAnne Wright ‘75 B.A., Education
B.A., Sociology
Herbert’s impressively varied career spans three decades in staff and management roles in human resources, contract negotiations, and business process reengineering. Herbert is ethics and compliance officer for the IBM Corporation’s Federal Marketing unit. She develops and implements ethics and compliance education programs and guides employees and leaders on ethics and business conduct issues. CURRENT WORK:
PRIOR WORK: Herbert got her start in human resources at IBM and worked her way up to leadership positions in several areas of the company. ADDITIONAL DEGREES: M.S.
in Program Planning and Policy Administration & MBA, Columbia University What element of your personality has most helped you to achieve success? I like to finish whatever I start, no matter what challenges arise. For example, I had no idea how difficult my MBA program would be, but I
A business leader with more than 25 years’ experience in corporate management, Wright has been recognized as an outstanding performer at the Xerox Corporation. She now runs her own consulting business, Wright Resource. ACCOLADES: ★ Lean Six Sigma
Black Belt
CURRENT WORK: Wright advises clients in the New York City area as an independent consultant. Among her areas of specialization: process improvement, sales management, and professional development.
Education provides options. It shows us our true potential and opens doors to worlds that we may never see otherwise.
PRIOR WORK: After starting out in the nonprofit sector, Wright launched a 26-year career at the Xerox Corporation. There, she led teams as process improvement project manager, global account general manager, and sales and operation manager. ADDITIONAL DEGREES: M.S. in Social Work Administration from Columbia University
What dream do you have for young women of color today? That they believe in themselves and their capabilities; that they have selfconfidence and are willing to take the risks required to achieve their goals; and that they don’t let negative influences hold them back. What role does education play in women’s success? What role did Simmons play in yours? Education provides options. It shows us our true potential and opens doors to worlds that we may never see otherwise. While at Simmons, I spent my junior year in an alternative school in Detroit, where I had the opportunity to study in a “class without walls.” I also spent a semester at Dartmouth College in a co-educational environment. That experience made me recognize the value of Simmons, and how an all-women’s college allows women to shine. Simmons
4
health care
S
ince its founding, Simmons has provided an exceptional education in the health sciences. Members of the “Women of the Dream” continue this legacy — and improve lives — as compassionate clinicians and visionary healthcare administrators.
pediatric clinical instructor at Howard Community College and as the coordinator of the Shaken Baby and Family Violence Prevention Program, an award-winning public health initiative for the Montgomery County (NY) Government Department of Health and Human Services. M.S. in Nursing, Boston University ADDITIONAL DEGREES:
What element of your personality has most helped you to achieve success? Determination. During each phase of my life, I’ve been determined to be the best I could be. I’ve never let anyone talk me out of my dreams. I believe: Don’t follow a path; make one. Do what they say you can’t.
Beverly Byron ‘75
B.A., Nursing and Sociology
equity we still do not fully see. Diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds are critical for innovation and change for good across all chosen careers and society. Given the help that I have had throughout my career, I want to pay it forward in any way I can to enable women of color to realize their dream.
What role does education play in women’s success? What role did Simmons play in yours? It’s essential. You have to have those initials behind your name. Through education, you can make yourself indispensable — and then people will come to you. As a young woman living in the Bronx with only brothers, I saw Simmons as the chance for me to establish lifelong friendships with women who were going places.
Dr. Ngina Lythcott ‘67 B.S., Nursing
Merilyn Francis ‘76 B.A., Economics
Francis is a principal healthcare consultant for the MITRE Corporation. The position reflects her longstanding focus on health policies and programs that increase access to insurance and reduce health disparities. CURRENT WORK: Francis’s most recent project at MITRE involves advising the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help implement clinical quality measurement programs outlined in the Affordable Care Act.
A former oncology nurse, Francis previously served as vice president of the National Quality Forum, an organization that helps set standards for healthcare performance. She’s also held management positions at the American Association of Health Plans and the District of Columbia Medicaid Managed Care Program. PRIOR WORK:
In her diverse healthcare career, Byron served in the U.S. Army Reserves Nurse Corps for 28 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Today, she teaches at the college level. ACCOLADES: ★ Amerigroup
Foundation’s “Healthy Hero” Award
Now retired from the Army Reserves, Byron is an adjunct professor in the School of Nursing at Washington Adventist University. CURRENT WORK:
PRIOR WORK: In addition to her military service, Byron has worked as a
5
Simmons
During each phase of my life, I’ve been determined to be the best I could be. I’ve never let anyone talk me out of my dreams. I believe: Don’t follow a path; make one. Do what they say you can’t.
ADDITIONAL DEGREES: M.A. in Public Policy, American University
What inspires you to want to help the next generation of women of color? Mentors play a strong role in assisting the next generation to achieve the
A public health practitioner and five-decades-long community health activist, Dr. Lythcott is a 24-year breast cancer survivor with a background in higher education. CURRENT WORK: Dr. Lythcott serves as the Breast Cancer Liason for the Black Women’s Health Imperative, which includes serving on the Integration Panel of the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program and the Advisory Board of the Intercultural Cancer Council. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Breast Cancer Action and sits on the Simmons Board of Trustees.
LaVerne Cowan Kumeh ’74 B.A., Education Kumeh worked in both education and retail management before landing a top position at Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Jersey. During her 23-year tenure with Horizon, a significant portion was spent in information technology managing technical support teams, specializing in large-scale system migrations, system configurations, and quality assurance. Kumeh holds professional certifications as Project Management Professional, Managed Healthcare Professional, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Life Skills Educator. She also has a graduate certificate in Healthcare Management Systems from New Jersey Institute of Technology.
PRIOR WORK: Dr. Lythcott formerly served as dean of students at Dartmouth and Swarthmore colleges and at Columbia University and Boston University. ADDITIONAL DEGREES: A graduate degree in clinical Social Work from Smith College, a master’s and doctoral degree in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an honorary doctoral degree from Simmons College.
What dream do you have for young women of color today? My dream for young women of color is for them to be free and empowered to be all that they can. Once external barriers are removed, we then must learn to remove the internal barriers that have been handed down through generations of parenting, to keep us alive. The world awaits the gifts that women of color have to share. What element of your personality has most helped you to achieve success? My work is fueled by three elements: clarity in seeing the work that needs to be done, passion for social justice, and persistence. I just don’t give up.
Dr. Patricia Whitley Williams ’71 B.S., Biology Dr. Whitley Williams is currently Professor of Pediatrics and Interim Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, as well as Chief of the Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Whitley Williams received her M.D. degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati.
Simmons
6
community ADDITIONAL DEGREES:
M.S. & Ph.D.
Howard University
S
ome “Women of the Dream” alumnae have pursued careers deeply rooted in social responsibility and justice. They put “giving back” at the center of their lives to better their communities through direct outreach. Their journeys are diverse, but their goals are aligned: to encourage and empower those in need.
What element of your personality has most helped you to achieve success? Tenacity — that stick-to-itiveness that makes one continue on a difficult or lonely path in order to achieve a goal. What role does education play in women’s success? What role did Simmons play in yours? A broad education — even within one’s specified field of training — is essential for flexibility. I enjoyed taking classes in areas that were never going to be my area of expertise: philosophy, religion, art, and literature. The experience allowed me to become a fuller person and a sensitive clinical psychologist, able to relate to a wide spectrum of individuals.
Marilyn Monroe Harris ‘78 Dellena M. Cunningham ‘74 B.A., Psychology
Cunningham is a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in delivering a range of services to youth and their families. CURRENT WORK: As a licensed clinical psychologist in the Washington, D.C./Maryland area, she sees her work as part of an overall mission to help effect long-term change and to offer treatment and support to those with mental illness. PRIOR WORK: Cunningham has served as director of mental health services for two Washington-area agencies. She also has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, led training for professional staff and organizations, and published articles in prestigious industry journals.
7
Simmons
B.S., Medical Technology
In addition to her role as an administrative director at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Harris serves as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Teaneck, New Jersey. She is the church’s first female pastor. Accolades: ★ New Jersey
State Conference of the NAACP Award for Pastoral
Leadership and Excellence County NAACP Edward P. Dixson Award for Community Service
process, I feel it is incumbent upon us to offer whatever time and energy we can to support this next generation of women of color.
★ Bergen
CURRENT WORK: As
pastor, Harris has initiated and implemented a number of ministries that reflect the diverse membership of First Baptist Teaneck and the larger community. She is president of the area’s Black Clergy Council and founder of the Clergy Women’s Alliance. At Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Harris oversees the clinical laboratory’s day-to-day operations and development as the administrative director of pathology and laboratory medicine. PRIOR WORK: Harris
was ordained at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, where she advised the Women’s Task Force and developed the Christian education program. She has held leadership positions in laboratory management at New York and New Jersey hospitals throughout her professional career. ADDITIONAL DEGREES: MBA,
Rutgers University; M.Div., New York Theological Seminary What dream do you have for young women of color today? That they possess the confidence to become what they want to be. I want them to not just crack the glass ceiling, but to open it up and obtain all that God has for them.
Karen Young-Thomas ‘77 B.A., Communications
Yvonne Johnson ‘71 B.A., Elementary Education
After more than three decades as a teacher in Boston and Cambridge public schools, Johnson is an educational consultant.
ADDITIONAL DEGREES:
B.A., Political Science
Young-Thomas is the founder and CEO of a charter school in Newark, New Jersey, now serving 700 students in grades K-8 on three campuses. CURRENT WORK: Young-Thomas is CEO of the Marion P. Thomas Charter School in Newark. As part of its ambitious development plan, the school is projected to serve 1,300 students and to include a performing arts and culinary high school.
Greene has had a 30-year career as both a nonprofit leader and entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Global Arts/Media Development, which she founded in 1987. Global Arts/Media Development works with government, business, and non-profit organizations to plan, design, and develop arts and cultural initiatives that contribute to the economic development or revitalization of neighborhoods and communities. Greene holds an Executive MBA from Queens University in Charlotte, NC.
Ed.M.
Harvard University What role does education play in women’s success? What role did Simmons play in yours? Education shows that you have a teachable spirit. It allows you to see and understand more about yourself, so that when a door opens up, you can walk right through. At Simmons, I found that by coming together and forming a coalition or building camaraderie, we were able to move forward.
What inspires you to want to help the next generation of women of color? My experience at Simmons provided a laser focus on the power of the presence of African American women. The level of support, inspiration, and influence from one class to the next among the “sisters” at Simmons conceived a conviction in me to use what these incredible women had imparted to me and to add to the legacy. The experience confirmed and affirmed my life mantra: “To whom much is given, much is required.” Vanessa Greene ’75
CURRENT WORK: Retired from teaching, Johnson now consults on education and volunteers in her community. PRIOR WORK: Johnson began her career in 1971 with Boston Public Schools and then went on to serve as a system-wide staff trainer for the Schools Without Failure Program, an educational initiative focused on developing a more supportive and positive academic environment. As a teacher in the Cambridge Public Schools, she taught language arts and social studies.
ADDITIONAL DEGREES: M.A. in Educational Leadership & Ed.D. in Urban Leadership, Kean University
What inspires you to want to help the next generation of women of color? Those of us who entered Simmons in the early to late ’60s might have benefited greatly from a little mentorship from women of color who had come before us. And since there were so very few available or it wasn’t thought necessary to our orientation
PRIOR WORK: As marketing director of ESSENCE magazine for 20 years, Young-Thomas created and produced innovative marketing programs, including The ESSENCE Awards, an Emmy-Award-winning television special, and the ESSENCE Music Festival, the largest annual gathering of African Americans. She launched her career by opening her own marketing firm, which counted Revlon, McDonald’s, Sony, and Reebok among its clients.
Simmons
8
voices I knew that I wanted to accomplish certain things, that I wanted to make a difference.
A lot of people are very intelligent, but they’re just afraid of school. Or afraid of failing in school.
Many of us can remember mentors who really made a difference in our lives in terms of our direction.
Lessons Learned The “Women of the Dream” gathered at Campbell’s Soup Headquarters in Camden, N.J., in the fall of 2012, at the invitation of CEO Denise Morrison to discuss their journeys during the past decade. Here are some of their thoughts.
I ’m willing to take risk. I’m willing to step off of what is comfortable and move into a little bit of the unknown and see where that leads me.
lot of my development is the result of someA body telling me I couldn’t do something. ‘You can’t do this.’ What do you mean I can’t do this? That means I’m going to, you know.
our words, your actions, the way you talk to Y others in your life all make a difference in how that person might feel. You might be the one who gives them that inspiration to just keep going when they’re ready to throw their hands up. ★ 9
Simmons
M y mother always made me feel like there wasn’t anything in this world that I couldn’t do. She never said no, no matter what I came to her with.
here are so many people, so many events T that happened in my life that have let me know that God had a plan for me.
What’s gotten me here is the ability to reinvent myself and be ruthlessly strategic, because I have had to reinvent myself on multiple occasions.
oung women need visible role models that Y they can count on, seeing and experiencing the environments that you work in and the connections that you made.
I see now at this point in my life that God had a plan even though I didn’t have a clue where I was going or what I was going to do. I give Him glory because I’m still here, still kicking.
ever stop learning. There’s always someN thing else to learn, always something exciting coming around.
Don’t let anyone steal your dream.
I’m decisive. I can make a decision.
We can’t save the world. This is something I’ve come to terms with; but we can set the path for people to follow.
I think people come across your path for a reason and a season, and they can leave imprints on your heart and your mind. As you go along, you realize why they were there at that particular time in your life and what their message was for you.
All of us want to do something to influence the young girls who are coming along, whether they are in their 20s or 30s, or whether they’re 12 or 13.
Follow your bliss, whatever your bliss is.
I have run into Simmons alums of different nationalities, and when I talk to them, it’s like I’m talking to myself.
I needed to access my strength through a higher power.
have a lot of African American children We who in 2012 are still first generation going off to college. When you look at the statistics of kids dropping out of high school, that boggles my mind.
I am tough as nails. I can take it, and I can dish it out.
I persevere. Simmons
10
women of the dream
simmons, Spring 2013