Mission
The Women's Circle, encompassing all Columbia Business School alumnae, is dedicated to promoting and inspiring women in business by cultivating an engaged and supportive community across the School. It is committed to supporting CBS alumnae throughout the many phases of their personal and professional lives and advocating for equity in business leadership.
Vision
The vision of the Columbia Business School Women’s Circle is that through executing our mission, CBS will have the strongest alumnae community of any business school.
Alumna Spotlight, Gunjan Shesh
One of my favorite memories from my time at CBS is: Pretending to “study” in the Uris Hall library, but everyone would end up hanging out for hours.
Since graduating from CBS in 2015 I have: Worked in multiple jobs across Healthcare and Tech, finally ending up at Amazon where I’ve been for 7 years. On a personal front, I have an 8 year old who is the love of my life, and I am fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing an instrument by learning the piano.
When I'm not at work you will find me: Spending time with my husband and daughter; we try to take a walk almost every day, step out for late night dessert weekly (we call them “midnight adventures”), and discuss books.
My ideal Sunday afternoon would be: Hiking when it’s hot, skiing when it’s not; and watching the Seahawks.
The last book I read and loved was: The Impossible Fortune, by Richard Osman.
My favorite things to do and see in Seattle are: Drinking coffee and spending time in nature.
My go-to snack right now is: Costco Kirkland chocolate granola bars.
The best trip I've taken recently was: Skiing in Whistler - we loved it despite icy conditions. The drive up there was beautiful.
And the places I'd like to go next are: Greece and Spain to catch the solar eclipse and see the temples; we’re all Greek Mythology nerds!
The most helpful career advice I ever received was: Invest in your teams as often as you invest in yourself; not only will they appreciate you for it but they will work towards making you successful.
The most impactful life advice I ever received: I read in a book, “A healthy person wants many things. An unhealthy person only wants one thing”. That’s stuck with me and pushed me to take care of myself and others around me.
One piece of advice I'd offer for maintaining a healthy work-life balance is: Block out times of the day for yourself and your family and try to truly disengage. It’s easier to do when you have an activity planned.
I think aspiring professionals in my field should know: There’s no real substitute for spending the time to really deep dive and understand your business. As the business changes, there is a need to continue to embrace an attitude of curiosity. You earn trust when you know your stuff and it helps you be effective at many levels.
Something I learned at CBS that significantly influences my approach to business is: I was particularly inspired by Laurie Hodric and Trevor Harris, and how they sought to use data to understand businesses, starting from fundamentals. Even their intuition was grounded in hard facts, and that influenced how I do my day to day job and guide my teams.
If I could spend the day with one famous woman from history it would be: Rosalind Franklin - I’m a biology nerd and studied bioengineering in my undergrad and post grad. Franklin’s work in understanding the structure of DNA has shaped years and years of my education and I would love to just pick her brain.
Alumnae Voices
Coach's Corner
Renu Lala Vitale
CWC Board Member and Executive Coach, Renu Vitale, fields your burning career questions. Renu is a member of the CBS Sanford C. Bernstein and Co. Center for Leadership & Ethics coaching program, and has been helping clients develop winning strategies and make better decisions for over 20 years. To submit your career question for consideration, email Renu at [email protected]. Please include Coach's Corner in the subject line.
Question: I care about being a strong leader and want my 1:1s to really help my team, but I’m not seeing the impact carry through between meetings. What can I do differently?
From,
Checking the Boxes, Missing the Point
Response: Dear Checking the Boxes, Missing the Point,
In my weekly dance class, my instructor introduced a new routine. I knew every step, and yet I kept messing up. Finally, she came up to me and said the magic phrase that unlocked it for me, “weight on your right foot!”
Suddenly, I was twirling unhindered. More interestingly, every step after became smoother too.
It turns out that knowing where to place your weight is just as crucial as knowing the steps. It’s what allows you to take the next one correctly.
I saw the same thing in a completely different setting. My daughter was called out in tennis for not being in a “ready position” after her shots. She would hit the ball and then almost relax, as if the point had paused. But in tennis, the moment the ball leaves your racket, your job shifts to getting ready for the next shot. If your stance is static or if your knees aren't bent, you’ve already sacrificed speed and control.
Leadership has a version of this.
In many of my newsletters, I speak to the person working with their boss. I often say: make it easier for your boss to help you. Drive the meeting. Come prepared. That’s all still true.
But it does take two to tango…
Leaders often come into 1:1s feeling like this is the moment they can step back. The other person is talking, so the onus is on them. It feels like a natural place to relax.
But listening is not a rest state. It’s a ready position.
When you believe the meeting is “on” someone else, how you show up is as important to the outcomes as how the owner drives it. How you receive that moment sets up what happens next. Are you leaning in or mentally stepping back? Are you tracking what’s being said or waiting for your turn? Are you catching signals beneath the words, or letting something important pass by?
And very critical to your team’s success: are you coming in having thought about what you need to share with them, or what you need to understand from them, to advance their objectives?
Just like in tennis, the ball may be in the other person’s court. But how you position yourself determines what happens next.
And just like in dance, the next step only works if you’ve placed your weight where it needs to be.
When you’re not in ready position, you’ve already compromised the next move before it even starts. And your readiness in the meeting is what shapes what happens after.
One practical way to support this is to build in a reset before you receive. Start the meeting five minutes later. Ready position isn’t something you can hold indefinitely without intention.
Ultimately, every meeting is meant to move something forward. And even when you’re not driving it, you’re still responsible for where it goes.
Shoutouts
Congratulations to:
- Alexandra Ekpiken ('20) on her new position as Chief Operating Officer & Head of Capital Mobilization at GreenMax Capital Group, a fund management and advisory firm advancing sustainable development in emerging markets.
- Elizabeth Varghese (CBS ’07), former Women’s Circle Board member, was named one of the 100 Davos Women and recently appeared on ABC News Birmingham to discuss her book, Stellar Singularity: Navigating the Spacefaring Economy.
- Lorraine Marchand (CBS ’06) recently published No Fear, No Failure: Five Principles for Sustaining Growth Through Innovation, drawing on insights from 120 interviews with leaders — many of them fellow CBS alumni.
- Emily O’Halloran (CBS ’07), Women’s Circle Co-President, was appointed President of the Inspire Mexico Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for vulnerable children and youth in Los Cabos. She was also honored with the Hugh Derham Award for Service from Cretin-Derham Hall.
- Didem Ün Ateş, Chief Executive of Lotus AI. LotusAI has been named "The Best AI Advisory Award 2025 - UK" by the Wealth & Finance International Magazine.
- Michelle Gaines '16 welcomed her second child Rory on Jan. 5. He was a little early but already 9lbs 1oz and thriving.
- Yvonne Fung '18 welcomed daughter Cora on February 11. She arrived with a strong pair of lungs and a kick that will knock anyone out.
- Holly MacDonald '08, will become CEO of Bessemer Trust when the current CEO retires in early 2026. She is presently Chief Investment Officer at Bessemer.
- Jennifer Prosek '99, Founder and Managing Partner of Prosek Partners, has been named to Observer's 2025 PR Power List.
- Christine Alemany '04, was recognized as one of the 30 most influential Fintech Marketers by Fintech Marketing Hub. These influential Fintech Marketers were chosen based on their degree of influence and achievements over the past year, including ability to shape trends and inspire others.
Please share your achievements with us! Email [email protected] with “Shoutouts” in the subject line or post on our Women’s Circle LinkedIn Group
Events Hub
Upcoming Events
VIRTUAL - April 28, 2026
6-7pm EST: Leading Through Change: Reinventing Your Professional Path Featuring Anushka Salinas ’10 Featuring special guest Anushka Salinas ’10 (CEO, Nanit; former President & COO at Rent the Runway)
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NEW YORK CITY - May 7, 2026,
6-8pm: Building With AI: From Storytelling to Real Products Featuring Silja Kim Bast ’14 (CBO, Breezm Eyewear), Sally Chung (AI Advisor, Parsons), and Meagan Dietz ’05 (Moderator)
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VIRTUAL - May 15, 2026
12-1pm: AI Technology in Your Life Featuring Vrinda Dabke ’07, VP of Global Technology Services for Toptal
Regional Connections
To learn more about CBS Alumna events in your region or to host a regional event contact:
- Teresa Farmaki [ email ] - CBS Alumni Club of London Women’s Network
- Amy Fong [ email ] - Alumni Club of Hong Kong Women’s Initiative
- Diane Malcomson [ email ] - CBS Women’s Circle Boston
- Aynat Ravin [ email ] - CBS Women’s Circle Washington DC
- Jennifer Villarina [ email ] - CBS Women’s Circle San Francisco Bay Area
If you’d like to host a Women’s Circle event in a region not listed here contact Jennifer Villarina
Past Events
VIRTUAL - April 23, 2026, 6-7pm: Career Conversations - Navigating the New Executive Job Search Featuring Tonya Berry ’05 in conversation with Andrea Henderson ’05 (Executive Talent Strategist at DHR Global)
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NEW YORK CITY - March 12, 2026, 6-9pm: AI Finds Her Voice | Women Leaders in AI Join the Women’s Circle as we mark International Women’s Day with a panel discussion and breakout sessions focused on leading through AI disruption.
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WASHINGTON DC - March 1, 2026, 1-3pm: Yoga, Snacks, Drinks, and Conversation Join fellow Columbia alumni on March 1st for a feel-good yoga session followed by snacks, drinks, and easy conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just here for the vibes, this is your chance to stretch, sip, and meet new friends. Come for the yoga, stay for the community.
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VIRTUAL - February 24, 2026, 6-7pm EST: Pathways to Corporate Board Service Speed Networking event Join your fellow alumni in a virtual speed networking session after hearing from Maggie Benkert ’16 (Board and CEO Search and Assessment Professional, Russell Reynolds Associates) on the path to corporate board service.
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SAN FRANCISCO - February 12, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm: Leading in AI Featuring alumnae Daisy Cai ’10 Partner, B Capital, and May Wang ’21 Chair of CBS Bay Area Alumni Club.
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HONG KONG & VIRTUAL - November 4th, 6:30 pm, Two IFC, Hong Kong and Zoom - Speaker Panel: Women on Board featuring three accomplished alumnae serving on corporate boards.
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CHICAGO - November 6th, 5-7pm, The New Line Tavern - Join fellow Columbia Business School alumni for an evening of connection, conversation, and community.
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NEW YORK CITY - November 6th, 6-7:30pm, Columbia Business School - Path to Purpose an interactive workshop to reframe your career journey, realign with your values, and release expectations.
Meet the Board
The Women’s Circle is governed by a Board of Directors composed of 20 alumnae dedicated to increasing alumna engagement. Their efforts include providing career development learning across all life stages, programming focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology, as well as fundraising.
Board Briefing
CBS Women’s Circle Board Meeting & Event Recap — March 25, 2026
We are delighted to share highlights from our last Board meeting held in New York City on March 25, 2026. It was an energizing and productive gathering, and we are excited about what lies ahead for our community.
Marquee Event Recap
In honor of International Women's Day, the Women's Circle hosted its inaugural Marquee Event in March — bringing together alumnae and guests in Midtown Manhattan for a compelling conversation on leadership in the age of AI. 175 alumnae and guests attended the panel discussion AI Finds Her Voice | Women Leaders in AI, followed by breakout discussions and a networking cocktail hour. The energy in the room was electric, and the response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. We are already building on the momentum, with planning for next year's event beginning this summer.
Programming & Events
By the end of our program year in June 2026, the Women's Circle will have hosted more than 20 events — a milestone that reflects the remarkable dedication of our board, committees, and community. We are proud of what we have built together.
Two series worth highlighting are our Speed Networking events and our AI Learning series — both virtual, both drawing together alumnae and subject matter experts for rich, engaging conversations. As we look ahead to next year, continuing to build on our AI programming theme will be a priority discussion this summer.
Columbia Women in Business (CWIB)
We are excited to deepen our connection with the next generation of CBS women. Several of our Board members will be attending the CWIB graduation brunch celebration in April, and we are planning another intimate CWIB dinner hosted by a Women's Circle Board member. These moments of connection between our alumnae network and current students are among the most meaningful things we do.
Board Member Social Hour
After the board meeting, our board member Halina Avery graciously opened her home to the group for an evening together. It was a warm and lively gathering and as you might expect, AI and current events dominated the conversation. We loved every minute of it.
Warm regards,
Emily O’Halloran ‘07
Co-President, Columbia Business School Women’s Circle
Aynat Ravin ‘01
Co-President, Columbia Business School Women’s Circle
Get Involved
Interested in becoming more involved with the Women's Circle? There are many ways to lean in with us.
Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter
Join us on LinkedIn
- Join our LinkedIn page
Volunteer on a Board Committee
- Contact Emily O’Halloran
Host a Regional Women's Circle Event
- Contact Jennifer Villarina
The Women's Circle is funded by the CBS Annual Fund. Thank you for your contributions!