/ 2025 Wintersession Highlights
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Frontiers of Change: Shaping the Next Wave of Innovation and Disruption was the theme of this year’s Wintersession programming. Over the course of Wintersession, we explored the intersections of equity, ethics, and technological advancement within the rapidly evolving global digital landscape. Through skills-based workshops, panels, presentations with expert practitioners and thought leaders, and interdisciplinary group work, we engaged in in-depth discussions on topics aligned with the theme of Frontiers of Change.
The 2024-25 Albright Fellows represent a vibrant cross-section of disciplines, with students from 27 different majors at Wellesley College and 14 nationalities. Selected for their passion for global affairs, leadership potential, commitment to civic engagement, and qualities like open-mindedness and resilience, the Fellows collectively embody Wellesley’s core values. The intensity of Wintersession fostered strong working relationships and friendships among the Fellows, marking the beginning of their collaborative journey.
The Wintersession program featured a wealth of highlights. We hosted 16 panels and presentations with 33 distinguished speakers. Topics ranged from Place-Based Knowledge in the Age of AI to Peace and Security in the Age of AI, to AI Innovation & Ethical Responsibility, to Lost in Translation—AI’s Impact on Language Learning and Communication. Other thought-provoking discussions included The Brain as a Frontier of Change and Practicing Decolonization Through Solidarity.
Panel Discussion on AI Innovation & Ethical Responsibility
Fellows also participated in hands-on, skills-based workshops designed to prepare them for success in the global workplace. Notable sessions included Public Speaking with Barbara Tannebaum, Engineering, Leadership & Team Building with Amy Banzaert, and Negotiation and Leadership with Megan Karsh.
Engineering, Teamwork and Leadership Training at Wintersession '25. Photo credit: Marissa Fiorucci
A memorable moment during Wintersession was a tea hosted by Wini Freund '59, a longtime friend of Secretary Albright. Wini shared personal stories about her friendship with the late Secretary Albright, their time at Wellesley, and her own career. It was an intimate and inspiring gathering for the Fellows.
Albright Fellows with Wini Freund '59.
The Albright Institute also facilitated two public dialogues during Wintersession:
- Frontiers of Change: Shaping the Next Wave of Innovation and Disruption – Nicole Wong, Mary Jane Dumford ‘59 Distinguished Visiting Professor, in conversation with Bina Venkataraman, Editor-at-Large and Columnist of The Washington Post.
- Frontiers of Change: The Next Wave of Climate Action – Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in dialogue with Wellesley’s own Jay Turner, discussing climate action as a critical frontier for innovation and change.
Bina Venkataraman and Nicole Wong in dialogue. Photo credit: Marissa Fiorucci
A cornerstone of the Fellowship experience during Wintersession is the group project. Fellows are divided into multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex topics related to Frontiers of Change. This year’s projects included:
1. Cashless Societies: The Case of Japan
2. Mapping the Deep Sea
3. Property Rights over Objects in Outer Space
4. Data Sovereignty for Indigenous Groups in Oceania
5. Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Arts in Germany
6. Genetically Modified Organisms in Brazil’s Food System
7. Technology-Enabled Healthcare in Kenya
8. Social Media Regulation and Human Rights in Taiwan
These projects challenge Fellows to navigate multifaceted issues, understand diverse stakeholder perspectives, and present persuasive, well-reasoned arguments. The interdisciplinary nature of these groups not only builds skills in addressing complex issues but also strengthens collaboration across diverse academic fields. The group projects culminated in a 30-minute presentation to the Mary Jane Dumford Lewis '59 Distinguished Visiting Professor.
This year’s Distinguished Visiting Professor was Nicole Wong, former Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer during the Obama Administration, where she focused on internet, privacy, and innovation policy. Before her time in government, Nicole held leadership roles at Google as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, and at Twitter as Legal Director for Products. Her expertise and generous presence were invaluable to the Fellows. Nicole not only shared her own experiences working with Secretary Albright but also provided insightful feedback on group presentations, offering candid stories about her career and exemplifying authentic leadership that transcends sectors.
Our small team at The Albright Institute is deeply grateful for the extensive involvement of our community of supporters, without whom Wintersession would not have been possible. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our speakers, the Ambassadors Council, the library support team (Daria Hafner, Rebecca Darling, and Tracy Tien), our Fellow Mentors (Isabella Gilmartin and Rebecca Biagas), our student workers (Isabelle Slootsky-Johnson, Leni Oliveira and Isabel Yu), our Faculty Affiliates, and our collaborators across Wellesley College. We are also thankful for the contributions of former Faculty and Program Directors Joe Joyce, Stacie E. Goddard, Nina McKee, and Rebecca Gordan.
