The Women in Public Service Project

The Women in Public Service Project envisions a world in which political and civic leadership is at least 50 percent female by 2050.

This initiative of the U.S. Department of State and women’s colleges of the Seven Sisters—Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and Wellesley—aims to advance women to positions of influence in governments and civic organizations worldwide. The initiative is distinguished by the partners’ legacy of educating women leaders across the globe and linking them to each other through powerful intergenerational networks.

Women in Public Service Institute, June 11-22, 2012

Wellesley College will host the inaugural Women in Public Service Summer Institute June 11 through June 22, 2012. An integral part of the Women in Public Service Project, the pilot institute is a first-of-its-kind, two-week program that will help train the next generation of women leaders. The institute will convene promising women leaders from around the globe—focusing on women from regions in the process of political and social transformation—for intensive training, mentoring, and networking sessions.

Keynotes and panels from the Opening Ceremonies will be viewable on a live-streamed video on Monday, June. 11. Events begin streaming at 9:00 a.m.; the exact agenda is subject to change. There will be gaps in the video stream when the program is on break.

The midmorning events in Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall, outlined below, are also open to the public, with limited availability. For more information, see the page of frequently asked questions.

Women in Public Service Institute Opening Ceremonies Schedule

9:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. - The doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and we strongly urge all attendees to arrive at that time. The Secret Service will have security measures in place which, though cumbersome, are critical to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Thank you in advance for your patience.

10:40 a.m. - Seating closes; those arriving later will be directed to overflow seating.

10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Welcome to Alumnae Hall Sessions

H. Kim Bottomly, Wellesley College President 

Remarks and Moderated Q&A

Secretary Madeleine K. Albright '59, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group
Introduced by Ambassador Michele Sison '81, Assistant Chief of Mission for Law Enforcement and Rule of Law Assistance in Baghdad, Iraq; former Ambassador to Lebanon and the United Arab Emirate

Remarks and Moderated Q&A 

Hillary Rodham Clinton '69, U. S. Secretary of State