Spend one minute with Lisa Borders ’79 and you’ll see the immense charm, humility, wit and decision-making that make her leadership a tour de force in the public sector and in the business world. Spend another, and you’ll soon be uplifted by your own inner bravery, ready to clear big hurdles and accomplish lofty goals.

One of the benefits of belonging to the dynamic WIN community is receiving invitations to regional and campus gatherings. We’re excited to announce a WIN Members lunch celebration on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Duke Gardens. The lunch precedes the kick-off for the 2020 Women’s Weekend, sponsored by the Duke Alumni Association. You’ll receive an official invitation to the WIN lunch later this fall. Please note this invitation is for WIN members only.

Rising juniors Sweta Kafle and Jamiee Williams have been named the newest WIN Scholars. Their selection brings the total number of young women who have received partial financial aid support from the WIN Scholarship Endowment to six.

With their time at Duke coming to a close, Idalis and Katie reflected on the highs and lows they had experienced since joining the Class of 2019: The exhilaration of being admitted with full financial aid. The questioning and self-doubt they struggled with as they navigated social and academic obstacles. The complicated challenges of familial expectations and long-distance romantic relationships. The excitement of heading to graduate schools to pursue degrees. And the gratitude of being selected as the inaugural Duke Women’s Impact Network (WIN) Scholars.

Isela Bahena M.B.A.’04 has dedicated much of her giving to Duke to providing equitable access to education for students at The Fuqua School of Business. She believes that now is the time for women to show their economic power with philanthropy.

When Duke women come together around causes they’re passionate about, anything is possible.

All her life, Katie Taylor ’19 was told to lower her expectations. After all, kids from Monticello, Arkansas, didn’t have a shot at places like Duke.

My greatest hope for Duke is that it continues to be a University where the students are able to explore their imaginations and intellect; express their concerns about the ever-changing world around them; and conquer their fears, misgivings, and shortcomings so that they continue progressing and looking forward.

As the parent of a college-aged daughter, I’ve watched how academic decisions that first- or second-year students make can open — or close — certain professional paths.

I hope we continue to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, life-time learners, and visionary leaders to use their strengths to contribute to society.