Winter 2021 Profiles
Catherine Arnold, Class of 2010
Major: Italian Studies | Minor: History | Current Location: London
Describe your professional/work life.
I'm in the midst of a career transition at the moment. I have a PhD in History from Yale University and spent the last couple of years as Assistant Professor of Early Modern European History at the University of Memphis. Now that I'm in London, I'm retraining as a barrister specializing in international law and human rights.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Wellesley taught me how to argue (constructively)! I loved that we were encouraged to express our opinions and disagree respectfully with each other, our professors, and the administration. That skill stood me in good stead as a historian and, I'm sure, will be even more important in my future career as a barrister.
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
Early morning walks around the lake.
Jamie Kodera, Class of 2019
Major: Art History | Current Location: Just moved back to London
Describe your professional/work life.
I’m currently an MA student at The Courtauld Institute of Art, but prior to enrolling I was working at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in their Development office. I’ve also had the immense privilege of interning at museums across the East Coast (US), and my interest in museum work remains.
What is your role on the Wellesley Board? (if you have one)
I’ve just begun my role as Communications Chair.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Although I’ve only been out of Wellesley for nearly two years, I think my personal values and career goals were shaped during my time as a Wellesley student. Being surrounded by a community that both challenged and validated me was crucial for my growth. Wellesley has made me a curious thinker, and as I continue my studies within the field of Art History, I feel lucky to have gained a foundation from an environment of professors and fellow students who encouraged my inquisitive approach. Lastly, the Wellesley network has been an invaluable resource, and it’s always comforting to meet fellow alumnae.
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
Living a short walk away from my closest friends, who continue to be the most loving and supportive people I’m lucky enough to know.
Dr Phyllis SantaMaria, Class of 1965
Major: History | Current Location: London
Describe your professional/work life.
I’m the Co-inventor of the Social Impact Game, now in its second year at University of Nottingham. I’m also Co-Founder Director,of Learning without Bor-ders, the outcome of my courses on microfinance for professionals and my business partner’s work as a career and business coach. Our programs help professionals and students learn how to make an impact with their work.
And I’m Co-Founder Director of the Financial Inclusion Forum UK: outcome from my role as UK co-ordinator for 2005 UN Year of Microcredit. We share knowledge and improve practice for financial inclusion, collaborating with FIF Africa.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Wellesley exposed me to the wider world outside Texas, made me curious about other cultures through fellow students, academic work, and extra-curricular activities. It also nade me appreciate the power of women, and helped me work closely with women in my first project after Wellesley in the US Peace Corps in Guatemala where I founded the first women’s weaving group in the country, making a socio-economic impact on women’s lives, have car-ried on my relationship with them over the decades.
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
Wellesley planted the seeds for so many aspects of my life—love of history, curiosity about other cul-tures, exploring new subjects to a reasonable level of mastery, confidence that I can achieve as a woman — that I feel I am still living that Wellesley experience in a wider campus. I’m incredibly fortu-nate to be in amazing learning environments — my work, congregation, son and son-in-law, and to be in the UK where I feel at home, as I did when I went to Wellesley from Texas.
Zsofia Schweger, Class of 2012
Major: Studio Art and Comparative Literature | Current Location: London
Describe your professional/work life.
I am an artist who primarily makes paintings. I am self-employed and maintain an art studio in Bow, East London, not too far from my home in Stratford. I work flexibly and I direct my own art practice, but I collaborate with a number of galleries who represent, exhibit and sell my work. This year I have an upcoming group show with Cristea Roberts Gallery in Mayfair, which will hopefully open in May.
Being self-employed is a challenge, especially in this pandemic, but I am hopeful that I will be able to continue with my art practice for many years to come. I am very lucky to have found a supportive audience for my paintings thus far!
You can see images of my work at zsofiaschweger.com.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Wellesley had a foundational effect on my professional experience: I would not be an artist today if it wasn’t for Wellesley. At 18, I thought I might study political science, then I thought I would focus on literature. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year at Wellesley that I decided to declare Studio Art as a second major. Liberal arts education in general benefitted me immensely, but it was the support of my professors that gave me the confidence to just go for it!
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
I have fond memories of residential student life and I miss having everything all my activities in one self-contained place. This is not something I consciously loved when I was at Wellesley, but I sure miss it from the perspective of a commute-heavy London life.
Autumn 2021 Profiles
Coming soon!
Spring/Summer 2021 Profiles
Mea Lewis, Class of 2008
Major: Psychology and Pre-Med | Current Location: London
Describe your professional/work life.
I am Director of Investor Relations at SoftBank Investor Advisers (SBIA), the manager of the SoftBank Vision Fund. I am responsible for maintaining relationships with our investors across the globe who have committed capital to the largest private fund in the world that invests in technology-driven companies.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Wellesley is a unique experience and anyone who has attended shares that commonality. It wasn’t always the best experience, but the friendships I made at Wellesley and the skills I developed (especially many of the soft skills) have stood the test of time.
For me personally, Wellesley provided great networking skills, the experience of dealing with challenges and highly competitive environments, the support to encourage my fierce independence and ingrained multi-tasking skills, and an ongoing network. I am so grateful to my Wellesley gal pals for all these years of support and hope to connect with more of the Wellesley UK group soon.
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
Oddly enough – dorm life! Living with and next to your close girlfriends is such a treat that I truly miss. I’ve lived in half a dozen different cities these past few years, which I love, but being a few feet away from your closest friends is such a gift that I’ll always cherish. We’re now spread all over the world and have been stuck with Zoom calls, Instagram and Whatsapp messages this past year.
Annie He, Class of 2012
Major: Biology and Economics | Current Location: London
Describe your professional/work life.
I am an investment banker covering the Industrials sector at HSBC. I advise large corporates in the Industrial space on mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and financing either the debt or equity markets. Within Industrials I am increasingly spending more time on Industrial Tech as the industry goes through a phase of digitalization.
While my position is based in the UK, the work I am involved with is largely international/cross-border, so on any given day I am likely working or exchanging ideas with colleagues in Asia, the US, or across Continental Europe. While this can be hectic as we are essentially chasing the sun, I personally really like how international the role is.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Wellesley opened the door to investment banking for me! I would never have thought to go into investment banking had it not been for the (then) Center for Work and Service.
Since graduating I have come to really appreciate the strength of the Wellesley sisterhood. I would not be where I am had it not been for the women before me who broke into finance, paved the way, and continue to sponsor and mentor the generations of women after them. As such, I hope to pay forward what I’ve received by mentoring younger women who are interested in going into finance.
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
There are many things to miss, like the freshly ground peanut butter in Caz! You just don’t find that so easily here in London.
Autumn 2020 Profiles
Nica Lewis, Class of 1988
Major: History and Italian Culture | Current Location: London
Describe your professional/work life.
After 20+ years in the private sector, I joined the UK civil service three years ago (Dept. for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy). I work in central Brexit planning with a focus on energy and climate policy.
I’m also one of the Department’s ‘Green Guardians,’ our recycling and waste management initiatives.
What was your role on the Wellesley Board?
Former Club President (2013-2017), and Club comms and events coordinator in the early 2000s.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Wellesley fostered a lifelong interest in women’s issues and supporting women’s education. It reinforced my belief in the importance of cultural diversity to society and decision-making. And of course, its an honour to give and receive from the alum network.
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
the energy that was in the air from all those talented women learning and growing! And the campus’ natural and built environment that was a visual source of inspiration.
Shirley Bryant Mitchell, Class of 1956
Major: Music | Current Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Describe your professional/work life.
When my youngest of four children was eight, I started to teach music in a local school, but because I wasn’t qualified as a teacher, pay was very low. I rang Manchester University, talked with the person in charge of the graduate teacher certification, and was accepted on the phone. It was gratifying to know that someone had heard of Wellesley! I spent a year on that, and then worked on a Masters in Aesthetics.
At the same time, I taught music in a Manchester High School. At the end of that year, I put teaching aside to finish my thesis. How did I spend the next 50-odd years? Teaching in the Manchester College of Education, in Rochdale High Schools, in the Rochdale Music Centre, and giving private piano lessons.. Music has been my life. I was a founder member and chairman of the Rochdale Music Society; chairman on the Northwest National Federation of Music Societies (and still a listener for their Selected Artists Brochure); member of the Ramsbottom Orchestra and Choir and the Rochdale Light Orchestra playing viola; and a member of the Oldham Choral Society and women’s choir the Saddleworth Singers. I have been a church warden at my local Anglican church for many years.
How has your Wellesley experience influenced your experience thus far?
Aside from continuing to help me towards a life in music, Wellesley was instrumental in supporting me financially as both my parents died in the middle of my Junior year. My already generous scholarship was increased to a complete scholarship without me ask-ing. I suspect that not many colleges would do that.
The thing I miss most about Wellesley is…
its beautiful campus. I have been back for the last three reunions to enjoy this amazing place. 1956 class members have kept close friendships.
Summer 2020 Profiles
Coming soon!
Spring 2020 Profiles
Coming soon!