Women’s Conference 2026

Nearly 400 alumnae and their guests returned to campus from Oct. 23-25 for a historic weekend of conversation, connection and celebration.

By Molly Vogel '00
Date

Kenyon’s inaugural Women’s Conference welcomed nearly 400 alumnae and their guests to campus for a weekend of lively panel discussions, celebrations about the impact of women at the College, and opportunities to connect with each other and the campus community.

It was a star-studded weekend from Oct. 23-25 featuring dozens of female leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Among those who spoke were Bridget Brink ’91, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine; artist Ann Hamilton; and world-renowned endurance swimmer Diana Nyad.

The itinerary was full of panels involving alumnae experts and chances for attendees to casually connect through reunions, networking sessions and social opportunities — including goat yoga and a night of music and s’mores.

“To be on campus along with students made me feel like I hadn’t aged out of belonging on the Hill. To attend lectures and join in conversations about current events and topics made me feel that civil discourse still exists and the level of discussion was substantial and meaningful.”

Mary Smith ’89
conference participant

Scenes from the Women’s Conference

Professor of Political Science Pam Camerra-Rowe and Harry M. Clor Professor of Political Science Dave Rowe moderated a panel based on the former’s class “Political Science 449: Democracy in Crisis,” which discussed the various threats around the globe and domestically. An erosion of confidence in news and shared facts were discussed along with the weaponization of the U.S. government and breaking of longstanding international norms. Taking part in the conversation were: Bridget Brink ’91, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine; Jenny Mallamo ’08, senior director for communications and public affairs, The Brookings Institution; Rebecca Shoot ’06, co-convener, Washington Working Group for the International Criminal Court and co-convener, ImPact Coalition on Strengthening International Judicial Institutions.
Allie Armstrong '04, co-chair of the volunteer group Kenyon Women Giving Back, introduced a panel moderated by President Julie Kornfeld Saturday about health and health care. Dr. Rebecca Dougherty ’96 P’29, a physician advisor whose research explores the ways language in medicine perpetuate bias; Ellen Stein ’13, an epidemiologist researcher; and pediatrician Dr. Maggie Somple ’99 discussed inequities in healthcare and the fact the United States is the only developed country without universal healthcare, along with the impacts of misinformation leading to distrust of vaccines and how patients can advocate for themselves.
Conference tri-chair and Kenyon trustee Marian Block ’75 introduced President Kornfeld at a luncheon in Gund Ballroom to celebrate the impact of Kenyon women on Kenyon and the world, including the role philanthropy plays at the College.
One of the most influential artists of her generation, Ann Hamilton (right) gave a distinguished lecture as part of The Gund’s 15th anniversary celebration.
Lisa Schott ’80 H’22 (left), former managing director of the Philander Chase Conservancy, moderated a conversation on climate change and environmental activism. Colette Pichon Battle ’97 H’18 (right), a climate activist, made the argument that the United States’ practice of extraction from the earth without repair is threatening the planet. While Sarah Dougherty ’11, who works in renewable energy, and Kate Boicourt ’06, New York State director at Environmental Defense Fund, discussed the ways their organizations are working to mitigate impacts.
Former College President S. Georgia Nugent (left) attended the conference, which happened to occur while Kenyon, for the first time, has a female president, Julie Kornfeld, and provost, Dianna Shandy (right).
Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies Royal Rhodes (left), joined a panel based on his popular course “Meanings of Death,” moderated by Larae Bush Schrader ’97, who specializes in estate planning and elder law. The meaningful conversation included Gina Kornfeind ’85, community outreach and training social worker at Good Grief, and Dr. Katie Cunin ’97, hospitalist and hospice physician, on ways to arrange for a supported death. That conversation was bookended by a panel “Life of Meaning: Noticing Happiness,” featuring psychology professors Laura A. King ’86 — with the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Missouri — and Kenyon’s own Associate Professor of Psychology Leah Dickens.
From left: Liz Vitellaro ’97, chair of the conference planning committee, moderated a panel on entrepreneurship featuring Elizabeth Karatz Faraut ’92, founder of LA LOOP, and Amy Peterson ’02, co-founder and CEO of Rebel Nell. Peterson was drawn to the idea of repurposing fallen graffiti into unique jewelry, and saw an opportunity to not only create beautiful pieces but also to address social issues. Faraut invented the premium eyewear necklace 26 years ago, holding both design and utility patents, and built LA LOOP into a globally recognized brand that turned a functional accessory into jewelry. 
Jennifer Mizenko ’85, professor emerita of dance and movement for the actor at the University of Mississippi, screened her documentary “Moving Spirits: Encountering the Ancestors,” which illuminates the hidden histories of those enslaved at Rowan Oak and reveals the enduring desire of Black Mississippians to uncover their family legacies. She joined conference committee member Renee Peck ’75 for a discussion following the screening.
Conference tri-chair Lydia Winkler ’13 joined keynote speaker Diana Nyad for a conversation following Nyad’s moving, motivational and even musical speech. Nyad, the only person to ever swim from Cuba to Florida, demonstrated her whistling, bugle and singing skills and spoke about the value of unwavering commitment to pursue perhaps impossible dreams.
Professor of English and Creative Writing Sarah Heidt ’97 led a conversation with poets Elaine Bleakney ’98 and Jennifer Clarvoe, professor of English emerita, followed by a reading from their works by authors Gretchen McGowan ’87 (“Flying In”) and Rowan Beaird ’09 (“The Divorcees” and “Tenderness”).
Elizabeth Poett ’03, host and star of the Magnolia Network cooking and lifestyle show “Ranch to Table,” worked with alumnae in the hospitality and food industries to curate a banquet featuring local ingredients and in collaboration with the Kenyon Farm, held in the great hall in Peirce. Attendees’ registration fees and donor support helped support the event.
The conference provided countless opportunities for reconnection.
As he does at Reunion Weekend Professor of Music Benjamin “Doc” Locke, led attendees in song on the steps of Rosse Hall to close the event.