“Women in Leadership: Leaning In, Out, and Through”
Friday, March 7, 2025
Mayer Brown, LLP
1999 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Mary Kennedy Brown became the first female graduate of Cornell Law School in 1893. Since that time, scores of women entered the field of law – a long legacy of leaders in government, private practice, non-profit organizations, and everything in between. The 2025 summit is titled “Women in Leadership” and is a program designed to highlight some of Cornell Law School’s alumnae leaders and explore what leading really means for women lawyers. This program will energize and inspire you to lead, and to be led to your greatest potential.
For those traveling to DC for the Summit, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center, 775 12th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Please visit the reservation link to reserve a room in the block.
Friday, March 7, 2025
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Registration
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Session 1: “Our Paths to Leadership, from Cornell Law to the Present”
Life is a journey, and leaders chart their own unique paths as they learn and evolve. The experiences we accumulate—from childhood through law school and into our careers—play a pivotal role in shaping our character, values, and decisions. Join us for an engaging fireside chat with two accomplished leaders in their fields as they share the distinct paths they’ve taken to leadership. They will reflect on their journeys from Cornell Law School and beyond, discussing the experiences, challenges, and influences that have shaped their careers.
Speakers:
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Break
11: 00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Session 2: “Leading Through Change and Crisis” CLE Program
When disruptive changes or unexpected crises arise, what leadership strategies enable women leaders to navigate these challenges successfully? How do the approaches differ when dealing with internal organizational challenges versus external factors such as community, economic, or political forces impacting the organization? In this session, the panelists will share their experiences of leading through significant changes and crises, offering insights on how they responded, adapted, and led their teams through turbulent times. They will also discuss key lessons learned and highlight the skills and strategies that proved most effective in staying agile and effective during periods of uncertainty.
Attendees will receive 1.0 NY CLE credit in the area of Skills. Attorneys who practice outside New York may be eligible for reciprocal CLE credit. This program is appropriate for in-person newly admitted and experienced attorneys, and for remote experienced attorneys. NY CLE credit is free of charge.
Moderator:
Speakers:
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch and Keynote Speaker:
Keynote: “Lighting Up Your Career Through the Power of Bold Moves”
Successful careers are rarely built without bold moves. Harnessing the power of unexpected turns and smart risks often leads to growth and big rewards – especially for women early in their careers. Join Kelly Mahon Tullier, JD ’92,Vice Chair, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa, to learn how pushing out of her comfort zone to reimagine what was possible and embracing the journey led to true career satisfaction and shaped her views on leadership.
2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Break
2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Session 3: “Building Your Leadership Chops” CLE Program
Leading at the top is one challenge, but how do you develop and refine your leadership skills as you grow or transition in your career? What tools and best practices can women leaders use to navigate relationships with both those beneath and above them in the organizational hierarchy? Join our panel of emerging leaders as they share the strategies and tactics that have helped them strengthen their leadership abilities and position themselves for future opportunities.
Attendees will receive 1.0 NY CLE credit in the area of Skills. Attorneys who practice outside New York may be eligible for reciprocal CLE credit. This program is appropriate for in-person newly admitted and experienced attorneys, and for remote experienced attorneys. NY CLE credit is free of charge.
Moderator:
Speakers:
3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks by Stacy Walsh, JD ’00
JD ’00
President, Cornell Law School Women’s Alliance
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Saturday, March 8, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cornell Cares Community Project
Join members of the Cornell Alumni community in supporting unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence. Additional details and information can be found on the Cornell Cares Community Project Page.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Please consider supporting the Law School Annual Fund for Scholarship, which greatly impacts the educational opportunities for women and students of color.