Baldwin and BeyondFROM TH INK ING G IRLS

TO ACCOMPL ISHED WOMEN

The Baldwin School, an independent college preparatory school, develops talented girls into confident young women with vision, global understanding and the competency to make significant and enduring contributions to the world. The school nurtures our students’ passions for intellectual rigor in academics, creativity in the arts and competition in athletics, forming women capable of leading their generation while living balanced lives.

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Sally M. Powell Head of School Dear Friends,

I have one of the best jobs in the world. Eachday, I am surrounded by students who areexcited to learn, faculty who are passionate toteach and a community of parents who see theimportance of an all-girls, independent school.

Parents tell me stories of how their daughtershares that the peas on her dinner plate remindher of one of Seurat’s paintings; they love thedialogue that ensues when she relates a story inthe news to something that occurred in theShang Dynasty in 1040BC; and they aredelighted when they see her light up on thestage or beam with pride as she high fives herteammates after scoring a goal.

They watch her confidence grow as she learnsto express herself, whether she is presenting atan all-school assembly or writing an essay forEnglish class. She’s learning that it’s cool to besmart, it’s OK to ask questions and that it’s funto learn.

It’s particularly rewarding for me to see thesesame traits echoed in our alumnae. The Baldwinalumna is intellectually confident, comfortablewith the woman she has become andaccomplished in a variety of fields. She isconnected to her friends, secure in her familyand in touch with her community. But whatsets her apart from others is her passion for herschool and a deep appreciation of the way herteachers prepared her for the future.

Alumnae regale me with stories about an “off-the-wall” experiment their science teacherperformed to illustrate a specific law of physics– a law they will remember forever. They sharethat their history teacher was not only an expertin his field, but also a kind and caring mentor,always willing to listen and advise. They aregrateful that their French teacher set such highstandards and demanded the best from them,not because they got an “A” in her class, butbecause they developed a love of Frenchliterature, culture and the spoken word.

In the following pages, you will meet someextraordinary women. Since graduating, theyhave each followed their own path and livevibrant, accomplished and dynamic lives. What I find most gratifying when I meet an alumnaand hear her stories is that I recognize a familiarspark in her eyes; it is the same one I see eachday in the eyes of our students. The creation ofthis “spark” is an essential and formative pieceof a girl’s development; it cultivates a love oflearning, a zest for life and a sense ofindividuality that lasts a lifetime. That, I believe,is quite possibly the best gift a girl could everreceive.

My warmest regards,

Sally M. PowellThroughout the year, Sallly hosts monthlyteas for 5th and 8thgraders, as well aslunches for seniors inher office.

Kinney Zalesne ’83BA, Yale University ’87 JD, Harvard Law School ’91CEO, Zalesne LLC

“Baldwin taught me to think, to communicateand to compete. It turns out, if you have thosethings, you can have a great time in yourcareer in myriad ways. I’ve been a WhiteHouse Fellow, Counsel to the U.S. AttorneyGeneral, president of a national nonprofit, aNew York Times -bestselling author and now anentrepreneur /consultant - plus a mom ofthree great kids. Baldwin gave me the skillsand the confidence not only to do thesethings, but also to have the courage to trythem.”

Each class at Baldwin isdesigned so that everystudent’s voice is heard. In this trusting atmosphere,active communication andcollaboration enhance ashared sense of excitementabout learning for facultyand students alike.

Ellen Hanson ’75BA, Cornell University ’79Founder and Principal Designer, Ellen Hanson Designs (Residential and Commercial Interior Design)

“From writing to design work, the diverse and demandingprogram at Baldwin prepared and encouraged me to forge acareer reflective of my passions and talents. My design projectsrange from Park Avenue penthouses, to a LEED gold certifiedboutique hotel, to reporting for the eco-conscious column,“Green Scene,” on the popular online designer resource1StDibs.com and many things in between.”

Baldwin's Lower School artscurriculum encouragesstudents to examine areasoutside of the classroom.Their projects are based onself-exploration, oftencreating work that supportssocial studies and sciencethemes, as well as lookingat and responding to thearts of different cultures.

Courtney M. Leonard ’98AFA, Institute of American Indian Arts ’00 BA, Alfred University ’02MFA, Rhode Island School of Design ’08Independent Artist/Lecturer

“As a student at Baldwin, I remember almostreceiving a violation for being ‘out of uniform,’only to be rescued by the discovery that it wasmerely clay that covered my clothing. There was so much that Baldwin offered – anoutstanding art department was merely one of itsmany strengths. Baldwin allowed me to find myown path by pursuing something that I loveddearly and still cherish today…the arts. I am stilloften covered in clay…just with a betterunderstanding of responsibility and individuality.”

Girls sometimes learn thatthe effect they predicted onpaper isn’t always whathappens in the test tube,and that rethinking areaction – learning aboutthe world and coming upwith a smart, newprediction – is the realsolution.

Dr. Stacey Englander Turner ’88BA, University of Pennsylvania ’92MD, Washington University ’96Dermatologist and Owner, Haverford Dermatology; current Baldwin parent

“Baldwin has given me strength and courage to believe that I can do anything. I credit my confidence in the outside world to havingattended an all-girls institution, which is why I have also chosenBaldwin for my daughter. Baldwin taught me that you CAN do it all!”

Amanda Michelle Turner ’19“I am proud to be a thinking girl! My teachers are warm andloving... and Baldwin feels like a home away from home.”

Sara Greenberg ’05BA, Yale ’09MBA, Harvard Business School ’14 (deferred entrance)Lacrosse player; first female sports broadcaster at Yale; Corporate Strategy Analyst at Thomson Reuters; Filmmaker; Activist

“Baldwin taught me that it was cool to be smart and OK to do things that areunconventional and different. From an academic perspective, I felt extremelyprepared for college and was surprised when other girls held back. After graduatingcollege, I started working in the Strategy Group at Thomson Reuters in New YorkCity. After a year and a half at the company, I was offered the opportunity to work inHong Kong (and am there now!) helping grow the business in China and Japan.

Outside of my day job, I spend time promoting Holocaust education initiatives. My involvement in this field started in 2005 when my family took a trip to EasternEurope to visit the hometowns of my mother’s parents who had both survived theHolocaust. I was so moved by this experience that I decided to produce a film, “B-2247: A Granddaughter’s Understanding,” exploring the question of what itmeans to be a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors and highlightingthe importance of sharing my grandparents’ stories with the world and futuregenerations.

Since 2009, the film has screened at the United Nations as part of the annualInternational Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies, several film festivalsand is used by the Anti-Defamation League’s Bearing Witness program.

Baldwin taught me to have a perspective beyond myself and showed me theimportance of giving back to my community. Thanks to Baldwin, I approach theworld with wide eyes and strive to make an impact that is meaningful to others.”

Laura Small ’04BA, Bowdoin College ’08Production Assistant, The Dr. Oz Show

“I am thankful every day formy Baldwin education andthe work ethic which wasinstilled in me during mythirteen years there.”

Community service is anintegral part of Baldwin'sculture, not just an activitythat pads a collegeapplication. Middle andUpper Schoolers canchoose from 50+ student-run clubs, many of whichfocus on efforts that giveback directly to our localand regional communities.

Baldwin’s athletics programseeks to support themission of the School andto provide an enhancedenvironment in which eachgirl can develop. Eachstudent-athlete ischallenged to learn newskills, embrace the value ofworking together toachieve common goals andbecome empowered tostretch her boundaries and self-expectations.

Jordan Valutas ’03BA, University of Colorado ’07Olympic Client Services Manager, CoSport

“Baldwin instilled in me the curiosity to explore andlearn while respecting the diversity of differentcultures. With my job, I have been fortunate enoughto travel to the host cities of the Olympic Games.Living abroad and working with clients fromaround the world, I am challenged to discover, adaptand appreciate unfamiliar surroundings. My writingskills have also benefitted greatly from my Baldwinexperience; I learned the importance of clearlyorganizing my thoughts while also paying attentionto detail in all of my work.”

Emma Hamm ’07Duke University ’12 Student (red-shirt junior); lacrosse player: three-time, first team All-American; member, World Championship Under-19 National team; member, All-World team.

“Baldwin has and always will remain close to my heart.I’ve been astounded at listening to other peoples’perceptions or experiences regarding their high schoolyears in comparison to mine. I feel so fortunate to havebeen a part of a school, which felt like a home, where Ilearned the foundation for what has lead me to much ofmy success in college. The relationships, intellectualstimulation and teamwork skills developed throughathletics, were all interconnected and turned me into acourageous and compassionate student and athlete at thenext level. I am proud to tell anyone and everyone whereI went to school from kindergarten through my senioryear because of the awesome opportunities it gave meand the person it helped make me today.”

Hands-on explorationsin the science labs andoutdoors help ourstudents applyprinciples andconstruct an under -standing of bothphysical and lifescience concepts.Using our own Baldwin“backyard” and theresources of thecommunity, localarboretums, stateparks and naturecenters, the girls cometo understand thehighly complexinterrelationships ofnature.

Marjorie A. Hargrave ’82 BA, Boston University ‘86MA, New York University ‘94Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning for CTAP, LLC.

“At Baldwin, I felt like I made the upper half of the class possible (i.e. I was inthe bottom half)! But then, as I made my way in the world, I realized thatsurrounding myself with smart people, albeit intimidating and scary at times, isa great way to learn. I have been privileged to work with well educated andhighly intelligent individuals who have shared their views and life experienceswith me. Reflecting on the challenges I have faced in my career, I creditBaldwin with teaching me to confront my fears head-on. Although this maynot be the easiest way to approach them, once you conquer those fears, yourself-esteem grows and the sense of accomplishment will be invaluable. Baldwin should have a slogan: ‘Women without Borders!’ I was fortunate toreceive a Baldwin education as it instilled a confidence and a belief in myselfthat I could do anything I wanted to do in life. Fortunately, I have.”

Pamela Plummer Harrington ’93BSBA, Georgetown ’97EdM, Harvard ’02Recruiter and Winery Owner

“Although it admittedly took me a few years to gethere (via investment banking and leading a non-profit), I did finally find my calling in executive searchand now recruit private equity investors across thecountry. And with my husband, I also founded andrun an award-winning winery. [Editor’s note: Pam’swinery, Gramercy Cellars, was honored by Food andWine magazine as the Best New Winery for 2010]Without the diversity of what I learned at Baldwin –both in and outside of class – I don’t know that Icould have successfully forged the path that I’ve taken.

Not only did Baldwin’s passionate teachers instillvaluable knowledge in me, but I learned from a groupof diverse friends, classes and sports that there isvirtually no limit to what I can accomplish if I amdedicated and focused. I cannot imagine having livedand learned that anywhere but through my 13 years atBaldwin.”

Baldwin’s all-girlsenvironment places astrong emphasis onindependence andconfidence, and in anatmosphere of trust, ourgirls learn to question,speak truthfully and takerisks - both as individualsand together as acommunity.

Amanda Birnbaum-Steinberg ’95BA, Columbia University ’99Founder and CEO, DailyWorth.comFounder and CEO, Soapbxx

“No one is going to fix financial inequity for women. We have to recognize our own self-worth, ask for higher salaries, invest more aggressively and build our own wealth. I unflinchingly credit Baldwin for the confident, ambitious woman that I am today.”

Rachel Gerstenhaber Stern ’83BA, Yale University ’87MA, University of London ’89Fulbright Scholar ’89-’90JD, University of Pennsylvania ’93Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary,FactSet Research Systems Inc.

“Baldwin has given me the confidenceto be comfortable as the only womanin a room full of businessmen.”

Our Upper Schoolscience program isdesigned to givestudents a solidfoundation in thisdiscipline and toprovide a link betweenscientific concepts andtheir application toreal-world situations.We endeavor tocultivate in ourstudents a sense ofwonder, curiosity andawe about how muchthe field of science hasgiven us, as well as theinfinite possibilities thatlie ahead.

Aliza Moldofsky Simeone ’93BA, University of Pennsylvania ’97 VMD, University of Pennsylvania: School of Veterinary Medicine ’01Veterinary Medical Field Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health

“Baldwin gave me the confidence to believe that I could do whatever I set mymind to. So while I was surprised when others along the way told me that if I wasgoing to be a veterinarian, I should train to work with cats and dogs because I ampetite and female, I was not deterred from doing what I really wanted to do: workwith livestock and farmers. After four years of veterinary school focusing on foodanimals and three years in private practice as a mobile farm vet, I am now veryhappy as a confident regulatory veterinarian helping to keep our food, animals andcitizens safe from disease. I have never regretted taking the less expected path(there’s another Baldwin lesson)!”

Dr. Rochelle Rudolph Weiss ’85BA, University of Pennsylvania ’89 MD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine ’94Dermatologist, Head of the Dermatology Department at Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists Association; Assistant ClinicalProfessor of Dermatology at the Hospital of the University ofPennsylvania; current Baldwin parent.

“Baldwin taught me to think independently,challenge ideas and that if I am willing towork hard, there is no dream that I shouldnot aspire to achieve.”

Haley Samantha Weiss ’14“As crazy as it sounds coming from a teenage girl, I love being inan All-girls atmosphere. Rather than worrying about making animpression in class, I can express my ideas and speak freelywithout chance of embarrassment.”

The Middle School years are a timeof growth and discovery, when girlsbegin to define their talents andinterests, develop confidence asindividuals and take on increasedresponsibility as members of theschool community. (Pictured: the Baldwin and Haverford MiddleSchools’ co-production of AMidsummer Night’s Dream.)

Laura Bennett ’05Yale University ’09 Fulbright Scholar ’09-’10 Assistant Literary Editor, The New Republic magazine

“I think Baldwin taught me the importance of reallycommitting myself to the things I was passionate about. I was lucky to spend twelve years with a group of girlswho had so many different talents and interests and wereencouraged to pursue them actively, both inside andoutside the classroom. And, I learned to appreciate goodmentors whenever I found them, since a few Baldwinteachers are still some of the best mentors I've had.”

Martha Craven Nussbaum ’64BA, New York University ’69MA ’72, PhD ’75, Harvard UniversityAcclaimed American Philosopher; Professor of Philosophy and Law, University of Chicago

“Baldwin is with me everyday, in so many ways. Thehabits of rigorous thought and intellectual independencethat I learned there have helped me enormouslythroughout my career. The sheer love of ideas in theclassroom coupled with the experience of acting on the stage, under Lois Goutman’s inspiring direction, hasalways accompanied me into the classroom and in publiclectures.”

Belonging to a small,friendly and diversecommunity of girls is anincredible experience, onethat fosters a strong senseof connectedness andcreates close relationshipsthat will last a lifetime.

Emily Scott ’00BA, Princeton ’04 Director, Digital Marketing, KAYAK.com

“I am grateful to have grown up in an academic environment thatencouraged me to ask questions and voice my opinions. The skills I learned at Baldwin – from time management, to research, topublic speaking–have been invaluable to me in my career. Myexperience has given me the confidence to present to seniormanagement, lead a team and challenge myself to work in anindustry where the rules have not all yet been defined.”

Franne McNeal ’78BA, Princeton University ’82MBA, Eastern University ’07Coach, Significant Business Results

“Baldwin gave me confidence andcompetence. I learned, listened andlaughed with my classmates andteachers. Leadership and business areabout relationships, and Baldwin fosterspositive ones that last a lifetime.”

Throughout the year, theentire Baldwin communityconvenes for all-schoolassemblies. These eventsprovide an opportunity forour students, faculty andstaff to gather to perform,share experiences andcelebrate achievements.

Sandie Stringfellow ’94BA, Harvard ’98MSc, London School of Economics and Political Science ’01 Director of High School Placement, KIPP Bayview Academy

“I was a member of the ‘13-year club’ having attended Baldwin from K-12.After spending the last several years working in low-income public schools, Irealize what an excellent education Baldwin gives its students; I can clearly seethe lifetime advantage that a quality K-12 education gives a young woman.Baldwin offers a small learning community with rigorous academics, buildingcritical thinking and leadership skills that will equip young women to dowhatever they want with their lives.”

Elena Stephenson ’10Stanford University ’14Student

“My teachers at Baldwin encouraged meto ask questions, including those forwhich they did not know the answersthemselves. This fostered a love oflearning in me that has been crucial inmy education and life so far.”

The Main Hall of ourhistoric Residence buildingis a popular gathering spotfor both students andteachers.

Ariel Feldman ’09George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs ’13Student

“Baldwin has affected me in every aspect of my college career. Being a ‘Baldwin Girl’ taughtme at a young age that nothing is impossible. It prepared me to always work hard and to try to achieve the best possible outcome that I can from any situation. Baldwin showed me themeaning of true friendships; it taught me how to nurture other people, and in return, nurturemyself.

Most importantly, Baldwin gave me the skills necessary for success in college and beyond. Hadit not been for the confidence that I gained as a student at Baldwin, I may have not applied forthe amazing internship experience that I had at Teen Vogue magazine last summer, and I wouldnot have had the skills to thrive there and be asked to return this upcoming summer. I thankBaldwin for shaping me into the person I am today.”

Shubha Lakshmi Bhat ’05BA, Harvard ’09Stanford School of Medicine ’13Second year medical student; health activist

“It was not until recently that I fully appreciated my Baldwin education.Looking back, I now realize that my passion for preventative health and socialentrepreneurship really began there. I loved initiating new projects– fromknitting for community service to skin cancer prevention– and I very clearlyremember how supportive Baldwin students, teachers and administration werethroughout the process. This type of encouragement so early on gave me theconfidence and experience to found and lead two student groups in collegeand medical school that have meant a lot to me. My classmates and teachers atBaldwin truly challenged me to think critically and question the status quo,which has proved invaluable. I am grateful to have made such wonderful,talented friends at Baldwin and it’s always so exciting to catch up and seewhere life is taking them!”

The lower school years area time when children areopen to exploring, learningand stretching theirintellectual boundaries. Inour all-girls environment,we see this natural learningprocess flourish even moreas inhibitions are cast aside,the thirst for knowledge isquenched and thefoundations for life-longlearning are established.

Rachael Goldfarb ’95BA, University of Pennsylvania ’99 JD, Pennsylvania State University: Dickinson School of Law ’03Deputy to the Chief Technology Officer for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Implementation Team, U.S. Department of Treasury

“I could not reasonably say that the most important influence throughout mychildhood was something or someone other than my parents, but I do consider theirdecision to send me to Baldwin to be one of the most formative and important ofmy life. Every success I have had in my professional life I know I owe in large part toBaldwin because I learned how to think clearly, write cogently and argue persuasivelywithin its hallowed halls. I often say that I’m incredibly lucky to have had the variedcareer I have been afforded, but truthfully, luck has very little to do with it; thefoundational education I received at Baldwin has positioned me to pursue and seizeupon opportunities that cut across a variety of fields in both the public and privatesectors. I remain committed to the school because I believe every little girl should beas ‘lucky’ as I was – and continue to be – and a critical element of that formula wasundoubtedly a Baldwin education.”

Lt. Marisa Porges ’96BA, Harvard ’00 MSc, London School of Economics ’02 PhD, King’s College London ’13 Former military officer and government advisor on counterterrorism; current PhD student

“Baldwin taught me to be fearless, and my teachers gave me the self-assurance tonever say ‘it can’t be done.’ They made certain we were confident enough tobelieve in ourselves and inspired enough to keep pursuing our dreams longafter we graduated.

I’ve flown jets off aircraft carriers, negotiated national security policy withforeign princes and world leaders and discussed politics with formerinsurgents over a cup of tea. I’ve traveled the world and met a wide variety ofaccomplished women, but my Baldwin classmates remain the most talented,intelligent and interesting women I know.

Baldwin made us believe anything was within our reach, and also inspired usto continue working toward our goals long after we graduated. Not manycan say they fulfilled their childhood dreams, but thanks to Baldwin, I’ve notonly lived mine, but continue to invent new ones everyday.”

A delight in ideas, a senseof curiosity and humor anda commitment to honoringthe dignity of others areamong Baldwin’s highestvalues. We strive to fosteran awareness of self andrecognition of otherperspectives, as well as theknowledge and technicalskills each girl will need tomeet the challenges of ourwidening and fast-changingworld.

Cecilia Byrne ’02BA, Northwestern University ’06 JD, University of Pennsylvania School of Law ’10 Clerk, United States Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein, Southern District of New York

“My experiences at Baldwin helped me to become the confident,outspoken person I am today. The teachers I had pushed me to achieve ona daily basis and inspired me to think creatively and analytically. The friendsI made at Baldwin are still the closest relationships I have today, and I amtruly grateful that I had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful school.”

Danielle M. Weiss ’98 BA, University of Pennsylvania ’02James Beasley School of Law, Temple University ’05Attorney, Haines & Associates

“Baldwin has given me the skills, driveand confidence to succeed well beyondthe school’s gates. I think of myBaldwin years with fondness and stillcount a number of my classmatesamong my dearest friends. My Baldwineducation is a cherished gift.”

Baldwin girls, whether nine or ninety-nine, continue to expand their horizons each and every day.

They are creative thinkers and active problem solvers who learn by doing, not by sitting and watching.

They listen intently, ask questions and speak their minds as they grow into strong women

actively contributing to their larger communities.

Early on, Baldwin girls make a lifelong commitment to learning and because of this,

there is nothing a Baldwin girl cannot achieve.

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