Members of the WLC and the Women’s Network attended a luncheon at the Colgate Inn on April 4, 2025, during Colgate’s Arts, Creativity, and Innovation (ACI) Weekend. The event was a moment of empowerment for Colgate women as the attendees engaged in authentic conversations about women’s leadership and philanthropy, as well as an opportunity for current students to connect with alumnae and learn more about membership in the WLC.
WLC Chair Liz Buchbinder ʼ77 and the Women’s Network President Alexa Watson ʼ26 welcomed the guests. Buchbinder remarked on the tremendous progress—$116 million raised so far—in the efforts of Colgate women to give $200 million toward the Campaign for the Third Century by June 2029. Watson said the gathering is a reminder for students of the strength of the Colgate community, beyond the four years that are spent on campus.
The Women's Network is devoted to creating a community of powerful Colgate women, just like the WLC. The hope is that the students will stay connected to Colgate by becoming members of the WLC in the future. This gathering of current and future leaders underscores the importance of women in philanthropy, creating opportunities for connection and growth for all in attendance.
Alumnae and students alike found the experience valuable and impactful. Mari Jones ʼ09 was among the luncheon attendees and was inspired by the current students who value a strong network of Colgate women, like the WLC. Jones looks forward to any opportunity for the WLC to gather in person, and ACI Weekend was no exception.
"I’m excited to see students eager to join our ranks,” Jones said. “I hope they were inspired by our commitment to Colgate—and to their success—and will continue the tradition of Colgate women supporting the university, and each other, after graduation."
Rachael Martinez ʼ26 is majoring in peace and conflict studies and psychological and brain sciences, a member of the women’s volleyball team, president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, John A. Golden pre-law fellow, and a member of the Colgate Graduate School Access Fund cohort. Martinez valued the opportunity to speak with WLC members who serve as mentors and role models.
“These women offer honest advice, share invaluable experiences, and help me navigate both my academic and professional paths,” Martinez said. “They remind me of the power of a Colgate education and the importance of paying it forward. They’ve laid the foundation, and now it’s our turn to build on that legacy.”
Jaeryung Park ʼ26 is majoring in economics with a minor in writing and rhetoric, serves on the board for Colgate Women in Business, and founded the entrepreneurship venture Muse through Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s Thought into Action program. Park aspires to be a COO and felt supported by interactions with WLC members at the luncheon, who admired Park’s ambition and encouraged her to follow her dreams.
“Learning about Colgate women’s commitment to giving back to our community was empowering and one day, I hope to do the same,” Park said. “Seeing women who once stood where I stand now and have gone on to accomplish so much is truly inspiring.”