2024 Women’s Forum highlights strengths, impact

women sit on a stage in front of a crowd, and a background behind them that says "women's forum" — Photo: Georgetown University

On Feb. 22-24, the 2024 Georgetown Women’s Forum took place at the InterContinental Washington, DC – The Wharf. Over three hundred Georgetown community members came together to celebrate the accomplishments of Hoya alumnae and learn from one another.

The biennial conference began as the Georgetown Law Women’s Forum in 1992, and became a university-wide event in 2018, thanks in part to Julia Farr (C’88, Parent’19, ’21, ’24), the first woman to be executive director of the Georgetown University Alumni Association.

a woman in a pink floral dress stands at a podium (which has the words "women's forum" written on it) — Opening remarks from Julia Farr (C’88, Parent’19, ’21, ’24), the first woman to be executive director of the Georgetown University Alumni Association. Photo: Georgetown University

Inspiring speakers from across the university

In the first session of the day, Amira El-Gawly (G’12), founder and CEO of Manifesta and St. Plant, encouraged attendees to focus on their unique strengths. “If you think about your strengths, they become more powerful,” El-Gawly said.

The next panel showcased two Survivor contestants: Katurah Topps (L’15) from Season 45, and Liana Wallace (B’23) from Season 41.

Topps shared that the game was a welcome escape from her emotionally challenging job as a civil rights attorney. She encouraged the audience to check in with themselves about what they want and need.

three women sit in blue armchairs on a stage in front of the words "women's forum" — One panel, “Surviving Survivor,” featured alumnae who were contestants on the reality show “Survivor.” Photo: Georgetown University

At the program entitled “Hoya Changemakers,” panelists like bestselling author Rebecca Kuang (SFS’18) and The Lady Bird Diaries filmmaker Dawn Porter (L’93) discussed the power of letting people tell their own stories.

“Georgetown let me be weird and uncertain and take meandering paths,” said Kuang, who goes by R.F. Kuang. The award-winning author of recent bestselling novel Yellowface advised Hoyas to “lean into that uncertainty.”

Panelists at “The Eco-Gender Gap: Sustainability, Fashion, and Beauty” discussed the power of better production, responsible disposal, and thoughtful consumption in the garment and beauty industry. They shared expertise from brands such as Eileen Fisher, Glossier, the Gap, and Northface.

“Sustainable business is good business,” said Alicia Chin (C’08), the director of sustainability and social impact at VF Emerging Brands.

Before the networking cocktail hour, Tanaye White (G’17) gave tips on how women can build their personal reputations on social media. White, who runs a mental wellness community and has modeled for Sports Illustrated, encouraged attendees to embrace all of their myriad passions and interests.

“It’s okay to be all of you, not just a part of you,” White said.

Title:2024 Women’s Forum highlights strengths, impact