inspiring today, transforming tomorrow
About the Yale Leading Ladies Gala
The Leading Ladies Gala was established in 2013 to highlight the accomplishments of Yale women. In an environment full of women who excel in a wide variety of fields, it is important to take time to recognize these accomplishments. The gala aims to celebrate all types of leadership - this is why we ask the Yale community to nominate those women who inspire them, whether it be for their outstanding scientific research, activism for social causes, roles in student organizations, or simply being a strong positive force in the lives of those around them.
On the night of the gala, we seek to honor the nominees by recognizing their amazing accomplishments and inspire all attendees with a keynote address from Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, a woman who has harnessed her leadership qualities to build an impressive career as scientist, astronaut, and public servant. We will also hear from two current Yale undergrads about their views on gender equality and leadership. It will be a night to remember all around!
Last year's gala was attended by more than 150 members of the Yale Community. We heard from Laura Liswood, Secretary General of the Council of Women World Leaders; Lars Einer Engstrom, author of Confessions of a Sexist; and student speaker Annemarie McDaniel, a student leader for women's issues both on Yale's campus and through the non-profit the SPARK Movement.
Women's Leadership Inititave
The Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) was founded in 2006 with the aim of creating a campus culture that encourages and empowers aspiring female leaders at Yale. We seek to achieve our mission by providing a community within which women may support one another's endeavors; by extending that community to professors, administrators, graduate students, alumnae, and professionals; by presenting speakers who may serve as role models for our members; and by finding ways to cooperate with other institutions on campus to facilitate institutional change at Yale. Since its inception, WLI has grown to support both small and large forums of discussion, from our mentorship families and Job Shadowing Days to our annual Women in Leadership Conference and Leading Ladies Gala. Our vibrant, diverse community has helped our members found other organizations, companies, and lasting friendships with one another.
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Our Chairs
Amelia Ricketts is a junior economics major at Yale. Her interests include gender equality activism (of course!), running and hiking, and learning new languages. At Yale, she is the social chair for the club rockclimbing team and volunteers with HAVEN Free Clinic.
Kanan Shah is a sophomore in Davenport College from Burlington, North Carolina. She wants to double major in MCDB and Sociology. Outside of WLI, Kanan is also involved with the South Asian Society, Rangeela-Yale’s Bollywood dance team, and CT Hospice. She loves adventures, traveling, reading, and food.
2015 Leading Ladies Committee Chairs, Amelia Ricketts (top) and Kanan Shah (bottom)
Last Year's Gala
Our Inaugural Gala was attended by over 150 Yale students, alumni, faculty, administration, and special guests. The Leading Ladies Gala commemorated how far females have come yet concurrently, reminded us of how much there is left to do. The event featured stimulating speeches by student speakers Nicole Hobbs and Clemantine Wamariya, a slam poetry performance by Ifeanyi Awachie, musical renditions by Whim 'N Rhythm , and a keynote speech from entrepreneur Katie Rae (SOM '97). It was a successful night of celebration, inspiration, and true transformation for our 108 female nominees and our countless students.
Last year's Inaugural Gala held in the Silliman Dining Hall