Three Alumnae to Speak on Their ‘To Be’ in March 18 Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute Event

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute at Russell Sage College will host an interactive experience designed to support and empower students and alumni in the process of their “becoming” on Wednesday, March 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Bush Memorial on the Troy campus.

“What is Your ‘To Be?’: Personal and Professional Journeys and the People Who Shape Us” is part of the Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute intergenerational mentoring series. It is free and open to the public, though advance registration is requested. Light refreshments will be served.

Attendees will hear from prominent professional alumnae/i in the fields of education, health sciences, and government. Panelists will share their becoming journeys, including personal and professional successes and challenges, as well as tools and resources to navigate disruptions along the way. 

“Life will meet us with expected and unexpected scenarios in which we will have the chance to choose how we want to move forward. Our initial path may deviate from what we expected, but this does not mean we are “off path.” It just means we are figuring out what we want to become,” said Dr. Eileen Brownell, interim director of the Women’s Institute. “It’s important to show that career and life journeys aren’t linear, and our accomplished alumni will speak authentically to that topic. The road to success is winding.”

After the panel presentation, attendees will reflect and begin to map their own paths of becoming during a workshop session.

Panelists:

Kaweeda G. Adams, Ed.D. is a champion for education, with leadership experience across both Pre-K-12 and higher education settings, including serving as superintendent of the City School District of Albany, a district of more than 9,500 students and 1,800 employees. She is currently dean of academic affairs at Mildred Elley College and is a graduate of Russell Sage’s doctoral program in Educational Leadership.

Nicole (Hanks) Leblond is a driving force in New York’s public sector, currently serving as chief of staff for the New York State Thruway Authority. Her trusted executive partnership, strategic insight, and operational leadership directly influence high-level decision-making and organizational impact. She is a graduate of Russell Sage’s bachelor’s program in business administration and later earned her MBA at The College of Saint Rose.

Kristin Seaburg, DPT is a dynamic professional with a passion for learning. She leverages her expertise in clinical practice and executive leadership to advance patient-centered care and foster team growth across Trinity Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners in her role as executive director for St. Peter’s Health Partners/Sunnyview/Continuing Care Patient Therapy/Audiology Services. She is a graduate of Russell Sage’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.