Women of the U

Women of the U Women of the U
Women of the U is on a mission: to build community among University of Miami alumnae; to identify, discern and solidify shared interest; to connect the community with the growing number of women’s initiatives within and around the University; to foster engagement through programming focused on women’s issues, featuring distinguished alumnae, faculty, and innovative leaders; and to bring together alumnae and female students of the U.

Upcoming Event

Women of the U: Hall of Fame
Friday, September 8, 2023 | 6 p.m. Reception | 6:30 - 8 p.m. Program 

Hear from Women’s Basketball Head Coach Katie Meier and UM Sports Hall of Fame athletes as they share inspiring stories of the challenges they faced and the triumphs of standing together as a team. Join us to celebrate the contributions of these legendary Hall of Famers and learn how lessons from the game have shaped their lives, their families, and their careers.

Featured Webinars

Dean Kohn-Wood shares the importance of paying it forward and the role of fostering relationships in personal and professional growth.

Watch the Lecture


Learn more about our panelists:

  • Dr. Laura Kohn-Wood
    Dean of the University of Miami’s School of Education and Human Development.
  • Britney Clarke, B.S.E.D ’12.
    Employee (Primo) Relations Manager, North America for Bacardi USA

A thought-provoking conversation featuring Women of the U speaker Ileana Musa, B.B.A. ’91. Ileana discusses how failing forward has served as the fuel to obtaining her success and shares insights on leveraging failure as a stepping stone to achieving both personal and professional goals.

Watch the Lecture


Learn more about our panelists:

  • Ileana Musa, B.B.A. ’91
    Managing director for Morgan Stanley, Mentor for UM’s The Latina Project.
  • Melissa Jordon, Esq. A.B. ’14, J.D. ’16.
    1st Vice President, Programming Committee, Young Alumni Leaders Council

Stephanie Sylvestre, M.A. ’96 shows that to break through traditional glass ceilings, we must first shatter self-imposed glass ceilings that undermine our ability to rise to our full potential

Watch the Lecture


Learn more about our panelists:

  • Stephanie Sylvestre, M.A. ’96
    A powerhouse transformational leader who leverages technology to achieve results.
  • Jamie Williams-Smith, SGA President
    A University of Miami senior studying Business Technology and Strategic Communication

Knowing the rules of engagement, the state of play, and the lay of the land is key to achieving success in the business world. This discussion brings together innovative, pioneering entrepreneurial women who are helping to change the rules of play and positively impact lives.

Watch the Lecture


Learn more about our panelists:

  • Patricia Dunac Morgan, B.S. ’06
    Entrepreneur, educator, consultant
  • Samantha Ku, B.B.A. ’10
    COO, Square Financial Services
  • Birame Sock, ’97
    Tech entrepreneur, start-up advisor

In the ever-changing world of sports, an increasing number of women are breaking barriers on the field and in the boardroom, and our alumnae are leading the way. These leaders know what it takes to win in the business of sports.

Watch the Lecture


Learn more about our panelists:

Moderated by:

This distinguished panel of women share what drives their selfless support for those in need and the intrinsic value of sharing their talents with the community. They understand the importance of giving back.

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Learn more about our panelists:

Moderated by:

  • Claudia Townsend
    Professor of Marketing, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami

Leading this discussion are two extraordinary alumnae and trustees, who share their insights on achieving success in corporate America and the power of diversity to build organizations and communities.

Watch the Lecture


Learn more about our panelists:

Moderated by:

Calendar

Get Involved

The Women's Commission
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ACE Women's Network
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Women in Academic Med
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Women in Engineering
Learn More

Featured Stories

Championing the arts and underserved communities

Donette Francis, associate professor of English
As director of the Center for Global Black Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and a founding member of the Hemispheric Caribbean Studies Collective, Donette Francis explores the intersection of race, the arts, and the environment in her teaching and research.
Read story

Braving the elements to unlock the oceans’ secrets

Lisa Beal, professor of oceanography
Originally from the United Kingdom, Lisa Beal is at home on the ocean—no matter how distant the voyage or how stormy the waters. A professor at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Beal has made 17 research expeditions to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and logged 357 days at sea, all to explore and study how the world’s oceans shape the global climate.  
Read Story

Saying yes when the world is saying no

Neri Karra, B.B.A. ’99
An entrepreneur, author, fashion designer, and academic, Neri Karra has achieved much. Her journey began in Bulgaria and continued through a Turkish refugee camp to Istanbul and, ultimately, the University of Miami, which she attended on a full scholarship and graduated summa cum laude.
Watch Video

Keeping the candle of hope burning for Afghan women

Zakera Azizi, M.I.B.S. ’22
Zakera Azizi knows and appreciates more than most the power of education. As an Afghan official working with the U.S.-backed Afghanistan government, she was a passionate advocate for women’s rights in her country. 
Read Story

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The University of Miami Alumni Association supports an open and inclusive environment for all members of the Hurricane family. Please feel free to contact the Office of Engagement at 1-866-UMALUMS (862-5867) or alumni@miami.edu.