Barnard Ambassador Program
Launched in Fall 2022, the Barnard Ambassador Program connects alums at select companies to one another and to the student community through the leadership and facilitation of an alum ambassador at the institution. Barnard has a strong presence at a wide variety of organizations. Now, when recent graduates are hired at select firms where Barnard is well-represented, they have an in-built network of individuals with whom to connect. Company Ambassadors also serve as organization representatives at panels and events throughout the year to share their experiences with current students.
Read more about the program below! Questions can be directed to beyondbarnard@barnard.edu.
Meet the 2024-2025 Alum Ambassadors
Company Ambassadors
- Nilam Patel ‘16, Accenture, Strategy & Consulting Manager
- Alexandra Gluckman ‘20, Goldman Sachs, Private Equity Analyst
- Jaclyn Loo ‘05, Google, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Global Devices and Services
- Kelsey Price '08, Spanish and Latin American Studies
- Hawa Tunkara ‘21, J.P Morgan, CIB Analyst
Seeing Possibilities Begins With Representation, and Finding Belonging Begins with Community
The Barnard Alumnae Ambassador Program capitalizes on the strong desire of our alum community to contribute to a lifelong network of resources, support, talent, collaborators, and mentorship for each other and current students. At Beyond Barnard, we believe that if you can actively see and project yourself into a role and gain insight into best practices for getting there, your confidence in navigating that journey blossoms. Additionally, research and experience has shown us that school and workplace retention and success begins with finding community in new spaces, and this program seeks to create those connections as our graduates traverse the next stage of their academic and professional lives. There are a variety of ways that our ambassadors build community which have included:
Graduate/Professional School Alumnae Ambassador Cohorts
Small groups of five students are paired with an alum currently studying law, medicine, clinical psychology or public health at the graduate level to have three group mentoring meetings over the academic year to discuss their experience applying to and navigating their graduate program from the viewpoint of someone currently living the experience.
Fireside Chats
Fireside chats with Barnard alumnae typically include a panel, open Q&A, and networking. They provide a chance to learn about the wide range of opportunities their industries have to offer. Alumnae share their unique career pathways to their current roles and lessons learned along the way, the value of both quantitative and qualitative skill in industry and room for both STEM and humanities majors to thrive, and the importance of hiring candidates with a variety of academic and personal backgrounds. Alums have also discussed recruiting insights and best practices to help candidates navigate the process confidently.
Skills-based Workshops
These education sessions led by alums focus on helping the student and alumnae community build skills relevant to their job searches and professional and financial wellness. Examples of past sessions including using LinkedIn to navigate an uncertain job market and financial literacy sessions.
Alumnae Chats
Larger groups of alumnae come together to have small group information meetings and Q& A with students to discuss their professional paths, current roles, and provide tips and advice as only an industry insider can. Students can meet with one alum or engage in a round robin style afternoon of meetings depending on interest.
Welcome Emails to Graduates
Ambassadors send email welcomes to members of the most recent class of Barnard graduates who are joining their company or school with encouragement to reach out with questions, to get together for coffee, or for help connecting with other Barnard alums at the institution.