September 2025 | Vol 29

Message from the President... 

Dear GlobalWE Community,

Fall was my favorite time to walk the streets of Cambridge and paths within Harvard Yard as an undergraduate, watching the leaves change colors and feeling the winds usher in a new season. The arrival of the new season also signals the start of a new academic year, with big goals and dreams on the horizon for members of the Harvard University community. 

In addition to being a place where Harvard alumni can empower women through education, dialogue, and connection, GlobalWE also serves as a channel for engagement with Harvard students. This is an exciting year as we prepare to launch a mentoring program with students at the College. GlobalWE will also be hosting its annual alumni/student roundtable on Harvard’s campus in October when alumni from all over the world gather for fall meetings. 

The main events of this month are GlobalWE’s participation in the HAA’s Welcome To Your City event in five cities - Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City, and Singapore. Even if GlobalWE is not co-sponsoring an event in your city, attend your local event and share your experience as a member of GlobalWE with fellow alumni. 

GlobalWE is also delighted to host our annual General Members Meeting and Social. Join us on September 27th to hear what GlobalWE has focused on over the past year and enjoy casual conversation with fellow alumni. 

As a volunteer-led organization entering our thirteenth year, GlobalWE welcomes volunteers who are passionate about our mission and have new ideas for bringing alumni together to empower women worldwide. If you are unsure about how you can help, but want to learn more, we invite you to reach out. My virtual door is always open at president@hglobalwe.org. 

May you experience peace and joy this fall season, and we look forward to seeing you in person or online soon. 

Very Truly Yours,

Barbara Barreno-Paschall AB ‘07
President, Harvard Alumni for Global Women’s Empowerment

Congratulations Robena and Melissa!

Robena Jafari served as GlobalWE’s Treasurer for the past year and recently was elected to a new role on the Board of Directors as Transformation Chair. She will work with GlobalWE’s Strategy Chair Sajida Shroff to identify new ways in which GlobalWE can enhance its operations in furtherance of its mission both now and in the future.

Melissa McHugh served on GlobalWE’s Finance Committee alongside Robena and recently was elected GlobalWE’s Treasurer. She will join a distinguished group of alumni who have helped steward GlobalWE’s finances since its founding. 

GlobalWE is grateful for Robena’s and Melissa’s time and dedication to our SIG and we look forward to working with them in their new roles. 

Annual General Members Meeting and Social 
September 27, 2025, 10 am- 11 am ET (Virtual via Zoom)

Join Harvard Alumni for Global Women's Empowerment for our Annual General Members Meeting. During the meeting, Board members will update you on GlobalWE’s achievements this past year and upcoming plans for the next year. 

The meeting will be followed by a virtual social with the opportunity to network and connect deeper with other GlobalWE members and friends!  

Date: Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Time: 10 am - 11 am ET
Location: via Zoom

Student/Alumni Roundtable Series: Honoring Indigenous Voices,
Advancing Women's Empowerment
October 23, 2025, 3 pm- 4:30 pm ET   (Hybrid: In Person & via Zoom)

Around the world, Indigenous peoples—particularly women—have endured systemic violence, erasure, and injustice. From missing and murdered Indigenous women to communities silenced in the face of colonization, these realities call us to urgent action. This Student/Alumni Roundtable will create space for dialogue at the intersection of human rights, women’s empowerment, and global justice. 

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how empowerment and justice are inseparable, and how each of us—as leaders and alumni—can contribute to dismantling cycles of violence while uplifting voices too often silenced. 

Look out for our emails with speaker information and more details on the event.

Date: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Time: 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: Hybrid - Phillips Brooks House Parlor & via Zoom

27th Annual Harvard Powwow
Theme: Matriarchs Leading the Way
 Saturday, September 20th, 2025 at 1pm

Join Harvard University Native American Program as they celebrate their 27th Powwow at Harvard. This year’s theme honors the prominent matriarchs whose vision, leadership, and resilience have shaped not only the Harvard University Native American Program, but Indigenous communities everywhere. We recognize their contributions and celebrate the strength they continue to inspire across generations. GlobalWE is proud to support this event, which closely aligns with our upcoming Student/Alumni Roundtable scheduled for October 23. The roundtable will also focus on Native matrilineal leadership, fostering discussions on Indigenous leadership and resilience.

Please join HUNAP for music, singing, dancing, vendors, and food. 
This event is free and open to the public.

Date: Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Time: Grand Entry is at 1:00 pm (event ends at 5:30 pm)
Location: McCurdy Track (145 N Harvard St, Boston, MA 02134)

Harvard Alumni for Global Women's Empowerment is welcoming new volunteers to join our dynamic Programs team. This is an opportunity to help shape events, design impactful programs, and bring your unique voice to advancing women’s empowerment worldwide.

Whether your passion is in event planning, program development, or amplifying women’s voices globally, we invite you to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating meaningful change. Together, we can inspire, connect, and empower women from local to global. Please fill out the form below and join us today!

If you have any questions, please contact info@hglobalwe.org

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