Meet Our Alumnae

Before writing for Forbes, Vivienne was vice president of sales at Soko, an ethical and sustainable jewelry and technology startup featuring items handmade by artisans in East Africa. In May 2018, she joined Hewitt’s upper school students for Sustainability Day to discuss how sustainability relates to fashion and the ways in which they can make fashion choices that are not detrimental to our environment. 

Of her time at Hewitt, Vivienne has shared, “I am so thankful to Hewitt for giving me such a strong foundation, from my first day as a kindergarten student to today, when I visit the school as an adult. When I face obstacles or crossroads, I often hark back to our old motto, ‘By Faith and Courage’, and the image of a ship on stormy seas. In life, we cannot control all that comes our way, and in challenging times, picturing that very boat and saying those special words reminds me of how brave I am. Hewitt taught me to have faith and courage in myself, which is one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for.” 

As a student at Hewitt, Laurie knew that she wanted to pursue a career that gave her time in the classroom. She recalls her teachers fondly, including Anita Edwards, Dee Kittany, and Becky Strum, and considers them to be role models and mentors. When Laurie started teaching drama at summer camps during college, each day she thought about her time at Hewitt, asking herself, “Am I doing for my students what my Hewitt teachers did for me?” 
 

Laurie explains that the confidence she gained at Hewitt allowed her to push herself out of her comfort zone and recover from setbacks. She remembers being asked to apply for head of middle school at Chapin: “That didn’t work out, and while that was hard, it motivated me to look elsewhere, which led me to Browning. At the time, I was teaching at a girls’ school, I had attended a women’s college, I went to a girls’ school, I had a sister... what did I know about boys? But, because of my time at Hewitt, I knew Browning from our partnership around performing arts, and I knew New York City independent schools. The move felt like a stretch within my grasp.”
 

That stretch led to a 22-year career at Browning, where Laurie had oversight of all lower school faculty and played a key role in Browning's strategic plan, professional development and hiring initiatives, and community-building efforts. Of her work as an administrator, Laurie says, “I love the triumvirate of working with parents, teachers, and students.” On her appointment as head of The Gateway School, a K-8 school for students who learn differently, Laurie explains, “I learned so much by working with Stephen M. Clement and John Botti, the two heads at Browning during my time, and I feel honored, humbled, and excited to join Gateway’s professional community. For 55 years, Gateway has been transforming the lives of students, and I am privileged to play a part in the next chapter.”
 

Laurie has served on the Hewitt Board of Trustees and Alumni Association Board. She finds her volunteer work with Hewitt both personally and professionally rewarding, and she enjoys staying in touch with classmates and former teachers. Her advice to Hewitt students and alumnae is, “Your lives may take different paths than you expect. To the extent that you can, remember the places that helped form you. Hewitt will be there for you; it’s part of your cornerstone.” 
 

Photo credit: Leslie Delano '79
 

Morgan came to Hewitt in second grade, and she has fond memories of the close-knit community she joined here. Morgan remembers the meaningful relationships she formed with classmates and faculty as she worked on the yearbook, The Hewitt Times, student council, and the earth committee. Hewitt offered “a top-notch education in an encouraging environment. When I graduated from Hewitt, I was well prepared for the next step in my academic career, with a strong intellectual foundation that gave me the confidence to share my opinions and ideas. Hewitt helped me hone my voice as a feminist.” 
 

At the New York City Mayor’s Office, Morgan’s project management team works with agencies throughout the city to help launch projects that cross multiple agencies’ jurisdictions. One such project, ThriveNYC: A Mental Health Roadmap for All, is an unprecedented, comprehensive mental health plan for all New Yorkers. With six guiding principles — change the culture, act early, close treatment gaps, partner with communities, use data better, and strengthen the government’s ability to lead — the plan depended on collaboration among several agencies including the department of health, department of education, emergency services, children’s services, and hospitals. “We function as internal consultants for the city. We bring everyone together to explain their roles and responsibilities and decide how to track progress over time, and we encourage people to adjust and improve work based on data. Our work, whether it’s mental health or modern infrastructure, is grounded in promoting economic opportunity and equity, particularly for marginalized populations.”
 

Morgan has advised on projects related to environmental conservation and criminal justice reform, and her advice to Hewitt students today is to “recognize that you have a role to play in affecting change. Decide which of the many problems facing society — racial justice, economic inequality, environmental sustainability — speaks to you. Figure out some way to have an impact. Volunteer your time, use what influence you have, make a difference. Make service the hallmark of a Hewitt girl.” 

Of her inspiration for by Chloe, Samantha says, “I wanted to create a welcoming, non-intimidating brand that serves delicious food and targets non-vegans, as well. We make vegan eating fun for everyone.” 

Samantha explains that her ten years as a Hewitt student had an impact on how she manages and leads today. “Being in a close-knit community, working together, and knowing everyone was a wonderful experience. At Hewitt, our learning was hands-on, with teachers who took the time to get to know us and gave us the freedom to make choices.” She recalls fondly the support and dedication of her advisor, Joan Wolf (Hewitt 1999-present), and the drum circle that she and her classmates formed with the support of long-serving faculty member Daniel Denver (Hewitt 1993-present). “He helped us orchestrate a Ben Harper song. I’ll never forget that. That personalized attention, that’s what I try to emulate in my team now.”

Now that Samantha is in a position of leadership, she makes it a priority to know and empower her employees, much in the same way her Hewitt teachers modeled for her as a student. Her management style is clearly successful: Samantha’s work in restaurant development earned her spots on both Zagat's and Inc. Magazine’s prestigious "30 Under 30” lists. Samantha also serves on the advisory board of WeWorks Food Labs, which is supporting entrepreneurs as they address the biggest challenges in food today. Central to the company’s values is a commitment to sustainability, and by CHLOE regularly donates portions of its proceeds to charitable causes, including LGBTQ advocacy, environmental non-profits, and social justice organizations. 

Samantha’s advice to Hewitt students today is, “Try not to give into the pressure of having to declare your career and purpose at a young age. Life may take you in a different direction than you imagine. Try to fix or solve a problem that no one else is looking at, and learn along the way. I am constantly learning. I always loved the idea of creating spaces and experiences that would bring people joy, and now I also know the difference between a convertible note and equity.” Samantha also encourages people to work with their friends. For example, when by CHLOE launched a chocolate bar in January, Samatha’s former Hewitt badminton doubles partner, Morgan Curtis ’05, founder of the Morgan Lane clothing line, sold the vegan treats in her pop-up retail shop. “It’s an exciting time for the brand. We are actively hiring, looking at different markets, and seeking investors. That I can do this work with people I know and love makes it even better.”

While a student at Hewitt, she worked on Venturer magazine, focusing on art selection for the publication. In her free time, Stephanie continues to be involved in the arts by serving as a pro-bono translator for artists in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Spain, and by appearing in puppet productions throughout New York City. “Hewitt, more than any other school I attended (including my college), taught me how to think critically and share my thoughts with conviction and confidence.”

“My time at Hewitt planted the seed of altruism within me. In my life I've had to overcome a few challenges, but I always had the support and encouragement of my family, peers, and teachers throughout my journey. I learned that no challenge is insurmountable with the right support, but I also recognized that not everyone has access to the supports that they need. Since graduating Hewitt, I've worked to increase access to necessary supports for those facing their own challenges.”

Alexandra earned her B.A. in speech-language pathology from Marymount Manhattan College, and pursued graduate studies in speech-language pathology at CUNY Lehman College. In her free time, she volunteers with many programs and organizations that serve people with an array of health conditions.

"Hewitt, a place that shaped me and which I love, taught me where to find my anchors. Faith and courage don't originate in external movement and action. They're anchored in the deep rooted sense of who I am. Serving on the Alumnae Diversity Committee is a way for me to honor these roots and to strengthen them with the ever-growing Hewitt community."

Dr. DiAquoi is co-editor of the book Education For A Multicultural Society (2011), has written about the specific competencies required of African American students and their families (2012; 2014; 2015, in press), and has discussed her research on Al Jazeera America. She earned her doctorate in culture, communities, and education and her master's in education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. She earned her bachelor of arts in sociology from Columbia University.

“Hewitt taught me that the greats, people whom we admire and emulate, are characterized by their faith and courage. They have faith in their gifts and the courage to share them with the world. Be great.”

While at Hewitt, Susannah served on the Community Service Board, edited The Hewitt Times, and led audio work for the theater technical crew. She was a runner-up for the prestigious Award for Aspirations in Computing from the National Center for Women and Information Technology in 2014.

“The tight-knit, girls’ school environment that Hewitt fostered around me for 13 years gave me the confidence and drive I've needed to pursue my interests without hesitation, stay curious and open-minded, and prevent gender barriers from blocking my goals.” 

“Hewitt showed me the value of seeking achievement not for achievement's sake alone, but because living a life of consequence, and recognizing that my actions, whether positive or negative, intentional or unintentional, impact the lives of others. I am discovering the ways in which my actions can contribute to making the world a better place.” While at Hewitt, Sofia initiated what would become a multi-year partnership with Girl Up, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation and a community of nearly half a million passionate student advocates focused on girls living in places where it is hardest to be a girl.

Sofia is currently a market strategy associate at Gradian Health Systems.