REALTalk discussion panel to highlight successful female alums

At the second annual REALTalk panel discussion, two female Cornell alumni will share their personal stories of maintaining authenticity in the face of career challenges. The event, themed Staying True to You, will take place on Fri., Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Barnes Hall.

This year will feature successful alumnae Alyssa Gagliardi Sleasman ’14, a former professional hockey player turned coach, and Irene Li ’15, a James Beard Award-winning chef and restauranter. REALTalk is free and open to the public but registration is required. There is also an option to livestream the event.

“One of the challenges for all of us in life is to learn when and how to risk showing up as our whole selves,” said Shura Gat, the associate dean of students & director the Gender Equity Resource Center (GenEq,) a co-sponsor of the event. “These two amazing alumnae have powerful stories about how they bring their intersecting identities and values to the workplace and what that looks like for them.”

REALTalk, which stands for Relatable, Empowering, Authentic Leaders, is made possible by an endowment gift from Cornell’s Chi Chapter of Delta Gamma (DG,) the other co-sponsor of the event. The gift provides funding for the series in perpetuity, ensuring that women leaders will come to campus each year to influence students and community members.

“GenEq's mission, focused on gender equity and inclusivity, seamlessly aligns with DG's values,” said Alexa Buten ’24, a member of DG who acts as a liaison between GenEq and the chapter. “[We’re] creating a synergy that reinforces our dedication to leaving a lasting impact on the women at Cornell and beyond. Supporting this series ensures a continuous narrative of empowerment and inspiration for future generations.”

While both speakers will discuss their individual career trajectories, they will also illustrate how they dealt with obstacles during their times at Cornell. As undergraduates, Sleasman had a full schedule of academics, played in division I athletics and had a part-time job, while Li had to take years off of school to help with family obligations.

“I am looking forward to learning from these speakers about their own journeys,” said Maddy Demers ’24, a programming and outreach coordinator for GenEq. “Equally important is understanding how their core values have played a pivotal role in guiding them toward careers that resonate with those passions and strengths.”

Since its inception in the 1970s, GenEq has had multiple iterations, though it remains focused on building community at Cornell and beyond. The office promotes a campus community of belonging for women, as well as for students who identify as trans, nonbinary, agender, genderfluid and genderqueer. 

This year GenEq celebrates 50 years of helping to support and promote gender equity, empowerment and inclusion at Cornell.

The panel will be moderated by Buten, a biology and society major, and Demers, an information science major. There will be time for a Q&A at the end of the event.

Laura Gallup is a communications lead for Student & Campus Life.