Leading Through Change: Today and Looking Forward

Awista Ayub

Awista Ayub ’01 is director of the New America’s Fellows Program and author of the Kabul Girls Soccer Club.

“I am an Afghan American woman who grew up playing sports. At Rochester, I was part of the crew team and, then, in my sophomore year, I started the first women’s ice hockey club team here. Ironically, I didn’t even know how to skate at the time. I majored in chemistry and I participated in the Take 5 program, during which I studied women in science.

After graduating, I went to work for General Electric, but it wasn’t the place for me. I took a step back and I realized that, for me, studying chemistry was very different than working as a full-time chemist. So, I started to tap into my identity as an Afghan American. That’s when I started really thinking about women in my homeland and experiences that weren’t easily available to them.

Since I’m a sports enthusiast, I decided to start an all girls’ soccer club in Kabul, Afghanistan. ESPN presented me with an ESPY award for my work there and, soon after that, I got a book deal. I was just 23 years old.

My advice for all women, especially students, is to explore all their resources, including ones outside their formal academic program. Establish and keep connecting with people in your networks and be open to new opportunities—you never know where it all will take you.”

Jenifer Bunis

Jenifer Bunis ’86 is a principal at Westlake Photonics.

“As I look back on all of the changes in my life that might have felt dramatic and like the sky was falling, I see that each one turned into something bigger and better. And now, I can lean into change. I know that it helps us all learn about ourselves and what we are capable of. It also taught me to address what scared me head on and then grow from it.”

Lizette Perez-Deisboeck

Lizette Perez-Deisboeck ’87 is general counsel and chief compliance officer at Battery Ventures. She is also a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and chair of the Alumni Board.

“It’s critical for good leaders to be empathetic. It’s also important to really own your decisions—own the successes and the mistakes and incorporate learnings from them into your future decision-making. As a lawyer, I’m in the business of advising and counseling, which, at times can be challenging. It gives me a reason to stretch, sometimes out of my comfort zone. Along the way, I’ve tried hard to put myself in other people’s shoes, for instance, as I negotiate deals or talk about career development with someone. Whenever I’m uncertain, I turn inward. I also turn toward my sponsors—the people in my network—for advice and counsel. It always helps.”

Helen Cha-Pyo

Helen Cha-Pyo ’93E (MM) is the artistic director at the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts and the principal conductor for the New Jersey Youth Symphony.

“My mission in life, right now as a conductor, is to acknowledge, encourage, and recognize the interconnectedness of all those who share a passion for music. It’s also to inspire—to achieve my personal best and to foster excellence in others—through the gift of music. I want to do my part to help make sure that others have a voice.”

Lesli Myers-Small

Lesli Myers-Small ’92, ’93W (MS) is the superintendent of schools for the Rochester City School District, a job she accepted in May 2020.

“John Maxwell, an author and pastor, says that mentors help us see ahead to what others cannot see and they help us navigate the course to our destination. I have many mentors. My sister is my ‘reverse mentor.’ She’s younger than me, but she knows so much. I also learn from peer mentors. These include other Black women who are walking in similar shoes. Aspirational mentors, such as my church’s pastor, are important to me, too. I also have a counseling mentor. She helps me deal with stress and difficult issues. And, I have an identity mentor. When you are in a unique role, you need someone who can root, ground, and help you.”

Wendi Kuhnert-Tallman

Wendi Kuhnert-Tallman ’95M (MS), ’99M (PhD) is the senior advisor for Laboratory Sciences to the deputy director for Infectious Diseases at the Center for Disease Control. She’s been on the CDC’s COVID-19 response team since the beginning of the pandemic.

“This past year has really prompted me to consider how I interact with people. For instance, I think more about picking up the phone versus sending an email. And, talking with someone has taken on new meaning for me, especially since we can’t see each other in the office. Even doing things like turning on your camera and making eye contact during a Zoom meeting is so important. The most important take away for me this past year has been to maintain human contact and personal connections.”

Elizabeth Ward Chicares

Elizabeth Ward Chicares ’86 is the chief financial officer at MassMutual. She also serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and co-chairs the personal and professional development committee for the Women’s Network. She served as moderator for the Leading Through Change webinar.

“It is hard to deny the obvious changes we’ve experienced this past year with multiple crises including COVID and racial reckoning, both of which have forced us to innovate, adjust, reflect, and take action. In thinking of the topic of change, I’m reminded of something that Maya Angelou said, ‘If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.’ Those are very wise words. It’s also wise to have a network of people—a kitchen cabinet or personal board of directors—to help us grow and move through challenging times successfully.”

Last year, the University of Rochester launched Together for Rochester, a one-year campaign to make life better for the University community and the world. Learn more about the campaign, the Women’s Network and the Women’s Network Challenge, and other visionary women associated with the University.