Women's Leadership News | July 2016
Remembering our Director,  Alison R. Bernstein
Announcements of Alison's passing have captured her enormous range of accomplishments. Described as an innovative educator, leading philanthropist, brilliant scholar, author, advocate for human rights, polymath, and community builder, Alison was a powerhouse.  

When named director of the Institute for Women's Leadership in 2010, she spoke about her life's work:

"In all of my professional life, either in philanthropy or scholarship or both, I have worked with others to achieve social justice goals for the most vulnerable. Women and girls still represent two-thirds of the world's poor, so I intend to use my networks and contacts in the United States and overseas, to help women (and men) scholars and activists learn from each other, and to help them figure out how to adapt what works in one situation to others." 

We at Rutgers were fortunate to work with her and experience first hand how her boundless energy, ferocious intelligence, and capacity to enjoy life made her a one-of-a-kind feminist leader. 
Celebrating an Authentic Feminist Leader 
As we mourn our profound loss, we reflect on Alison as a game-changing champion for a more just world. As IWL director, she, above all, modeled feminist leadership for students, staff, faculty, colleagues, and communities.  We are pleased to share some perspectives on Alison's leadership.

"A lison had a deep and creative understanding of how to move the power of mainstream institutions in the direction of social justice and transformative change. Over many years, she worked to support and enable gender and racial justice endeavors to thrive in the US and around the world."

Charlotte Bunch, 
Distinguished Professor in Women's & Gender Studies; Founding Director and Senior Scholar, Center for Women's Global Leadership 

"Alison stands out as one who opened opportunities for  new scholarship - Native  American, Women Studies, African American, and African Studies. Without her support, we would not have sustained the 20 years of the Women Writing Africa Project. She gave shape to the most central parts of my entire academic career."

Abena Busia, Chair, Department of Women's and Gender Studies; Co-director and Editor of the Women Writing Africa Project of The Feminist Press

"Alison's example of what it means to be a leader...and a feminist leader... provided me a road map for my own career. She took me under her wing and provided me the support and encouragement I needed to pursue opportunities and find the strength within myself to move forward. For that, I will be forever grateful. Alison will always be a part of my heart and soul." 

Judy Postmus, Associate Professor, Director, Center on Violence Against Women and Children, Rutgers School of Social Work 
 Honoring Alison's Legacy
Alison's family has asked that gifts in her honor be made to the Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair at Rutgers University. Gifts may be made here . 

If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Rutgers University Foundation, Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair. Send c/o Lisa Hetfield, Institute for Women's Leadership, 162 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick NJ, 08901.

By giving to the Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair , you honor Alison and further her vision for women's leadership in the media. 
      
Rutgers University Institute For Women's Leadership  | 848-932-1463 |   iwl.rutgers.edu 
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