HER House Alumnae Annual Meeting : April 26, 2020

Thank you so much for joining us today for our (virtual) 2020 Alumnae Tea and Meeting!! It was heartwarming to gather with you all, reminisce, and celebrate the House with alumnae and current members from across the world. ♥️

From the May newsletter:

End of the Year Message from Rebecca Martin (2007), Current HERAA President

Fellow alums,

As we all know, 2020 has been an unprecedented year. All of us are coping with the numerous impacts of COVID-19, recalibrating our daily lives, and learning new ways to engage with each other and our communities.

When HERAA decided to move its annual Alumnae Tea and Business Meeting online, we knew it would not be a sufficient replacement for our annual celebration at 191 Bay State Road. We knew we would miss the beautifully decorated Foyer, the porcelain tea cups set out in the Dining Room, the serendipitous connections made between current students and alumnae looking at photo albums together in the French Room, and the emphatic laughter and applause for our graduating seniors. However, the virtual Tea & Meeting gave us new opportunities we would not have anticipated. Meeting online allowed alums who hadn't been back to Boston since graduation a chance to attend. It greatly expanded the number of nominations we typically receive to participate on the HERAA Board. It helped us surpass our fundraising goals to support House residents and needs during these uncertain times. Perhaps most importantly, it reminded us of the power of connection and community to energize and revitalize. I was grateful and heartened to see the cooperative spirit that this awesome H.E.R. community is built on translated easily into an online environment.

Each year, this May e-newsletter marks the transition between the outgoing and incoming Board. This year's transition prompts us to say goodbye and share our deep thanks to Hillary Johnson (2001) and Sarah Newell (2015) for their many years of service and leadership on the Board. Their many impactful contributions as Past President and Treasurer, respectively, will not be forgotten. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to the H.E.R. House and its alumnae community.

This year also marks my own transition into the role of Past President. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served five years as HERAA President. I am excited to be able to continue my involvement with HERAA in a new capacity under the leadership of Kenzie Wooters (2018).

Thank you to my fellow Board members and to the broader alumnae community for your support and commitment to our community. I wish you and your loved ones health and happiness.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Martin
Class of 2007

2020 Alumnae Tea and Meeting Recap

You can now find minutes, slides, photos (screenshots!), and awards on our website: https://her-house.org/alumnae/minutes

Congratulations to the 2020 award winners:

• Marjorie E. Kettell Distinguished Alumna Award: Emily Torgrimson (2006)
• Ruth Manwaring Award: Kathleen Lupu (2020)
• Most Cooperative Award: Emely Morales Pizzaro (2022)
• Emma Sleeper Award: Sacha de Jong (2020)
• Class Agent: Sacha de Jong (2020)

We are also excited to announce an additional award this year.

• Best Cook Award: Angelica Yoon (2021)

Best Cook Award: Food and fellowship is an integral part to the experience of living in the H.E.R. House. This $100.00 award is intended to recognize and commend the culinary skills and delicious contributions of a Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House resident over the course of the school year. The recipient is determined by current H.E.R. House residents votes. The 2020 Award is sponsored by Emily Torgrimson, Class of 2006.

Welcome to HERAA and special congratulations to the 2020 seniors!

Presenting Our New 2020-21 HERAA Board

President: Kenzie Wooters (2018)
Past President: Rebecca Martin (2007)
Vice-President: Paulette Sharen (1982)
Director of Communications: Natasia Sidarta (2012)
Treasurer: Renee Gaillard (2014)
Clerk: Sacha de Jong (2020)
Outreach & Engagement Chair: Zefa Sullivan (2013)
Communications Committee Chair: Jenni Todd (2020)

What's next?

Connect with alumnae and support current residents:

• Update your Alumnae Portal profile: Better connect with your classmates, find alumnae in your geographic area, and expand your professional network (log-in required).
• Donate to the COVID-19 Relief Fund: All donations directly support current House resident needs.
• Join our new Facebook group: A space for alumnae and current residents to network, share job opportunities and events, and more.