Bowdoin Women Reflect on Leadership, Mentorship, and the Power of Connection

Nearly 100 members of the Bowdoin community gathered for an evening of conversation and connection as three accomplished alumnae reflected on the experiences, relationships, and lessons that have shaped their careers—and the role women can play in helping one another succeed.

The Bowdoin Network of Women (BNOW) event at The Glass Ceiling Rooftop in New York City opened with welcoming remarks from President Safa Zaki, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Shoshana Kuriloff Sicks ’04 and featuring Prema Katari Gupta ’00, Krystal Barker Buissereth ’08, and Marguerite Zabar Mariscal ’11.

The conversation began with a look back at Bowdoin, where each panelist found opportunities and mentors who helped shape her path, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Buissereth, who arrived at Bowdoin with a stronger interest in math and science, recalled an English professor who took her under her wing, helping her become a stronger writer and more critical thinker. She said that experience ultimately inspired her to minor in English and gave her the confidence to trust her ability to think through any challenge, a lesson she said she has carried with her ever since.

Gupta emphasized the lasting value of a liberal arts education, particularly the ability to synthesize information, navigate uncertainty, and anticipate future challenges. She also recalled an early professional opportunity made possible by former trustee Ellen Shuman ‘76, whose support demonstrated the strength of the College's alumni network and inspired Gupta to pay that generosity forward.

The discussion also explored how gender has influenced the panelists' professional journeys, from obstacles encountered to the support systems that have helped them succeed.

Buissereth spoke candidly about experiencing bias in the workplace, including having her qualifications and leadership questioned by others. She reflected on the importance of trusting her abilities, owning her accomplishments, and continuing to lead with confidence.

Throughout the evening, the panelists returned to a common theme: Leadership is not simply about individual achievement, but also about creating opportunities for others.

Mariscal encouraged attendees to continue showing up for one another, even when it means stepping outside their comfort zones to ask for help. Buissereth spoke about the example she hopes to set for women and girls, including her young daughter, emphasizing that they belong in any room they aspire to enter.

Gupta, whose daughter joined her for the evening, urged attendees to invest in relationships, embrace their strengths as women, and intentionally create opportunities for the next generation.

The evening underscored the lasting influence of a Bowdoin education and the power of a community whose members continue to support, encourage, and open doors for one another long after graduation.