Driving personal and collective impact by celebrating Columbia women.

Mission

She Opened the Door (SOTD) unites and amplifies the Columbia University community, creating a vibrant network that celebrates the achievements and potential of Columbia women. Through educational programs and social gatherings, we bring Columbians together to spark personal growth and collective impact.

Vision

She Opened the Door (SOTD) is a transformative effort that celebrates Columbia University women and strives to equip every Columbian to confidently lead, inspire, and create meaningful impact within our community and beyond.

Origin of Its Name

She Opened the Door received its name from the incredible story of Winifred Edgerton Merrill, the first woman to receive a graduate degree from Columbia University. Ms. Merrill opened the door for women to gain admission to CU's graduate and professional schools at a time when co-education for women was under heavy debate. In 2018, Columbia organized a historic conference to celebrate women's achievements, which evolved in the SOTD organization.

She Opened the Door Leadership

The She Opened the Door committee consists of alumnae representation from Columbia schools and affiliates. The current co-chairs are Kate Konecny Pope '13SPS and Cassandra Ziegler, MPA '17TC, '25SIPA who stepped into their positions July 2024. They succeed co-chairs Francine Glick ’77BC and Ana Rodriguez ’86SEAS, ’88SEAS, and co-chairs Kathleen Crowley '91PH, '13PH and Teresa M. Saputo-Crerend '87CC, '92BU. View the entire leadership team here.

Connect With Us

Connect with us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with our programs and our network.