She Opened the Door’s Ask the Expert series features virtual conversations with Columbians across industries, highlighting their career journeys, lessons learned, and perspectives on leadership, service, and impact.
View upcoming Columbia alumni events on the events calendar.
Upcoming Talk
June 26, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Creating Messaging to Make an Impact with Carmen Cusido ’10JRN
Carmen Cusido ’10JRN will share insights and tips for delivering messaging in engaging and compelling ways. Drawing on her experience across journalism, public service, and mission-driven communications, Carmen will discuss how to craft messages that resonate, connect, and drive impact.
Past Talks
Browse past talks below, with recordings linked where available.
2025
November 21, 2025
Creating a Life of Service from the U.S. Navy and Beyond
Randee Howard ’21GS shared her journey from military service to Columbia, nonprofit work, and public service. The conversation explored resilience, service, and the many ways a commitment to community can shape a meaningful career path.
September 12, 2025
Capital, Cloud, and Curiosity: Navigating a Career in FinTech Partnerships
Svetla Marinova ’11GSAS shared her career path across capital markets, cloud innovation, fintech partnerships, and leadership in big tech. The conversation highlighted curiosity, adaptability, and the power of building a dynamic career that does not always follow a straight line.
May 30, 2025
Dentistry and HealthTech: Creating Firstgrin for Families
Dr. Ashley Lerman ’18DM, ’20DM discussed pediatric dentistry, health technology, and her work creating Firstgrin for families. The conversation explored how clinical expertise, entrepreneurship, and technology can come together to help families build healthier habits.
April 25, 2025
My Journey to the Olympic Games and Building a New Life After Figure Skating
Sasha Cohen ’16GS reflected on her Olympic figure skating career, her Columbia journey, and building a new life after athletics. The conversation explored reinvention, resilience, and the transition from elite competition to new professional chapters.
January 31, 2025
Changing Careers and Tackling the Climate Crisis
Jennifer Allyn ’23CS shared her transition from DEI leadership to climate advocacy and her work advancing corporate climate policy. The conversation highlighted career change, purpose-driven leadership, and the role of corporate influence in addressing the climate crisis.
2024
November 22, 2024
Creating Educational and Curriculum Transformation
Kathryn Kaiser ’11, ’19TC, ’22SIPA discussed leadership, inclusion, and transformation in education. The conversation explored how educators and school leaders can shape curriculum, culture, and learning environments with intention and impact.
October 25, 2024
Technology to Philanthropy: Building Innovative Solutions for Social Change
Lavina Nagpal ’21SPS discussed her path from technology to philanthropy and building innovative solutions for social change. The conversation highlighted how technical skills, strategic thinking, and mission-driven work can intersect to create broader impact.
August 23, 2024
Eco-Chic: T.W.I.N. Designers Redefine Sustainable Fashion
Alicia Serrani ’13BC and Isabella Serrani ’16BC shared their journey from Columbia to creating T.W.I.N., a sustainable fashion brand in New York City. The conversation explored entrepreneurship, sustainable design, and building a brand grounded in creativity and purpose.
May 31, 2024
Understanding Natural Language Processing and Creating Ethical AI
Kate Harwood ’23SEAS discussed natural language processing, ethical AI, and how language models can support journalism and other industries. The conversation explored career paths in AI, the evolution of NLP, and the importance of responsible technology development.
March 22, 2024
Judge Kimberly E. Parker ’92BC, ’97LAW shared reflections on her Columbia journey and her experiences in law and public service. The conversation offered insight into leadership, legal careers, and the responsibilities of serving from the bench.
January 26, 2024
Moving Beyond Goals, Centering Our Life Around Intentions
Shelly Tygielski ’99SIPA discussed intention-setting, personal growth, and centering one’s life around purpose. The conversation invited attendees to think beyond traditional goal-setting and consider how values, clarity, and self-discovery can guide a fulfilling life.
2023
December 8, 2023
Visionary Leadership in Art and Finance
Heidi Yang ’93CC discussed leadership, art, finance, and global auction strategy. The conversation explored building a career at the intersection of creativity, markets, and international cultural exchange.
November 10, 2023
Corporate Governance, DEI, and Mission-Driven Work
Yen Chu ’97LAW discussed corporate governance, legal leadership, DEI, and mission-driven work. The conversation highlighted the role of values, judgment, and inclusive leadership in executive decision-making.
October 13, 2023
The Intersection of AI and Martech
Tamara Gruzbarg ’97GSAS, ’06BUS discussed AI, marketing technology, and customer strategy. The conversation explored how data, technology, and customer insight are reshaping the future of marketing and business growth.
September 8, 2023
Exploring Philanthropy, Environmental, and Social Impact
Anisa Kamadoli Costa ’97BC, ’98SIPA shared her work across sustainability, philanthropy, environmental impact, and social change. The conversation explored how leaders can align resources, values, and strategy to advance meaningful environmental and social outcomes.
August 3, 2023
Building Your Professional Negotiation Skills
Lenore Kantor ’93BUS and Sasha McDowell ’09SIPA, ’09SW led a workshop on building professional negotiation skills. The session offered practical guidance on preparation, confidence, and communication in negotiation settings.