Cornell (thank) U

Meet the five remarkable women on the board of Impact 100 Westchester, a women's collective giving organization engaging women in philanthropy:Danielle DeMaioMelinda LaBoy GanelesNancy WinkelsteinJoan Schaeffer Rosen andCarol PouchieALL OF THEM graduated from Cornell's School of Human Ecology! Could that be a coincidence?Hear the dynamic stories of these change-makers as they moved from high-powered careers to becoming self proclaimed "professional volunteers." They are changing lives and reshaping the nonprofit landscape in Westchester County, New York. You'll learn how they channel all of their previous work experience and skills into making a substantial impact in their community. Every. Single. Year.Plus they are really fun!Find more here:https://impact100westchester.wildapricot.organd Instagram:impact100westchesterNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Tune in for a morning-after interview with Jemma Hendricks, current high school senior who just got accepted to Cornell by early decision.Her story is unique and will get better and better now that she will live her dream of attending Cornell.She's the daughter of one of our best friends and past guest Micki Shulman Hendricks, which makes it even more exciting for us.Jemma is brilliant and she worked hard for this day. We are so proud of her!Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Two words: Resilience and ReinventionTell your boss you're going to be late to work today - wait till you hear this story.Rob came to Cornell, was forced to leave but then invited back, graduated, came back again, graduated, came back again, and eventually accepted his current role as Executive Director of the Pillsbury Institute in the Hotel School where he is helping to make dreams come true. Say, what??The stories.The struggles.The triumph.  And a little bit about Hilary Clinton.Plus we pitch some hospitality entrepreneurship ideas. One is a winner!Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Resilience Rising.In this powerful episode, join us as we delve into the inspiring narrative of resilience and leadership at the Center for Jewish Living. Two remarkable juniors, Jeremy and Ari, the current and incoming presidents, share their gripping experience navigating an unsettling wave of antisemitic threats targeting their community. Living and working at the heart of the center, these boys emerged as pillars of strength.Discover how they kept the lines of communication open with parents, administration, and alumni, and stood unwavering in the face of adversity. Their story is one of triumph over hate, showcasing the indomitable spirit that can arise even in the darkest times. Tune in for a great story of courage, unity, and the power of community during a terrifying challenge.Plus they run really fun events!You can check out CJL here:https://www.cornellcjl.comAnd thanks to Tony Chen for the introduction!Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Pack a virtual suitcase and kick yourself for not thinking of this idea...Two friends, one state at a time - from the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems, Jill and Diane share their story of adding discovery and challenges to their yearly get-togethers. They met as freshmen, said goodbye as seniors, and promised to see each other every year- and they have, since 1987.But there's a twist and a plan that you will love!And welcome to episode one of season 3!! Thanks for being here with us!Not sponsored  by or affiliated with Cornell University

She was once just an adorable pledge in our sorority. Now she is killing it in everything from academia to peaceful advocacy.Dr. Nicole Berliner Koppel is our guest this week, just days after she attended a peaceful pro Israel rally on the Arts Quad at Cornell. We can't think of anyone better to attend the rally and then report back to all of us.She is also the MBA Director and a professor at the Department of Information Management & Business Analytics at Montclair State University. Her research can be found in many peer-reviewed journals and has been presented at numerous regional, national and international conferences. Nicole received a PhD in Operations Management and an MBA from Rutgers University, an MS degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Columbia University, and  (most importantly) a BS in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell. Also - wait till you hear her dissertation from 25 years ago - she was waaaaay ahead.And we owe her an apology for pranks played on her roommates Knopp and Chin that affected her too. Sorry, NicoleNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Wendy Sterling, MS, RD, CSSD, CEDS-S, is a certified eating disorder registered dietitian and sports nutrition specialist. With her infectious energy and passion for helping others achieve their peak performance, Wendy made our day and taught us a lot.Wendy is not just a nutritionist; she's also the co-creator of the innovative Plate-by-Plate Approach®, a visual method for refeeding individuals with eating disorders and she is also a fabulous author.From consulting for professional sports teams like the Oakland Athletics to working with elite athletes preparing for the NBA draft, Wendy knows what it takes to fuel greatness. As a former competitive cheerleader and dancer, Wendy understands the importance of nutrition in optimizing performance.  Plus, in another episode of "Best Friend Wars," she weighs in on our culinary conflicts.  AND SHE WORKED WITH PROFESSOR JAMES MAAS. They are now peers!  HUGE shout out to our Aunt Robin who met Wendy and booked her for us!  Follow Wendy on Instagram  @platebyplateapproach and  @wendy_sterling   Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

We have never, and you have probably never heard a Cornell journey like the one of  Macy Hung. You'll never guess her path.She's a trailblazer who has consistently shattered expectations in and out of school.She graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University at just 19! But Macy's brilliance extends beyond academics. As a social media and content creation expert, she's carving out a niche with her innovative strategies, photography, videography, creativity and marketing prowess. She was also the moderator of our panel at a recent CALC conference, showcasing her exceptional communication skills and charisma.But that's not all—Macy astounded us with her ability to shine during a RIDICULOUS game we created just for her. Get ready to be captivated by Macy's journey and inspired by her unwavering commitment to excellence.Check out her Instagram:NotmungTikTok:Mung.hungNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

She may not know the famous song by the Go-Go's (We've got the Beat), but Sara Martin knows everything else.Here is where genius intersects with the kind of friendship everyone needs in their lives.She is the best friend of our friend and guest Sarah Reeves (episode 11) and it makes perfect sense that they found each other at Cornell. They worked hard and managed to enjoy everything Cornell had to offer. We would have loved to be their friends on campus!Tune in to hear about Sara's early days at Cornell Engineering, how she transitioned into the world of cardiovascular ultrasound, and what's required of a project manager at Philips. Staggering.And she took Wines over Zoom - hear how they handled that.She entertained our pitches and we loved spending time with her. You will love her story.Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Twenty-three years ago, after several years in finance, Vicki Gladstone Dubin founded Victoria Dubin Events. Her vision and creativity set the stage for what would become a premier event planning and design firm. Amanda Dubin, Vicki’s daughter, joined the company a few years after graduation, adding fresh perspectives and twenty-something energy, not to mention valuable business and design expertise. They are two brilliant women, renowned in their field. Vicki and Amanda are an incredible team that creates and produces unforgettable and unmatched luxury events.Both graduated from Cornell Human Ecology, where they honed their skills in people-centered approaches to business, and then expanded their business knowledge by taking many classes at the Hotel School. Neither may have guessed that this would be the career path, but looking back, it actually makes perfect sense.We are going to have to sneak into an upcoming event because we are dying to see it all in action. They were really fun and interesting guests, and we could have talked all day. We loved them. Fascinating.Fun fact: they are cousins of Michelle’s husbandYou can find out about their company here:www.victoriadubin.comAnd you MUST check out their instagram:victoriadubineventsNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Rob Karp, the visionary founder of Miles Ahead, a luxury travel agency, is here!In high school he started a points and travel business that got a lot of attention. Clients saw early on that he was brilliant and trustworthy, and in his own words, scrappy. He has always managed to solve even the most difficult travel problems for his clients, and now he is orchestrating extravagant adventures for celebrities, heads of industry, family and friends.Rob's journey is one of inspiration and innovation-- he is thriving.  He is also funny and fun, and we have inside information that he was once a dangerous baseball pitcher!Shout out to Amy Susman Stillman for the referral (she's Rob's aunt) - thank you, Amy!You can find his company here:milesahead.coNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Cornell Human Ecology is THRIVING!One reason?Dean Rachel Dunifon is a vibrant force behind the exciting changes and future of the school.Human Ecology has always been forward thinking, graduating students who feel a deep love for their professors and classes, and taking a wide breadth of experience and science based knowledge into the "real world."With her background in psychology and public policy, Dean Dunifon is helping to reshape the future of the school. She played a key role in the redesign of the Martha Van Rensselaer Building, getting the students through the challenges of covid, and identifying areas for further growth within the university and in the community beyond (lookin' at YOU, New York City!).This is your chance to really understand Cornell Human Ecology while also being entertained by great anecdotes and life lessons. We could have talked to her for hours.Despite her busy schedule, which includes conducting her own research, Dean Dunifon prioritizes recreational activities such as running, paddle boarding and attending hockey games, bringing her energy and spirit to the everything she does.And will she sprint up Libe Slope and go up in a hot air ballon? It's been inspiring to hear from Dean Dunifon, who is revolutionizing Human Ecology at Cornell and she is also considering our invitation to be our best friend.She's written a great book called You've Always Been There for Me: Understanding the lives of Grandchildren Raised by Grandparents Special thank you to Gwen Whiting for making this happen and to Lori Isman Greene who gave us lots of exciting news to talk about.You can find more info about Dean Dunifon here:https://www.human.cornell.edu/spotlights/dunifon-named-deanNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Another yay/boo situation for The Cornell (thank) U Podcast.HUGE yay: we were invited to be part of a panel at the Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference alongside three amazing social media stars: Matthew Merril, JC Dombrowski and Macy Hung.This conference is really special.We were excited.We booked our travel.We prepared.We picked out outfits.Steph got Covid. (That's the boo, obviously).So Michelle flew solo and represented, even while feeling sad about it.That aside, our co panelists were fabulous, the conference was an unbelievable opportunity to network, learn and have fun and the conference director Lindsey Murtland is incredible AND our podcast guest this week. Find out who was there and mark your calendars for next year. It is not to be missed!Hoping to get our co panelists on the podcast soon.Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

A total thrill. Our friends Lori and Greg Greene introduced us to Tim and Steph (Carter) Barry, both entrepreneurs, both brilliant and both have a GREAT sense of humor.Tim and Steph have remained deeply involved in the Cornell community. Their passion for supporting a wide array of initiatives, ranging from human centered design to athletics is truly inspiring.BIG NEWS: Tim's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication were recently recognized when he was awarded Cornell University Entrepreneur of the Year 2024—which speaks volumes about his innovative contributions at VillageMD, Cornell, and beyond.Outside of their impressive achievements, Tim and Steph bring a lot of laughs to this episode as they reflect on how they met, their most embarrassing moments, and how Tim and his former football teammates recently lost relay races to families with small children. You will love them as much as we and the Greenes do! Also, have you heard of PM Dawn? Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

He's one of the most charismatic guests we've had.Nelson's career has been dynamic and multifaceted, and it started early. He juggled classes, friends, internships, clubs and being part of a very exciting start up while at Cornell.He leaned into everything the Hotel School had to offer and had a chance to experience some very exciting industries during and after Cornell. An expert on luxury vacations, he entertained our ideas for brand ambassadors at Belmond, where he is Account Director.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entrepreneurial hospitality world and life as a hotelie!Find Nelson here:LinkedIn: Nelson BillingtonInstagram: Nelson BillingtonBelmond:https://www.belmond.com/Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

We've missed him! He's a former Cornell bestie whom we could not find for decades. He was in the CIA. In fact, he was one of the CIA’s most highly decorated operations officers who served in multiple field assignments for the U.S. government. Here are some of his medals: he received the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Commendation Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal. He specialized in counterterrorism, in the Middle East and South Asia, including extensive time in Iraq and Afghanistan.And now, with his wealth of knowledge and insights, he has become a trusted commentator, offering valuable perspectives on global affairs through various media platforms. Maybe you've also seen him talk about Havana Syndrome.This is an episode unlike any other not just because he takes us inside the CIA, but because even with all that he has seen (and done), he is still the same great guy we knew (and pranked) at Cornell. You will love his story and love him equally. There is so much to know and read about Marc. Start here:https://marcpolymeropoulos.com/about/Buy his incredible book here:https://www.amazon.com/Clarity-Crisis-Leadership-Lessons-CIA/dp/B08QZZ31G5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=331XGW8ZZ8T1H&keywords=clarity+in+crisis&qid=1707780288&sprefix=clarity+in+%2Caps%2C315&sr=8-1X/Twitter:@MpolymerLinkedIn:Marc PolymeropoulosNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Whether you are on a budget or not, everyone likes free stuff. Especially in New York City.In today's episode, we dive into Rebeka Tannenbaum Getty's story of turning her passion for uncovering freebies in New York City into a thriving Instagram and website.Shout out to her mom for the introduction and to Joanne for listening to this podcast! Thank you!We had a lot of fun, one big surprise, and pitched some of our ideas for free events to get Rebeka's expert opinion.You can find Rebeka here:Website:https://www.nycforfree.co/Instagram nyc_forfreeand TikTok:nycforfreeNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Some might say that Camden Winkelstein pours himself into everything he does. His life is one of incredible discipline, creativity, learning and fun.Cam shares his experiences as a member of Cornell's ROTC program- from the rigorous schedule to the camaraderie forged. We get an inside look at the unique dynamics of military life at Cornell.And then we discover the unexpected parallels between Cam's military service and the engineering prowess required to successfully operate his distillery, Bellemara. He graciously entertains our cocktail suggestions and arms us with the drink order that increases our coolness factor exponentially.Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, curious about ROTC at Cornell, or just interested in unique alum life journeys, this episode is for you! We loved him!Shout out to his aunt Nancy Winkelstein for the introduction!Everything Bellemara:Instagram:bellemaradistilleryWebsite:https://www.bellemaradistillery.comNot sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

In this episode we welcome Dr. Lauren Elman, a distinguished and beloved neurologist-- considered one of the best in the country. Lauren's academic roots at Cornell, both in undergrad and med school, have laid the foundation for her stellar career. Spoiler alert: Canaries were involved.  She is a childhood friend of Steph's and is loved by Steph and every single patient that has gone to see her.  And now Michelle too: 5 star ratings abound. She is incredibly caring, patient and kind- exactly the type of doctor we all need in very tough times. She is fun and brilliant and gives us some hope for the treatment of neurological illnesses.   We had a great time reflecting on her Cornell experience and we learned a lot too.  You can read about her here: https://www.pennmedicine.org/providers/profile/lauren-elman    Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University 

This week Jess Saunders launches her first novel called Love, Me. We're hooked, it's a winner, we want more (No pressure, Jess).From law to love, she's got us covered. This episode is a story of a lifetime avid reader turned gifted writer while still managing a full time law career (guess where...), and she's an incredible mom, wife and friend too!She has a very exciting launch week coming up, including a discussion with Lindsay Brooke Weiss/Coco in Cashmere (episode 26) on January 17 at the Upper East Side Barnes and Noble, 6 pm.You can find more information here:https://www.jessicasaundersbooks.comand on her Instagram:@jessicasaundersbooksShe's fun and smart and she also puts her editing skills to the test when she critiques our writing.This is a really fun interview, plus we need your help with the name of her favorite on-campus dining. DM us on Instagram, please.Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University