Title:Sophie Kim Goldmacher (MPP’11): Women of Georgetown Alumni Spotlight

Sophie Kim (MPP’11)
Operations & Management, Bloomberg Philanthropies

What is your favorite Georgetown memory?

More than a memory, it’s a place — Old North. This was once the home of the public policy school and I’ve cherished its rich political history; presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama have graced Old North’s steps and that is something special and rare.

What is the biggest impact Georgetown has had on your personal or professional life?

Choosing Georgetown for graduate school allowed me to fulfill my aspirations of living in Washington, DC and enabled me to accelerate my career in politics and public service. I would not have worked in the Obama White House or helped create GU Politics — which I still consider my best job! — but for Georgetown.

What excited you most about leading the Women of Georgetown Initiative and being a part of the inaugural Board?

I’m a proud graduate of a women’s college (go Wellesley!) but have long believed that it’s even more vital to cultivate women and advance women’s leadership through Georgetown; I’m grateful to be able to do that as a part of Women of Georgetown. What I didn’t know when I started at Georgetown was that it could be a place for women; a place where I could invest in building networks and pipelines to promote women and issues that matter to us. Sustaining these networks and creating the connections between generations, including with current students, is what motivates my commitment to Women of Georgetown. Signature convenings like the Women’s Forum showcase the diversity and power of Georgetown women and reinforce the promise of Women of Georgetown’s mission. I’m energized by the impact Women of Georgetown can have.

What part of the Women of Georgetown mission resonates with you the most?

Cultivating the next generation of leaders is one of my central passions and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to invest in that through the Women of Georgetown.

What is the best way women can support each other?

In so many ways! One way is to ensure that we are talking about, giving credit to, and promoting our colleagues and friends in spaces and places where they are not present. There’s an adage to the effect of, ‘surround yourself with people who will say your name in a room full of opportunities.’ I think it’s equally important to be that person for others, especially other women.