About the Project

The Women's Narratives Project brings women together to engage in new thinking about the meaning of success. Our educational programs draw on research and personal experience to promote reflection on work, friendship, family and values. We aim to advance the national discussion on women and work-life balance, offer new models and encourage women at all stages of life to rewrite their own narratives.

Project Background

President Carol T. Christ: "Inside the Clockwork of Women's Careers," a Speech to the Chautauqua Institution, July 21, 2004

At the Chautauqua Institution in 2004, President Carol Christ argued that both the circumstances and the narratives of women's professional lives need to be transformed. Nan-b de Gaspé Beaubien '57 read the speech and decided that she wanted to fund a program that would allow Smith women to reflect on their work and life narratives. The Women's Narratives Project was born.

Listen to President Christ's speech, "Inside the Clockwork of Women's Careers"

Dean Maureen Mahoney: "Dimensions of Balance in Women's Lives," a Speech to the International Conference of Women, Business and Society Madrid, Spain, April 3, 2006

In this speech, Maureen Mahoney, dean of the college and director of the project explains that the Women's Narratives Project would provide women with "structured opportunities to think through the dimensions of success and balance in life."

Dean Jennifer Walters: "Rethinking Work Life Balance and Preparing Students to Effect Change in the Workplace," a Speech to Women's College Career Development Professionals, Barnard College, New York City, May 29, 2007 (DOC)

In this speech, Jennifer Walters, dean of religious life and co-director of the project, explains that the Women's Narratives Project is "inviting undergraduate students to ask themselves not only what kind of job or career do I want, but what kind of life? Furthermore, we want to challenge them to think systemically. How can we change our workplaces and institutions to make the kind of life we want possible?"

The De Gaspé Beaubien Foundation

The Women's Narratives Project began with a grant from the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation, which is co-chaired by Philippe and Nan-b de Gaspé Beaubien '57.