Academics
Signature Programs

Leader in Residence

The Polly Wheeler Guth ‘44 Leader in Residence program invites extraordinary women from across disciplines—politics, science, the arts, business, and beyond—to share their stories, lead workshops, and connect with students in meaningful ways. Through these visits, students gain insight into the paths and challenges that shape powerful leadership, and are encouraged to envision their own futures with clarity and confidence. Past leaders include Benazir Bhutto, Venus Williams, Gloria Steinem, Jane Goodall, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Sallie Krawcheck, and Lisa Leslie.


Learn about our Writer in Residence program here.

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Past Leaders in Residence

List of 21 items.

  • 2024-2025

    Dr. Alaa Murabit
    Co-architect of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • 2023-2024

    Evy Poumpouras
    Former Secret Service Special Agent & TV Correspondent
  • 2022-2023

    Lisa Leslie
    WNBA Legend & Author

  • 2021-2022

    Tiffany Shlain
    Filmmaker & Author

  • 2019-2020

    Doris Kearns Goodwin
    Author & Historian

  • 2018-2019

    Ann C. Phillips
    Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

  • 2017-2018

    Sallie Krawcheck
    Founder & CEO of Ellevest

  • 2016-2017

    Reshma Saujani
    Founder & CEO of Girls Who Code
  • 2015-2016

    Ashley Judd
    Actress & Political Activist

  • 2014-2015

    Katty Kay
    Lead Anchor of the BBC World News America
  • 2013-2014

    Sherry Lansing
    Former Movie Industry Executive & Philanthropist
  • 2012-2013

    Venus Williams
    Professional Tennis Player

  • 2011-2012

    Gloria Steinem
    Feminist, Writer, & Activist

  • 2010-2011

    Judith Jamison
    Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
  • 2009-2010

    Zainab Salbi
    President of Women for Women International

  • 2008-2009

    Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
    Former President of Sri Lanka

  • 2007-2008

    Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
    President of Liberia

  • 2006-2007

    Benazir Bhutto
    Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

  • 2005-2006

    Nancy Brinker
    Founder of Susan G. Komen Foundation

  • 2004-2005

    Jane Goodall
    Primatologist

  • 2003-2004

    Mary Robinson
    Former President of Ireland & U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights

Reshma Saujani, Founder & CEO of Girls Who Code

These girls are just incredibly compassionate, and they’re leaders. They are thoughtful and they are smart. I hope to vote for them one day - or invest in their companies, donate to their nonprofits...because I think you have just trained a generation of leaders.

Beyond Speeches

Leaders in Residence don't simply stand behind a podium and deliver prepared remarks when they visit our School; their time with us is much more intimate. In addition to in the lecture hall, they meet and converse with students in class, in small-group discussions, and over meals.
800 Chatham Hall Circle  •  Chatham, VA 24531
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941  

Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516admissions@chathamhall.org

Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.

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