Academics
Signature Programs

Leader in Residence

The Polly Wheeler Guth ’44 Leader in Residence program provides an exceptional opportunity to learn from women who shape the world - culturally, socially, artistically, and politically. Hearing their stories, their ideas, and their voices provides a remarkable window through which you can begin to envision your own future.

Learn about our Writer in Residence program here.



Past Leaders in Residence

List of 20 items.

  • 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
+1 434.432.2941  •  admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.

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