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Contact: Jenni Brockman Phone: 804-443-3357 Fax: 804-443-6781 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tappahannock (April 16, 2004) - Attending a girls’school was a turning point in Eleanor Roosevelt’s development as a leader—and it’s a similarly pivotal experience for them, say students at St. Margaret’s School. Girls made the connection after studying “Leadership The Eleanor Roosevelt Way” and hearing a recent presentation by author Robin Gerber, J.D., a senior scholar at the University of Maryland School of Business. 
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St. Margaret’s School senior Anna Reed (far left) and Blair Fisher (far right) shared their views on leadership as part of author Robin Gerber’s recent presentation on the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt. Head of School Margaret R. Broad moderated the event.
“Reading about how Mademoiselle Souvestre was Eleanor’s mentor when she attended Allenswood made me realize how many mentors I have here at SMS,” said Peer Leader Blair Fisher, a senior from Lottsburg. “Lots of adults here have helped me become a leader, whether it’s been my advisor, leadership program mentor, or teachers.” Students in the school’s two leadership courses read Gerber’s book and all SMS juniors and seniors attended her presentation, which also was open to faculty, local alumnae, parents and friends. Gerber shared key moments from Roosevelt’s life, each of which imparted a leadership lesson. When Roosevelt became first lady, for example, she found herself in what traditionally had been a narrowly defined role. She shaped the role into one that allowed her to continue her work with the disadvantaged and help make substantial changes in American society. Later, when President Truman appointed her as the first US delegate to the United Nations, Roosevelt feared that if she didn’t perform well, she would close off future opportunities for other women. She faced her fears, however, and left a lasting legacy: she chaired the commission that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “No one becomes a hero overnight,” Gerber told the audience. “But as Eleanor said, you must do the thing you think you can’t do. Each time you take a test or run for a student government office, you gain confidence. I encourage you to go into the world having taken full advantage of all the things that a place like St. Margaret’s can offer.” Gerber’s presentation was sponsored by St. Margaret’s “Next Steps” continuing education program. “Leadership The Eleanor Roosevelt Way” is available in paperback from Penguin Portfolio books, and has earned an average five-star rating from reviewers on Amazon.com. For more information about Robin Gerber, visit her web site at www.robingerber.com |
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