Eileen Fisher Program Inspires Next Generation of Women Leaders

“Creativity, confidence, connection, community”—these words surrounded the participants in the Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute at the company’s offices in Irvington.

So, too, did photos and inspirational messages from women like Hilary Rodham Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Temple Grandin, Bonnie Raitt, Angela Davis and, of course, Eileen Fisher herself.

These weren’t corporate executives. These were young women who had applied to and been selected for the 12-day program, which targets Westchester high school students in 10th through 12 grade. Now in its second year, the program invites local women leaders to give workshops to the students, as well as Eileen Fisher staff to work with the girls. During the first week, for example, Eileen Fisher product development staff taught the girls to knit.

The two sessions, which run from July 18 to 29 and August 1 to 12, feature a variety of activities, workshops and experiences designed to challenge the 44 young women and give them skills and strategies to become leaders. Part of the curriculum also uses Eileen Fisher, Inc, leadership practices. A typical day’s activities include yoga, games, workshops, talks with local leaders, time to write in journals, and healthy eating at both breakfast and lunch.

 “There were over 50 applicants,” said Antoinette Klatzky, program director of  EFLI (Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute). “We wanted to have between 18-22 girls per session.” What EFLI looked for in candidates, said Klatzky, was “Do they want to be here? Are they committed to themselves? There’s not one definition of leadership.”

A morning class in yoga provided instruction in various poses and postures, but also reminded the young women that “the ability to capture your voice is part of the leadership institute.” During a theatre games class with Katy Rubin, founding artistic director of Theatre of the Oppressed, the girls struck poses, played a rhythm game, and other activities designed to develop specific skills that would translate beyond the class.

“It’s about staying focused, listening, staying together and cooperating,” said Rubin. “So much of what we’re doing is without words. It’s a new way to form a community.”

This year the program also includes several fellows who had participated in last year’s pilot session.

 “This gave me more confidence,” said Megan Maher, a 16-year-old from Sleepy Hollow. “This made me try new things, meet new people, and be out there.”

Participants were attracted by the program’s distinctive qualities.

 “I looked on line, and it seemed really interesting, combining body and mind,” said Willa Field, a 15-year-old from Irvington. “I’m really interested in feminism and women’s empowerment.”

For 17-year-old Aliyah Hakim, from Cortlandt Manor, “I couldn’t believe something like this exists. It offers everything I love, the creativity aspect combined with leadership.” She’s particularly pleased with the yoga and workshops.

 “I couldn’t possibly not apply,” said Aliyah. “I’m happy.”

There will be a performance at the closing ceremony, open to the public, on July 29th at 6 PM, Eileen Fisher Inc, Two Bridge Street, Irvington. For more information about the program, check:

www.eileenfisherleadershipinstitute.com