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���Ĵ�ý Metro New York City Women

COCHAIRS: Barbara Grossman Berger (left) and Serli Looi say the Metro
New York City group offers a forum for friendship and engagement.

The ���Ĵ�ý Metro New York City Women���Ĵ�ý�s group is dedicated to fostering community through a mission of women supporting women. Founded in 2011 by Kathy Murray ���Ĵ�ý�74, chair emeritus and a University trustee, and Victoria Turchetti ���Ĵ�ý�97, today Barbara Grossman Berger ���Ĵ�ý�77 and Sherli Looi ���Ĵ�ý�04S (MBA) cochair the group, which hosts monthly breakfasts and a variety of other activities.

For both Berger and Looi, the group provides ways to connect on a personal level. ���Ĵ�ý�We are all so tied up in our lives and, for many of us, we don���Ĵ�ý�t interact with each other face-to-face much anymore,���Ĵ�ý� says Berger.

Looi says that because New York City is so big, it can be easy to feel disconnected. For her, the group is a forum for friendship.

Every month, the group���Ĵ�ý�s steering committee discusses program ideas. In addition to Murray, Berger, and Looi, Anita Mehta ���Ĵ�ý�91, Christiane Siebert ���Ĵ�ý�91E, Louisa Lei ���Ĵ�ý�15, and Sofia Saravia ���Ĵ�ý�16 serve on the committee. ���Ĵ�ý�We���Ĵ�ý�re a close-knit, inclusive group,���Ĵ�ý� says Looi. They are also a diverse group, with members from five countries���Ĵ�ý�Malaysia, China, Mexico, Germany, and the United States.

Berger and Looi say the group reflects the diversity of New York City. ���Ĵ�ý�You don���Ĵ�ý�t see any barriers between us based on where we come from, our careers, our ages, or anything. We are just a group of women who share our thoughts and ideas, plan programs that we think will have value, and thrive on the friendships that result.���Ĵ�ý�

���Ĵ�ý�If you are a new graduate, come to one of our breakfasts; if you are looking for a new place to live, talk with us about what you are looking for.���Ĵ�ý� Adds Looi, ���Ĵ�ý�We can all help each other, and we can celebrate the fact that we share a strong connection to Rochester.���Ĵ�ý�

Melissia Schmidt, associate director of regional and volunteer programs, says such affinity groups offer ways to connect that go beyond region and class year. ���Ĵ�ý�They offer friendship, networking opportunities, and a sense of community tied to shared interests, values, identities, and experiences.���Ĵ�ý�

Find the group on , , and , or email alumni@rochester.edu for more information.