While K. Danae Pauli had many opportunities to connect with her peers after graduating from the GSB, she noticed one thing that was missing — the opportunity to connect across generations. That’s why she joined with Michelle Clayman, MBA ’79, to found GSB Women’s Circles in 2013. These small groups of GSB alumnae gather each month to connect, reflect, support, and inspire one another, both personally and professionally. “It’s hard to put into words what it means to have a woman from another class as a close and dear friend,” says Jess Mennella, MBA ’00. “This is what Circles does: it creates a community across the entire group of alumnae and a deep connection to the GSB that truly would not exist otherwise.”
Today, Women’s Circles is the GSB’s fastest-growing alumni program with over 1,400 members. Grouped into more than 170 Circles of six to eight women around the globe, these alumnae are building deep connections across diverse experiences and perspectives. “Danae has been a steady force behind the program since day one,” Jess says. “Her passion, voice, and commitment, as well as her vulnerability and willingness to do what is necessary to help Circles thrive, are something I admire and aspire to regularly.”
But Danae’s positive impact extends well beyond the GSB. Her mission-driven career path has led her to positions with both North American and African organizations in healthcare, education, youth services, and economic development. These include the United Nations Development Programme, the Ubuntu Center for Peace, and the U.S. Department of State as a White House appointee. Danae currently serves as managing director of African Infrastructure Consulting and senior development advisor to Anzana Electric Group, in addition to her responsibilities to GSB Women’s Circles. Jess adds, “Danae is dedicated to where Circles is heading and how we can support GSB alumnae throughout their lives.” As Women’s Circles continues to expand globally and Danae’s international development work creates opportunities across continents, her impact reminds us that true leadership means planting seeds whose full harvest we may never see.
