Michelle Clayman is known for identifying opportunities and taking action — a quality that has defined both her long and successful career in finance and her dedication to elevating women. After founding New Amsterdam Partners and serving as managing partner for over 37 years, Michelle decided to pursue her passion for supporting the development of women leaders. “I believe that if you have been fortunate in some way, you should put your beliefs into action and help others,” she shared.
In 2006, Michelle demonstrated that philosophy by making a substantial donation to the Stanford Center for Research on Women, which was subsequently renamed the Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research in her honor. She explained that funding the program was important to her because “investing in gender research ensures that gender inequities are addressed at their root cause, rather than at the surface level.” Michelle also provides leadership and guidance to the institute as chair of the Advisory Council and has further supported Stanford’s women by co-founding two GSB alumni organizations: GSB Women’s Circles and the Women’s Initiative Network. “She’s a great role model and has impacted thousands of women in meaningful ways,” notes Suzanne Taylor, ’85, MBA ’90.
Michelle has held many other volunteer and leadership positions at Stanford, including serving on the Stanford University Board of Trustees, the GSB Advisory Council, and the Council of the School of Humanities and Sciences. Michelle has been recognized for her years of service and leadership to Stanford with numerous awards. She received the GSB’s Excellence in Leadership Award in 2008 — making her the first woman to receive it — and the John W. Gardner Volunteer Leadership Award for service to the GSB. She’s also a recipient of the Stanford Medal for her decades of distinguished volunteer service to the university. Through her strategic philanthropy and unwavering dedication, Michelle continues to create a powerful and lasting legacy of empowerment for women at Stanford and beyond.
