Ilana Wind Newell ’94

“I cherish my Wesleyan memories. It was a joy to learn in a place so vibrant with intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. It was a privilege to participate as a student and administrator in such a diverse and civically engaged community. Wesleyan people remain among my greatest mentors and friends. Now, I’d be honored to use my professional and political experience, as well as my management, communication, leadership, and fundraising skills, to serve on the Board of Trustees. As a trustee, I would work hard to enhance the factors underlying Wesleyan’s excellence, including need-blind admissions with robust financial aid, best practices in attracting and retaining faculty, and a rich curriculum in the arts and sciences.”

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Ilana Wind Newell ’94 is a political activist and former management consultant. She serves on finance committees for President Obama, Senator Kerry, Senator Shaheen, and Governor Patrick. She personally raised more than $1,000,000 for Democrats, was appointed to Governor Patrick’s transition team, and was recognized as a Democratic National Committee Trailblazer Trustee. Ms. Wind Newell previously worked at William M. Mercer and Towers Perrin, where she helped Fortune 500 companies align their human resources and communication strategies with their business objectives. At Wesleyan, she was a Student Judicial Board chairperson, resident advisor, career advisor, writing tutor, and Alpha Delta Phi member. After graduation, Ms. Wind Newell worked in the Dean’s Office and volunteered as a class agent and Reunion Committee member. She lives in Lincoln, Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.