Violets Give Back: Alumnae Leadership Board Retreat

With a new school year comes the opportunity for Marlborough’s Alumnae Leadership Board (ALB) to come together at their annual retreat where they outline goals, introduce new members, and reaffirm their commitment to Marlborough and the alumnae community. On September 6, 2025, ALB did just that, spending the day on campus inside the ever graceful halls of learning they once walked as students. 

The program opened with remarks from ALB President Kim Root Sandifer ’87 as she reminded everyone of their mission: “to build life-long engagement amongst a diverse alumnae population,” supporting all aspects of the School and enhancing the Marlborough experience by contributing to academic, leadership, career, and personal enrichment opportunities for current and future alumnae. In addition to ALB’s long-standing mission, each year has its own theme for the group to focus on. This year’s theme is “Violets Give Back.” 

Marlborough’s Associate Director of Alumnae Engagement, Natalie Makous Cuadra ’09 expressed her excitement for the theme, sharing, “I, along with the Alumnae Leadership Board and Young Alumnae Council members, feel a deep appreciation for the alumnae who came before us. Their generosity made a real impact on our time as students, and now it's up to us—collectively as alumnae—to carry on this tradition of philanthropy. Alumnae have been supporting the school for over 130 years. It's a powerful legacy, and we're empowered to keep it alive. Marlborough simply wouldn't be the same school without our support and engagement.”

To strengthen their work together, the group spent time getting to know one another. Eight new members of ALB were warmly welcomed alongside general introductions, with all members sharing their reasons for dedicating themselves to ALB and Marlborough. The discussion revealed a common thread that echoes the group’s theme for the year—a desire to give back to a place and community that shaped them. 

After introductions, the group heard from Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli who shared updates on the community emphasized what makes Marlborough truly special: the School’s commitment to helping every single student find her own pathway to excellence. “Marlborough isn’t one-size-fits-all,” she explained. “Students will have boxes to check during their time here, sure. But here’s what’s different: each student will have her own boxes, reflecting her goals, her passions, her version of excellence.” 

The group also met Dr. Kelly Jackson, Marlborough’s Director of Equity, Community and Belonging, who shared her vision for maintaining and enhancing Marlborough’s commitment to an inclusive community—from traditions, curriculum, classroom environment, and shaping students into the leaders of tomorrow while supporting them to show up as their authentic selves.

Following the remarks and updates, ALB shifted to planning for their year: discussing important dates and events, focusing on their committee’s collaboration, and hearing from Marlborough’s Advancement Office about the big-picture goals for the School. 

One particularly compelling part of the day was time dedicated to calling alumnae donors and thanking them for their generosity during the 2024-2025 year. The calls allowed for a wonderful moment of connection among alumnae, as well as an expression of gratitude on behalf of the School. Each call served as a reminder that Marlborough’s vision and the work of ALB are truly powered by each other.

After an informative day with opportunities for all members of ALB to connect and collaborate, the group left campus feeling energized for the work ahead. The Marlborough student and alumnae communities benefit greatly from the dedication of ALB; each member is woven into the fabric of our Marlborough community. Their commitment to engaging our incredible alumnae network and supporting current students and staculty is an integral part of Marlborough’s enduring legacy.