Lisa D. T. Rice (NC ’83) is the president of the Newcomb Alumnae Association; she is passionate about women’s leadership. In addition to her Newcomb degree, she holds a master’s degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School and is a political innovator and social media activist in Washington, DC. A native Washingtonian, Rice has been active in the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), which seeks to increase the number of women policy leaders nationwide. She is an advisor to, and serves on the boards of directors for, Unite America and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. She is an influential advocate for policy reform in cancer care, women’s leadership and empowerment, and political reform. Her son, Thomas Lynch, graduated from Newcomb-Tulane College in 2015.
You have been so actively involved with Newcomb College since your graduation, giving back as a mentor and volunteer. Why are you passionate about staying involved with Newcomb College?
I'm devoted to Newcomb on two fronts – the emotional and the practical.
Emotionally, I had a great time during my four years at Newcomb and in New Orleans. As an alumna of an all-girls high school, I was excited for the camaraderie and closeness of women’s education. I have all good memories of my time as a student and have built lifelong friendships as a result. I want today’s students to have a supportive environment to learn and grow in a similar spirit of collegiality.
Practically speaking, I stay involved to help students tap into their confidence as young women and help empower them for all they want to achieve. I also need to remind them to enjoy New Orleans. I’m very passionate about New Orleans; it's a one-of-a-kind city.
It’s so important for women to learn to speak up for themselves, create and maintain strong networks, find their happiness and find a balance between the personal and the professional.
You began as Newcomb Alumnae Association president in January. What has been the most exciting part so far of becoming president?
The most exciting part of becoming NAA president has been meeting alumnae I've never known and becoming reacquainted with old friends. I met a group of Black Newcomb alumnae from the 70s who shared stories of the challenges they faced on campus as students (including being spat upon) and their joy in gathering together on campus to celebrate their 45-year reunion last fall. One alumna lives right here in the Washington area—so I have a new friend from an era at Newcomb that preceded me.
I'm a natural connector of people, and this role is all about connecting—connecting alumnae to one another across the generations, connecting students to alumnae and connecting all of us to the Newcomb Institute. I love meeting people, and so far it’s been fun, and I think it will continue to be.
Why is it important for more women to become empowered as leaders?
It's always been important for women to know and understand their potential and their power. As you know, unfortunately our society doesn’t always afford equal opportunity for women, and it’s up to us, elder women, to show the younger the way. Empowered women leaders are the future of our country—if we’re lucky.
What do you feel can be done to encourage more women to become active in politics and in leadership roles?
I think if we talk about taking charge of our destiny, that’s the key to both. Taking charge of one’s destiny is really a key element of happiness and supporting young women as they learn the importance of guiding their own destiny is really essential. In politics, that starts with encouraging active participation. First and foremost, voting. Then, becoming familiar with important policy issues and finding a way that works for one’s particular circumstances to advance ourselves and society. I’ve found that connecting students with issues really brings them to life and energizes them. And honestly, women work well with one another. Research shows that women leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives work toward policy goals together; they work across the aisle, they work across caucuses, and are certain to reinforce social relationships with one another. Our country is far, far better for having more women in leadership political roles.
I think it’s also important, as more experienced women, to learn from students, and that’s one thing I’ve done. For instance, there are students on campus active in reproductive justice. As a result of seeing them active on the issues, just recently I delivered testimony on strengthening women’s reproductive rights before a committee of the DC City Council. I would never have spoken publically on the issue had current Newcomb Institute students not led the way. Leading by example, it’s a two-way street.
Who inspires you and why?
The people who inspire me are the students—men and women—and young graduates because they’re facing a time that can feel really shaky and uncertain. They could just decide to retreat, but they don’t. They are very active in making a difference. They are empowered to do what they can to learn about the issues and do something about them. They are very delighted in helping people. And that kind of activity inspires me.
I’m inspired by my son who teaches reading at a DC public school that has a 60 percent Latinx population. Those students come from a home environment in which English is their second language.
I’m also inspired by the young women who go to PLEN seminars. I love that the younger generation, when faced with so much negativity, is still drawing something positive out of it.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?
I always, always advise, ‘get the best education that you can and make the most out of your education.’ At the same time balance that with learning what makes you happy and pursue it.
I always tell women to vote and vote early. I’ve had students look at me and say, ‘I don’t vote. These people don’t represent me.’ And I say, ‘they sure don’t represent you, because you don’t vote.’ Find an issue, find someone you like, or find a reason to vote for someone or a reason to vote for their opponent.
Learn to get along with people that don’t have the same perspective as you. That does not mean acquiescing to them but learning to work with them. Our government would be so much more effective if we could get back to a place where people worked across the aisle, were friendly and did not ridicule because people have a difference of opinion. That is the biggest thing we can learn: How to work together and really build something positive going forward.
Is there anything you want to add?
I’m really excited about bridging the generations of alumnae and especially helping alumnae from the 80s and earlier learn what current students are doing on campus. I’m also excited for today’s students to understand their history and know that as women students on the Tulane campus, they have a rich, vibrant history, firmly rooted in Newcomb College. The Newcomb Institute is preserving the legacy of Newcomb College; I think making sure the students today understand who and what came before them on this campus is vital.
For alumnae of Newcomb College, it is important for them to realize that although the school is not here, the Newcomb Institute is. Our college is living in the Newcomb Institute. We’re thriving, and I want them to know that.