Lena Gandevia ’15

Business Development Analyst for Halma plc

What advice would you give to a girl graduating from Williston today?   

There’s so much you don’t know about yourself. The past 18 years may feel like they define you, but they don’t. As you embark on the next chapter, be it college or some other adventure, be open to change and challenges. You will discover so many new, amazing qualities about yourself. You will grow and transform in ways that might surprise you. Whoever you think you are today—that’s only one of the many identities you’ll have over the course of your life.

What do you think is next for women in your professional field?

We’re already seeing more and more women in engineering & tech, and I’m sure that trend will only continue. In particular, I think we’ll see a lot more women in leadership positions. C-suite roles are still predominantly held by men, but I expect (and hope) that won’t be the case for long.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Speak up.