The Sophian

Issue date: 2/5/09 Section: News

Cutter, the youngest of the group, made her breakthrough in politics under the Clinton administration as deputy communications director and associate administrator for Communications of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She then served as the communications director for Senator Ted Kennedy and communications director of the Democratic National Committee. Shortly after, she was given the same position for Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign. Most recently, she was chosen as first lady Michelle Obama's chief of staff during the campaign, and is also under consideration for a senior White House Communications position.

When asked what skills best allowed these notable Smith alumnae to enter the public service sector and to succeed in general, Tyson replied, "No matter who the person you're talking to is, you [should] say what you think … You have to accept the fact that you will not always prevail. No matter how intelligent you think you are or how powerful your arguments are, you will lose. And you have to say, 'I fought the fight, I gave my advice, and I was overruled.'"

For women today hoping to break into politics, Sagawa notes, "It's logical that a young person who has set her sights higher will be more likely to get to that finish line and cross over."

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