Women & Philanthropy at UC Davis
A Conversation with Misty Copeland
Join us for a symposium featuring a one-on-one conversation with ballerina Misty Copeland and a panel discussion with other dynamic women who are leaders in their fields.
Speaking from her unique point of view as the first Black woman principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Copeland will share how strong women mentors helped her achieve her dreams, and how she strives to do the same for young people today. A trailblazer in the world of dance, Copeland is known for her iconic classical ballet roles including Odette/Odile in “Swan Lake”; Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet”; and Firebird, to name a few.
She is the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including The Wind at My Back, Life in Motion, Ballerina Body and Black Ballerinas, and the picture books Bunheads and Firebird. Her production company, Life in Motion Productions, focuses on representative stories of artists—past, present and future—and normalizing the arts experience for everyone.
Copeland is also an avid philanthropist. In 2022, she launched The Misty Copeland Foundation with BE BOLD, a program to bring greater diversity, equity and inclusion to dance, especially ballet. She is an ambassador to and alum of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and an ambassador to MindLeaps, a Rwanda-based arts program that helps young people get off the streets and into an academic setting.
Copeland has been named one of the Time 100, and received both a Glamour Women of the Year Award and a Black Girls Rock! Award. In 2021, Copeland received the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest honor, and in 2023 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from New York University.
This program is part of the Wisdom of Women (WoW) event series presented by Women & Philanthropy at UC Davis, which unites women as leaders dedicated to using our collective talents and resources for the good of all. Women & Philanthropy empowers women by convening communities and amplifying stories of achievement and impact. We have a dynamic vision for the world we want to build, and the determination to do so.
Panelist Bios
Kimberly S. Budil M.S. ’88, Ph.D. ’94
Director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Kimberly S. Budil M.S. ’88, Ph.D. ’94
As director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Kimberly S. Budil M.S. ’88, Ph.D. ’94 sets the strategic vision for the laboratory and oversees operations to enhance national security through cutting-edge science and technology. She engages with leaders at the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration and other federal agencies, and across government, academia and the private sector.
Victoria Coleman ’08
Director of winemaking at the Caves at Soda Canyon
Victoria Coleman ’08
Victoria Coleman ’08 is Napa Valley’s first Black woman winemaker and the director of winemaking at the Caves at Soda Canyon. Entering her 16th vintage at Lobo Wines, she has consulted for many wineries and has made wine at Jade Valley Winery, near Xi’an China, Tyge William Cellers in Sonoma, Van Dyk Family Wines in Napa Valley and MC4 in St. Helena.
Rinki Sethi ’04
Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at BILL
Rinki Sethi ’04
Rinki Sethi ’04 is a technology executive who has been at the forefront of developing online security infrastructure at several Fortune 500 companies. She is the vice president and chief information security officer at BILL, where she leads global information technology functions. She was recently VP & CISO at Twitter and Rubrik Inc., and was recognized in Lacework’s top 50 CISOs list in 2023.
Pamela Wu (Moderator)
Director of News and Media Relations, UC Davis Health
Pamela Wu (Moderator)
Pamela Wu’s career spans the fields of broadcast journalism, public relations, and communications training. Wu is the director of News and Media Relations for UC Davis Health. In 2021, she received an Emmy Award in the category of Health/Medical Long-Form Content. Wu continues her work in broadcasting as a substitute host for Capital Public Radio, Sacramento’s NPR station.
