publicdomainclip-art.blogspot.com/2007/12/one

I got an email this week from one of our recent alumna, Jennifer Bertram, who welcomed me to Stephens (thanks, Jennifer!), and told me how proud she is to be a Stephens woman (me, too!). 

She also told me that she is now a member of the Stephens "mafia" in New York City...so of course I had to ask her what *that* means....

Here's her response -- living proof that when we talk about the Stephens community, about the family of Stephens women who watch out for one another, and who become lifelong friends....well, it's not just a bunch of talk.  It's a way of life:

"The Stephens Mafia is basically just the name for all of the grads who have found their way to New York City. 

We're known as a mafia because it's more than just a group of people from the same school, Stephens has some of the most supportive and family-like alumni in the country. 

The interesting thing about the mafia is our uncanny ability to be everywhere.  For such a small school (and a LARGE city!) Stephens has planted more alumni in New York than I ever expected.  You meet them everywhere, from auditions to parties to fashion week and they're always friendly, warm and inviting...it really is like a giant family. 

When I first moved into the city, I was able to get a helping hand from and room with a somewhat recent graduate and discovered that the woman who owned the beautiful house next door was an older Stephens graduate as well.  Now I'm subletting from, and living with Stephens graduates and have come to know quite a few around the city.  It's an instant bond and we quickly find that the friendships we had at Stephens carry over into the next part of our lives as well. 

Anytime one of us needs help, be it with relationships, finding work or even finding a place to call home, the ladies here are always prepared to help.  As a student I NEVER imagined having, let alone needing, the support of so many phenomenal women, but I consider myself lucky to have it here."

Amazing women.  Everywhere we go. 

That's what it means to be a Stephens woman.