Alumnae Spotlight

We are kicking off the New Year with our January Spotlight!

This month, we are highlighting Feyi Makinde, a young alumna who has traveled all over the world and cares deeply about making real change within international and domestic communities. Interested to know more about Feyi and the work she is doing? Read on!

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Tell us about yourself.

My name is Feyi Makinde and I am a Class of 2016 graduate from Linden Hall. I studied Business and Chinese Studies at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and graduated last year as a member of the Class of 2020. I attended Linden Hall for 7 years and was involved in Model-UN, and I’m currently working in Venture Capital for GreenHouse Capital. I invest in really awesome start-ups that help build solutions and business in Africa and for other emerging markets. I am extremely passionate about business, Chinese films, and any type of noodles. I currently live in Lagos, Nigeria, but over the past few years I have been fortunate to live in Philadelphia, Shanghai, New York, San Francisco and of course Lititz!

Favorite place to spend time at Linden Hall?

It is honestly (and embarrassingly) a tie between the purple Annex bathroom and the Honeycutt Bridge.

What are you passionate about in your work?

I am passionate about using finance and business to bridge international barriers and solve the real problems in our world. Often times creative solutions to the most desperate problems are not supported financially because they are addressing the issues of marginalized people. I hope to be able to use capital (fancy word for money and resources) to be able to affect a real change in peoples’ lives and communities. Whether it is a start-up or an old shopping mall, creative solutions supported by the right resources can be life changing for a community and I love to be a part of that story.　

In what ways has your Linden Hall experience had an impact on your career and who you are today?

The impact of Linden Hall has been profound. I gained an immense amount of confidence being able to go to Linden Hall as well as many lifelong friends and mentors. No matter what amazing and great things I look forward to doing in life, my experience at Linden Hall always humbles me and reminds me of the beauty in the simplicity and impact of ~200 girls learning, living and growing together every year. Special shout out to Qiu Laoshi, Ms. Jennis, Mrs. Umberhocker and Ms. Corlett.

What piece of advice would you share with current Linden Hall girls?

In the words of Late Congressman John Lewis- look for good trouble. The things you are pushing for matter and make a difference- keep going. Also, go exploring in the snow on a snow day, play and have fun in Lititz Spring Park, and jump in a pile of leaves in front of the Castle. In other words, have fun and savor the young free moments with your friends. Don’t worry about growing up to quickly- all the other "life stuff" will happen I promise. (PS. Look for secret written messages around campus. They exist)

 

JUST FOR FUN...

 

What is your favorite book?

Fiction: Three Body Problem by Liu CiXin (English or Chinese Version)

Non Fiction: Grit by Angela Duckworth

What’s your favorite quote?

My favorite quotation was actually my middle school graduation quote: "Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring" (Marilyn Monroe)

Name three things you couldn't live without.

Good food, traveling (it has been a tough year), and my friends and family (especially my LH Sisters)

 The December Spotlight has arrived!

This month we are featuring Erynn Taitel, from the Class of 1991 who works as a special education teacher in Illinois. Read on to hear about her favorite part of her job and how Linden Hall played an important role in introducing her to the world of teaching. 

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Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Monessen PA, in the house that my father still lives in today. I have an older sister and brother who live in Florida. I live in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, have been a special education teacher for 30 years, and have one daughter named Morgan, who is 17 and beginning the college application process (I have been helping her look at schools). Beyond my family, 25 years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have walked in most of the MS walks and I fundraise every year to help find a cure. I miss all my Linden Hall sisters!　

What are you passionate about in your work?

I love working with students with special needs. I work with students with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and learning disabilities. The students have a lot of creativity.　　

What is one of your favorite things about your job?

I can create lesson plans using art, games, or the students can create what they want.　

In what ways has your Linden Hall experience had an impact on your career and who you are today?

Linden Hall gave me so many experiences. I was able to make friends when coming in mid-year. I learned about how I could be a teacher for students with learning disabilities. My teachers at Linden Hall were amazing. Special shoutouts to Ms. Phillips, my English teacher, Mrs. Vaughn, my French teacher, Ms. Ellis, and all the other awesome staff who helped me achieve my goals.

What piece of advice would you share with current Linden Hall girls?

Enjoy your time at Linden Hall! Find Yourself and Have Fun!　

 

AND NOW JUST FOR FUN...

 

What is your favorite book?

Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk

What are you currently binge watching on TV?

Law and Order and Gilmore Girls (reminds me of Linden Hall)

What’s your favorite quote?

There is no crying in baseball! (A League of Their Own)

Name three things you couldn't live without.

My daughter, my Yorkie Poo, and sweet tea.　

Our November Spotlight is here!

We are so excited to be featuring Tianna Steel from the Class of 2007 as our November Alumna Spotlight. Tianna is a Marine Mammal Trainer at the Vancouver Aquarium and spends her days working with rescued marine animals. Read on to find out what inspired Tianna’s love of the sea and how Linden Hall helped her on her journey to becoming the woman she is today.

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Tell us about yourself.

My name is Tianna Steel. I attended Linden Hall for my entire four years of high school and graduated in 2007. I grew up in Belize and went to Linden Hall after a close family friend, Christina Astheimer, attended and graduated a few years before I did. My childhood was spent on a small island that overlooked the second largest barrier reef in the world. This is how I fell in love with the ocean and all marine creatures. I currently live in Vancouver, Canada where I have been working at the Vancouver Aquarium for many years. I started as a volunteer at the aquarium, shortly after moving to Vancouver to attend the university.　

What are you passionate about in your work?

I have always had a passion for marine life and environmental conservation. My love for animals is what brought me into the animal care field but being able to work with animals that have been rescued and given a second chance at life, is what truly makes my job so amazing!

What is one of your favorite things about your job?

My job is so unique and has some of the best benefits. My favorite part about being a Marine Mammal Trainer is having the opportunity to form a relationship with unique animals. In my career, I have worked with various species including dolphins, sea otters, seals, sea lions, and penguins. I feel so lucky to have worked closely with these amazing animals and building a strong bond with each of them is what keeps me going no matter how difficult the day.

In what ways has your Linden Hall experience had an impact on your career and who you are today?

Before high school, I was very shy and quiet, but Linden Hall helped to break me out of my shell and become the woman I am today. My parents always made me feel like I could accomplish any dream I had in life and my experience at Linden Hall gave me the confidence to fulfill my future career goals.

What piece of advice would you share with current Linden Hall girls?

The most important advice is simply enjoy this time while you have it. I think I did my best to do that, and when I look back at Linden Hall I feel like it was some of the best years of my life.

　

AND NOW JUST FOR FUN...

 

What is your favorite book?

Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert)

What are you currently binge watching on TV?

During the lockdown I started rewatching tv shows that I was actually watching while in high school like Lost and Desperate Housewives.

What’s your favorite quote?

I’m all about the inspirational quotes! I always have one written on my mirror to see when I wake up in the morning. This year, the one that has got me through tough times is, "The comeback is always stronger than the setback."

Name three things you couldn't live without.

Beach weather, supportive friends/family and discovering new places, although that has been more local lately.

The Alumna Spotlight is back!

We're kicking off our monthly newsletter highlighting the incredible things our alumnae are doing around the world with alumna Diana Egnatz '10, located right here in Lititz, PA.

Diana and her partner Gabriel have recently launched Lancaster Local Provisions, a weekly home delivery company specializing in local produce and artisanal goods with a mission to get more people cooking! If you live in Lancaster County, or have a loved one who does, please checkout what they are up to and consider supporting a fellow Linden Hall sister!

If you click the link below, you can use the promo code: LHLOCAL to get $10 off your first order, www.lancasterlocalprovisions.com.

Healthy, sustainable food AND you get to support a member of the Linden Hall family? What could be better! Interested to know more about Diana and her experience with Linden Hall? Read on! 

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Tell us about yourself.　

I’m a midwestern pioneer woman with the tenacity of a city slicker. I grew up in the fields outside Chicago, then moved to Lancaster to attend Linden Hall (mostly because of the horses), which led to me living in NYC for the past 10 years. I now live on Main Street with my partner and our numerous house plants. I’ve always been outgoing, curious, and full of laughs. Although I’m a recovering picky eater, I love to cook and host dinner parties. My love of food sprouted in college where I would cook a weekly dinner for my friends. This evolved into me working in restaurants, and then starting my first food business. I’m the kind of person who likes to wear many hats.　　

What are you passionate about in your work?

I love being able to teach people how to cook easy and seasonal meals! My whole life I’ve had people ask how I make things, and now I have a platform to show how exciting and simple cooking can be. It brings me such joy to hear when someone loves kale or radishes! Besides teaching, I love supporting local farmers and makers. There is an amazing network of small batch food producers, and I want to help get more of their products out into the world.　　

What is one of your favorite things about your job?

I get to use a wide variety of skills every day. I’m not just a chef, a photographer, a delivery driver, a teacher, a bookkeeper, or a visionary. I get to be more than one of these things every day. I’ve always had passion for many things, and ended up having a couple different jobs to satisfy my many talents. With Lancaster Local Provisions, I get to flex all of my creative muscles...just not at the same time.　　 

In what ways has your Linden Hall experience had an impact on your career and who you are today?

I can easily say I wouldn’t be the woman I am without my time as a Linden Hall girl. When I arrived I was a budding flower, and when I graduated I was a wildflower meadow! I leapt into every activity I could: drama, riding, student council, the paper, and then some. By taking part in so many diverse activities, I started to build my toolbox, which still serves me today. (I like wearing many hats.) Also, I was able to have a well-rounded group of friends who had many different interests as well, which is what my current circle of friends is still like. Being surrounded by amazing girls taught me to value sisterhood and that we can accomplish anything if we work together. Also, when you take a couple of AP classes on top of all those activities, you learn to be organized.

Although my days at Linden Hall were half a lifetime ago, I’m still that girl leaping into every activity. I learned that I had many talents at Linden Hall and have created a career and company around my toolbox, which was forged at Linden Hall. I also attribute my love of books and reading to my time on campus. My passion for photography was birthed at Linden Hall. My talent for public speaking and performance was found at Linden Hall. Even my love of food (off campus food) began in those hallowed halls. I am my own woman, and Linden Hall was where I began to form who I am.

What piece of advice would you share with current Linden Hall girls?

A couple pieces: Try things. Eat your veggies. Get obsessed. Say yes! Don’t be afraid to fail. Be different. Go for walks. And most important, follow your passions.

 

AND NOW JUST FOR FUN....

 

What is your favorite book?

Usually what I’m currently reading: The New Farm by Brent Preston. As you can imagine I also read a lot of cookbooks; and my new obsession is Vegetable Literacy by Deborah Madison, which is part cookbook and part plant reference book.

What are you currently binge watching on TV?

Ironically, Gilmore Girls in between episodes of Perry Mason.

What’s your favorite quote?

"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken" - Oscar Wilde