1982

Gwen Cohen writes:

"As of January, I joined Morgan Stanley's High Net Worth Office (still in Chicago), and remain active with the Chicago Foundation for Women, Leadership America and the Chicago College of Performing Arts. The boards I serve on will expect me to "write (a check) or raise." As co-chair of the Chicago Foundation for Women's leadership council, I helped establish a Katrina Fund two days after the disaster to benefit the Chicago-area families impacted by the hurricane.

"In my role at Morgan Stanley, I continue to work with business owners and executives of major corporations in helping them grow and protect wealth (including transitioning from business owner to seller). It's an exciting world, and I get to work and play in it. There's still time to mentor. For three years it was through Menttium; for the past year at Morgan Stanley. I'm learning as much from my protégé as she's learning from me!

"Vacation this year was another exciting one, like last year. In November, we went to Ghana, and had a chance to tour several areas of the country: Accra, Obuasi, Ashanti — even met with Ghana's president at the castle — captive audience, no less! And the national press was there. This was more than a vacation; it was an educational trip that included visits to the slave castles and instructions on the fabrication of Kente cloth.

"Last year, we went to South Africa and Swaziland — another fabulous, highly educational trip. We experienced life in hotels, a quaint guesthouse on two acres and a private home.

"Life is good, and my sensitivity to the need to give is even heightened. More than ever, I realize that our highest good comes in the welfare of all."