New Executive Women of Goizueta (EWG) President Julie Friedberg 87C 23EMBA relishes a good puzzle.
In her current role as Vice President of Development at Kindle Energy LLC, a Blackstone portfolio company, Friedberg is regularly putting together projects that require her to assemble a complete picture with lots of pieces, including legal, engineering, permitting, government relations, fuel, and infrastructure details.
Friedberg is no stranger to the practice of puzzle-solving—although perhaps “juggling” is a better analogy—in her personal life, as well. While a student at Goizueta, she and her peers bonded over “the shared experience of meeting the demands of working full time jobs, often while raising families, and striving to deliver our best efforts to our teammates,” she says. It’s the challenge, as well as the people she works with to meet it, that ultimately brings her fulfillment.
During those formative student years, Friedberg also found another invaluable support network: Executive Women of Goizueta—and even won a scholarship.
“I was lucky enough to receive the EWG Scholarship while at Goizueta. The EWG mission is one I feel driven to support—just as EWG supported me. It affords you not only the opportunity to build your leadership skills, but also to work with accomplished, supportive women.”
The mission of Emory University’s Executive Women of Goizueta is to create a community that advances personal and professional leadership for Goizueta women and allies.
Vision for the Year Ahead
Friedberg’s plans are ambitious.
“My biggest goal for Executive Women of Goizueta this year is to increase community engagement in our annual conference and general programming, as well as to effectively communicate the EWG value proposition to our sponsors and alumni.”
For Friedberg, success means a sold-out annual conference, fully attended programs, and the continued—and expanded—support of sponsors who believe in EWG’s mission. Even with the organization’s signature event months away, she’s eager to build momentum.
The 2026 Annual Advancing Leadership Conference
Taking place March 6, 2026, at the Emory Conference Center Hotel, the upcoming year’s highly-anticipated Annual Leadership Conference will carry forward the energy and depth that defined last year’s “Driving Your Career Journey” event. As with past conferences, the program will highlight strategies for personal and professional growth, bringing together seasoned executives and emerging leaders committed to advancing women in business. Attendees can expect dynamic keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and interactive networking.
Challenges—and Opportunities—for Women in Business
Friedberg points to a challenge that remains stubbornly present.
“We are judged by different metrics than men,” she says. “Because of that, we can be deprived of opportunities for personal and professional growth—which means we need to create our own opportunities outside of the workplace.” She sees EWG, and especially its conference and programming, as a way to help make that happen.
If you’re curious about EWG, by all means reach out! Becoming involved is a great way to expand your network and test and build your leadership outside of your professional role.
Julie Friedberg
2025–26 EWG Leadership & Board Updates
- Past President: Rene Hallock 20EvMBA
- President: Julie Friedberg 87C 23EMBA
- Vice President: Liz Wolfe 16MBA 16PH
- Treasurer/Secretary: Kristy Hoffman 17EvMBA
- Programming Chair: Jen Kostyrna 04C 18EvMBA
- Programming Vice-Chair – Conference: Kuki Gandhi 15EvMBA
- Sponsorship Chair: Missy Taylor 22EMBA
- Community Engagement: Abby England
- Member-at-Large: Setu Shah 15MBA
New Board Members
- Programming Vice-Chair, General Programming: Katie Lahey 24EvMBA, Programming Vice-Chair
- Sponsorship Vice-Chair: Lauren Gilkenson Davis 18EvMBA
- Marketing Chair: Danielle McGivney 16EvMBA
- Marketing Vice-Chair: Jasmine Burton 22MBA
Executive Women of Goizueta Advisory Board
Led by Rene Hallock 20EvMBA, EWG Past President, the EWG Advisory Board helps advise Executive Women of Goizueta in developing its long-term strategic initiatives and is comprised of a diverse group of senior business executives. Below are its current and new members:
Current Members
- Ana Amato 07EvMBA: Managing Director, Protiviti
- Harmony Foster 04BBA: VP Sustainability, UPS
- Laura Grams: VP, Leadership & Org. Dev., HCA Healthcare
- Jennifer Turk DeLibero 05BBA: Partner, Audit, KPMG
- Luci Rainey: Owner, DAY ONE Consulting & Coaching
- Jamie Traynor 14EvMBA: Partner, PwC
New Advisory Board Members
- Alpa Sutaria 96MBA: Former SVP, Strategy & Sustainability, Smurfit Westrock
- Amanda Windsor White 18EMBA: Director, Sports Marketing, Coca-Cola
- Leah Gladu: CEO, KWI Communications
- Billie Jo Waara: CMO, Jack’s Family Restaurants
Want to Learn More About Executive Women of Goizueta?
If you’d like to find ways to get involved with our thriving community, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or reach out to gbsalumni@emory.edu
