Ji Yeun Lee 88 New York, NY

More than twenty years have passed since I came to Amherst sight unseen, straight from Manila. I chose Amherst largely based on conversations with an enthusiastic alumnus who was a foreign service officer at the U.S. embassy. He gave me what was considered a virtual tour back thenpointing out places of interest as his finger traced a campus map, punctuated with his fond memories. My own Amherst experience was a process of acclimating to not only the unique challenges of college, but to the foreign rhythms of a new country, culture and way of life. Having been raised in Korea and the Philippines in a traditional Korean family, it was a time of examining differences, questioning and adapting beliefs held and learning to balance that with becoming an Amherst student. I value the Trustees nuanced dialogue about diversitywhether race, economic or thoughtbecause those issues have had a significant impact on who I am today. My perspective is born out of personal experience, of someone who has tried to live the delicate balance of remaining true to her background/cultural values while embracing and becoming part of the larger, and often unfamiliar, community. I chose a career in finance upon graduation, relying solely on my Amherst liberal arts education, and I attribute whatever professional success Ive had to that solid foundation of a wellrounded education. I work in an increasingly pre-professional and specialized world, yet I believe more strongly in the value of a strong, diverse, liberal arts education and can offer that perspective to the Trustee discussions, both as a parent and a professional. My job involves balancing expectations and demands in a people-driven industry, requiring putting myself in the shoes of others while holding a point of view in a constructive manner. Through these experiences, I believe I bring the perspective of an outsider who truly values a sense of common purpose, tradition and community, but is not afraid of adapting to a changing environment. Amherst allowed me to explore these views and gave me the confidence to navigate both the known and the unknown, and for that I will always be grateful. It would be an honor and privilege to serve the college so that I can contribute in a small way to making sure that Amherst continues to represent to each of us what we believe to be the best in all of us. Amherst: B.A. Economics and Asian Studies, 88; Asian Students Association, Amherst College Womens Chorus, French House. Alumni Activities: Regular supporter of Amherst fundraising; provide career advice to Amherst students. Professional: Morgan Stanley & Co., New York, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Global Mergers and Acquisitions Department; responsible for day-to-day management of the M&A Department (reporting to the Global Head of M&A), including management of business conflicts among various business units and regions and oversight of staffing, recruiting, business policy and procedures (2004 to Present); Managing Director, Generalist, M&A Department; responsible for leading execution and business development of M&A transactions across a variety of industry sectors (2000 to 2004); Executive Director (1997 to 2000). Morgan Stanley & Co., London, United Kingdom, Vice President; Generalist, Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring Department (1995 to 1997); Associate (1991 to 1995); Financial Analyst (New York and London 1988 to 1991). Community, Not-for-Profit and Volunteer Service: Member of the First Presbyterian Church of New York. Participate and volunteer at my childrens schools as time allows. Donor to local causes and charities. Personal: Born in Seoul, Korea. Attended the International School, Manila, Philippines. Married to Riccardo Benedetti (European Business School, Wiesbaden, Germany 91); we have three daughters, Mia (5), Elina (3) and Kaia (1). Enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, Korean TV dramas, playing the piano and cooking.