REALTalk

REALTalk 2026’s theme of “Finding Your Inner Strength” explores ways to strengthen resolve when faced with exceptionally challenging situations -- whether at school, at work, or at home. The panel discussion features two inspirational Cornell alumnae -- Lydia Anglin Grant (Cornell ILR ‘18 & UPenn JD/MBA ’23) and Angela Lu (Cornell ILR ‘13 & WashU MBA ’19) -- both of whom successfully leverage their inner strength in moments of self-doubt, frustration, or when faced with what seem like insurmountable odds. They will share candid personal stories and offer compelling insights about how they conjure resilience to overcome obstacles, regroup after significant setbacks, combat imposter syndrome, and manage through uncertainty.

Lydia Anglin Grant (Cornell ILR ‘18 & UPenn JD/MBA ’23) is an attorney in the Sustainability Practice Group at Kirkland & Ellis, where she advises clients on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, sustainability strategy, and regulatory compliance. Lydia’s career has been shaped by her willingness to pursue opportunities before she felt fully ready for them and the resilience to keep going when the path was anything but straightforward. While at Cornell, she founded the Black Ivy Pre-Law Society, which was featured in Teen Vogue, interned on Wall Street and in the Obama Administration; twice lobbied Congress on student federal financial aid policy; and supported numerous organizations advancing the professional and leadership development of women and people of color. A Houston native and the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, her journey has taught her that resilience means betting on herself when the path ahead is uncertain and believing there is always more to come. Outside of work, Lydia has a passion for traveling the world, mentoring the #girlies, and hiking with her husband, Scott, and their dog, Logan.

Angela Lu (Cornell ILR ‘13 & WashU MBA ‘19) is a strategy consultant for Acumetis, an international firm offering their expertise to life sciences and biopharma clients. Angela leads cross-functional engagements to diagnose root causes of her clients’ complex issues and to build strategic systems to address them. While at Cornell, she was actively involved with the Forensics Society (speech & debate), faQ Online, and The Advocacy Center. Angela was born in Canada and grew up in Hong Kong where her parents still reside. She first came to the US to attend Cornell, and since leaving Ithaca, her personal journey has spanned 7 cities and 3 countries. She is an aspiring US immigrant who blends in so well most people assume she grew up in the US. Her strong resolve helps her continually shake her culturally ingrained habit of social comparison when her inner critic pipes up. She currently serves as the president of the LGBTQIA+ Alumni Association of Cornell (aka Cornell Pride). Outside of work, Angela clears her mind and re-energizes by crocheting and playing pickleball.

REALTalk is an annual speaker series presented by the Cornell Gender Equity Resource Center and supported, in perpetuity, by an endowment established by the Cornell chapter of Delta Gamma (DG). REALTalk’s mission is to present Relatable, Empowering, Authentic Leaders who share candid, personal stories to engage, inspire and enhance the mental health of the diverse community of women and gender-expansive students at Cornell.

Gender Equity Resource Center | Website | View More Events