Road to Someplace Better

"This moving memoir captures the journey of a woman who came of age as America struggled to deliver on its vision of racial and gender equality. It is a great American story that shows the struggle and triumph of the generation of educated African Americans who created the reality that with opportunity and preparation all things are possible. This book is must reading for men and women who seek inspiration and the enduring lessons of succeeding against the odds."--David A. Thomas, H. Naylor Fitzhugh Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School; author of "Breaking Through: The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America""Not only did Lillian become the first black woman to receive a Harvard MBA, but she also played an instrumental role while she was a student to help the business school change its recruitment practices to increase the black student population. Harvard Business School has never been the same since 1969, and neither has Lillian. Told in a frank, thoughtful voice, Lillian's story exemplifies the transformative power of the human spirit when it sets its sights high and refuses to give up."--Dorothy I. Height, Chair and President Emerita, National Council of Negro Women, Inc."This coming-of-age story illustrates the fundamental principles of a classic education. Lillian discovered her purpose and moved forward, with distinction, into an ever-changing world. More than a role model, Lillian is a muse. Her story will inspire you, lift you up, and send you on your way into a world of possibilities."--Julianne Malveaux, President of Bennett College for Women"I frequently counsel young women to seize opportunities that don't exist. Discover paths no one can see. How exciting then to read this story of a woman who fought the odds, broke through barriers, envisioned a better life, and now serves to inspire others. Her story is simply remarkable!"--Swanee Hunt, Chair, The Institute for Inclusive Security at Hunt Alternatives Fund; Eleanor Roosevelt Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government""The Road to Someplace Better" is a well-told story of an African-American woman's personal and professional struggle to achieve goals in life that at the time seemed unattainable. It reveals with great insight how she reached her goals with her self-respect intact, as well as her view of what a better world should be. This book deserves to be added to the syllabus of an introductory business or women's studies course."--Ronald T. Gault, former Head of J.P. Morgan South Africa