Sheryl Sandberg, Barnard College Commencement 2011

Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg delivered the keynote at Barnard College’s 119th Commencement ceremony. Addressing approximately 600 members of Barnard’s Class of 2011, Sandberg implored the young women to “never let your fear overwhelm your desire. Let the obstacles in your path be external not internal. Fortune does favor the bold and you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try.“ Sandberg also received the Barnard Medal of Distinction, the College’s highest honor, alongside: Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown Records; Roberta Guaspari, renowned advocate for music education in public schools; and artist Jenny Holzer, celebrated for contributions to the American conceptual art movement.