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.

• Category

  Education

[ceefg13]

Love this! She's awesome and inspiring. I love her point that women make small decisions along the way to put their career second. Of course, we should each follow our hearts, but Sandberg points out that we are making choices early on, before we even realize it, to marginalize ourselves and let our work take a backseat.

[deenalev]

What would I do if I weren't afraid?

[DrJackieMrsHajd]

Everything she says is so sincere and true. I've read her book, and though I'm only in high school, I see that everything she says applies even in the classroom. Women and girls need to believe more strongly in themselves, and thinking that you're awesome is one of the best ways to do so. It's all about attitude, and Sheryl Sandberg is absolutely correct. It's inspiring to hear her, and so meaningful to Barnard's girls that she was able to speak.

[Mike DestroyZionism]

Good luck on tell other women what YOU think is best for them.

[Mierlily]

we'll never close the achievement gap until we close the ambition gap.

[susotta82]

Love Sheryl! Wise words.

[Olivia Poli]

I love you Sheryl Sandberg

[Xialiang Zhang]

Love her speech! So exciting and stimulating! Love her attitude!

[1Anonymouse]

her gestures are so over-exaggerated they appear disingenuous and it honestly makes it hard appreciate whatever message it is that she's trying to convey...