What happens when life as you know it is ripped away from you? For Professor Meyerson, and her family, the cause was a severe stroke that came from nowhere. For others it could be the loss of a loved one, another health crisis, or even just losing capabilities as we grow older. This “tag team” talk will explore how a deliberate focus on rebuilding identity can be the key to rebuilding lives of meaning in the face of adversity.

Debra Meyerson, PhD '89, P '11, Adjunct Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Education
Previously a tenured professor at Stanford, Debra taught about diversity, gender, identity, and organizational change. In September 2010, Debra’s life and career were derailed by a severe stroke. Years of intensive therapy and a relentless work ethic enabled Debra to regain her independence, but she still lives with physical limitations and speech challenges. Debra and her son, Danny Zuckerman, wrote Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves after Stroke to help other survivors and those closest to them navigate the emotional journey that she has found very difficult — and rewarding.

Steven Zuckerman, MBA ’87, P ’11, Managing Director, Self-Help California and President, Self-Help Federal Credit Union
Steve led the creation of Self-Help California in 2006 and the formation of Self-Help Federal in 2008. The organization has provided $8.5 billion in financing to help low-wealth borrowers secure fairly priced personal loans, buy homes, build businesses and strengthen community resources. Previously, he was a Managing Director with McCown De Leeuw & Co., a private investment firm. Steve has served on numerous non-profit boards in the areas of economic justice and youth development, currently serving on the board of Positive Coaching Alliance and as Vice-Chair of the Tides Network.