One Wish: Pamela Buffett

Pamela Buffett is a philanthropist and Cornell College donor. She advocates for and supports social justice organizations and connecting students to an education. 

My wish for 2025 is for leaders who are compassionate, caring, and fully engaged in serving others. The world needs such leaders throughout the globe, in every industry, in every enterprise.

The leadership model I’m envisioning exists at Cornell. Cornell’s president, Jonathan Brand, is making a difference in students’ lives. He is devoted to them and he’s fully committed to Cornell. For him, it’s not a job. 

Jonathan knows students by name, and if they’re having problems, he helps them. That’s unusual in leadership and we need more helping hands like his. 

He is an example not just for college leadership but for leadership everywhere, with compassion for other people’s needs. My great hope is that Cornell continues to develop leaders who embody President Brand’s attributes. 

Read all 11 Wishes for 2025 from Cornell visionaries.