By Nina Gersen, Executive Editor |

For most of the student body, the guest speaker at Winsor commencement comes as somewhat of a surprise. They first hear the speaker’s name during commencement rehearsal, and only truly learn about them while they speak at graduation. However, in actuality, these speakers are carefully catered to match the graduating class. This year’s speaker, Leslie Dewan, is no different

Each year, the senior class gathers to begin the process of finding its commencement speaker. First, the grade meets to discuss the values and priorities they want the commencement speaker to reflect. According to Class VIII president, Liana Min ’26, the seniors “wanted someone who could represent our spirit and commitment to the Winsor community.” Senior class dean Mr. Griffin took this criteria and worked with the Winsor Communications department to begin the search for a speaker. 

Eventually, they found Leslie Dewan, a member of Winsor’s class of 2002 and an innovative nuclear engineer. Though the commencement speaker is not always a Winsor graduate, Dewan perfectly corresponded with the determination and community orientation of this year’s senior class, and her alumni status made it clear she would understand the seniors’appreciation of the Winsor community. 

Since graduating, Dewan has pursued an incredibly successful career in nuclear physics. After Winsor, she attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she majored in mechanical engineering and nuclear engineering, and later received a PhD. After graduating from MIT, she worked as a nuclear engineer at several companies, earning her a place on the Forbes “30 under 30” list for innovators in energy. Currently, she is working at Neutronic Designs, a consulting firm that she founded in 2024, focused on making nuclear technology clean and safe. 

Though her achievements are numerous, what truly sets Dewan apart as a scientist and as a commencement speaker is her constant commitment to innovation and forward thinking. Throughout her entire career as a nuclear engineer, she has worked tirelessly to make nuclear power a more reliable energy source. While speaking at an event in 2014, Dewan said, “I’m here because I think I can save the world with nuclear power.” It is this commitment to bettering the world that is reflected by this year’s senior class. According to the Winsor Website, “the 2026 commencement ceremony will celebrate the achievements of Winsor’s graduating seniors and honor the school’s enduring commitment to imparting a joyful and fulfilling education to young women,” and Leslie Dewan will certainly help make this ceremony one to remember.  

Leslie Dewan Speaking at a Scientific Forum in 2016 | Image Source: International Atomic Energy Agency