Women Speakers Shared Insights with the Next Generation of Female Scholars and Leaders
San Diego CA— The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP), the oldest high school in San Diego and the only all-girls’ school in the county, hosted its Fifth Annual Women’s Symposium, Piloting Your Life, on March 15, 2019 on its historic campus in Normal Heights. More than 300 community guests attended the event in addition to the school’s 750 students and 150 faculty and staff members.
The event brought together top women leaders to share their insights and pathways to success with OLP students and the larger community. Through dialogue and conversations, these female leaders shared their personal experiences of standing up for themselves and fearlessly chasing their dreams. OLP is committed to serving as a hub for thought leadership and welcomed the larger community to join for a day of learning.
“For 136 years, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace has empowered young women to become academic scholars and community leaders. Our annual Women’s Symposium highlighted that legacy by connecting attendees with incredible women leaders,” said Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School. “This year, we were blessed with truly exceptional panels of women leaders from various backgrounds. Their professions spanned from doctors to television celebrities, CEOs, inventors and everything in-between.”
New this year, the panel topics tackled the biggest concerns of women in the workplace. Topics included Overcoming Adversity; Changemakers in Action; The Power of Your Voice; and Creating Your Own Story.
District Attorney, County of San Diego, Summer Stephan kicked off the annual Women’s Symposium with a keynote address followed by a series of dynamic panels. Speakers included Consul General of USA in Tijuana, Sue Saarnio; Director, Community Relations Ambassador, Southern California and San Diego Divisions of Union Bank Rana Sampson; Fashion Designer, Winner of Project Runway 14, Ashley Nell Tipton; Chief of Environmental Sciences, Bureau of Ocean Energy and OLP alumna, Dr. Ann Scarborough-Bull; Athena CEO, Holly Smithson; Manager of Inclusion and Diversity at Qualcomm Carrie Sawyer and many more.
“Founded in 1882, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace holds a rich history of empowering and educating young women. Our annual Women’s Symposium not only showcases that legacy, but it also inspires it to continue on,” said Dr. Lek.