At Sophia Academy’s second annual Career Symposium, our students spent half a day with a diverse group of women who visited our school. We were especially honored to welcome Lt. Governor Sabina Matos and Sophia alumna and public artist YSANEL. Medical professionals, attorneys, professors, judges, government leaders, police officers, fire fighters, event planners, journalists, and others—mostly women of color—demonstrated with their stories that our students have the inherent talent and wisdom to follow any pathway they choose.

The morning began with an introductory activity “ice breaker,” then panel discussions facilitated by Sophia eighth graders. Students and guests moved into small discussion groups, diving into deeper conversation. The morning's questions were pre-written by our 8th grade ambassadors and included: How did you learn about your current career? How do you deal with people who look at you and jump to conclusions about what you are capable of? Through your hardships, what keeps you going as a leader? What advice did your mentors give you to become who you are today?

In their post-event reflections, students wrote:

The most valuable part of this event was seeing how passionate these women were towards their job and their advice for us, because they made me realize the opportunities I have…

One of the most valuable parts was learning about each of the careers. The second thing that was valuable information for me was being one on one with the people to talk to them. The last thing was hearing others’ wonders and things they found interesting…

This experience was great for me because all the careers were great and got me thinking what I want to do when I’m older. I can be so many things when I’m older. This is the time for me to start thinking about what I am going to do when I’m older…

2023 Panelists:

Temi-Tope Adeleye, WJAR News Journalist

Judge Melissa DuBose, Associate Judge at RI District Court

Jessica Maxted, Fire Fighter

Aubrie Viera, Dental Hygienist and Assistant Professor at CCRI

Ysanel Torres ’11, Public Artist

Nirva LaFortune, City Councilwoman and Assistant Director at Brown University

Carla C. Moreira, MD, RPVI, Surgeon and Professor at Brown University

Officer Debbie Rosso, Providence Police Officer

Judge Elizabeth Ortiz, Rhode Island Family Court

Margaret Brassard, Small Business Entrepreneur

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island