“I felt empowered and motivated by the stories the woman told.”
Women of Wisdom are collaborators, bridge builders (metaphorically and physically), and mentors. They carry themselves with integrity, with poise, and with strength. Ultimately, they possess the Sophia Academy core values of Courage, Respect, Responsibility, and Peace.
This year at our fourth annual Career Symposium, we hosted 35 Women of Wisdom in an all-day multi-session event that was nothing short of magical. Every one of our students spent time with panelists that matched their interests. During this time our girls listened to the panelist tell their stories, answer questions, and conduct hand-on workshops.
“I felt really inspired so now I want to be a dentist.”
The most important part of the Career Symposium is that we are able to bring in people from the community, our own leaders and professionals, to let our students know that they too can be successful. This year, our Women of Wisdom did exactly what we knew they would; they inspired. Their presence allowed our girls to see themselves as individuals who are successful, who are capable, and who are worthy of celebration.
Every student felt connected to at least one panelist, whether they related due to similar interest in career, through culture, or through creativity the energy was evident. The careers were just as diverse as the women who accepted the call. We welcomed women with jobs ranging from Erin L. Batth, Providence College Women’s Basketball Coach, to Julissa Pereira, the founder of Moms on Missions, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering single parents. We hosted Sav Hazard-Chaney, an artist who founded and owns Rhode Island's first Black and Women-owned rug tufting studio, TuftPVD. We urge you to continue exploring the list of Women of Wisdom who came to Sophia Academy by visiting our Career Symposium page. Here.
“motivated and inspired… you don't need a great beginning to have a great end.”
To our panelists: Thank you will never be enough, but it’s a start. Thank you from the entire Sophia Academy community. You’ve solidified our (and the students) deep love and respect for each and everyone of you.
Special shout out to Erika Nonya for making the tote bags for panelists and the t-shirts for staff. Another shout out to Seven Stars Bakery for the in-kind donation of breakfast pastries and also Meg over at Roger Williams Park Zoo for all their donations to make this event possible. And lastly, thank you to the Career Symposium team, Angie Duran, Miche Fontes, Cece Myers-Rafferty, Viclmari, and Linsey Lopez. It gets better every year and this year you all put in so much work to make sure it happened. We appreciate you!