On March 26th, BSM hosted a Women’s History Month panel. It included several women alumni from both Benilde-St. Margaret’s school and St. Margaret’s Academy. The panel met to speak about their experiences in the workforce as women and stories of where they came from. Many students were able to participate in this event during lunch to talk to the alumni. During the event, female students were able to listen to interesting stories, take away significant ideas, and feel inspired for their futures.
The panelists included Dr. Virginia Lupo, Katie Overstar Ugarte, and Haley Jerabek Liberty. All three of the women work in the medical field. During the panel, they were asked questions about various aspects related to their work. They shared a lot of helpful information for girls currently in high school and women in the workforce. Sophomore Brooke Parry was a part of the experience and enjoyed listening to the panelists speak. “We just talked, and we had lunch, then those three got up, and they sat down [and answered questions],” Parry said.
A major topic they focused on was what it’s like to be in male-dominated fields for underrepresented women. Junior Lucy Johnson attended the Panel and feels as though the topic is important to think about, given how it still challenges women today. “I feel like confidence and just standing up for themselves in the male-dominant fields and being surrounded by men [is a challenge],” Johnson said.
The women on the panel gave a lot of advice for the girls who attended it, such as managing different parts of their lives. Parry found that when they spoke about balancing family life and work, it was very helpful. “They all talked about, even when it gets to be a lot, doing work and having kids, they feel so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to do what they love and also pursue a family life,” Parry said.
Confidence was a significant topic of discussion during the panel. With girls and women wanting to pursue careers in male-dominated fields, confidence and faith are essential. Johnson found the most significant thing she took from the panel was the need to be assertive. “One of [the alumni] talked about how, you’re gonna have to ask for stuff and don’t have it be expected that you’re just gonna get the promotion, or get the job that you want… you have to ask for it, and you have to be confident,” Johnson said.
Looking at the overall idea of focusing on Women’s History Month, many students feel it’s important to highlight the accomplishments women have made that are still in effect today. With the history behind St. Margaret’s Academy and Benilde High School, women’s history is deeply connected to BSM today. “I think it’s important because people often forget about it, and the big role that women have played in our history, especially St. Margaret’s Academy and Benilde High School coming together. [I] think that’s important to recognize,” Johnson said.