Women Driving Change: "Pass the Mic" Conference

The Women Driving Change Club held the school's first student-led conference in February, bringing together students, teachers and parents from all over the Bay Area for a day of workshops, panels, and presentations on intersectional feminism. The keynote speaker and session speaker, Jerin Arifa, a notable activist and changemaker...

..., shared actionable steps on how everyone can become more inclusive and intersectional in their lives, particularly by serving as allies.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines intersectionality as “the complex, cumulative manner in which the effects of different forms of discrimination combine, overlap, or intersect." According to the International Women's Development Agency, "it essentially means that discrimination doesn’t exist in a bubble – different kinds of prejudice can be amplified in different ways when put together."

A panel of women leaders from diverse backgrounds spoke about women in the workforce, discussions that were moderated by Upper School Head, Kelly Sortino. The panel included labor and employment attorney, Dipanwita Deb Amar; oncology clinical research scientist, Tiffany Lui (CSUS Class of '06); philanthropy and community impact leader, Joanne Pasternack (CSUS Class of '92); and CEO of Beneficial Bank, Kat Taylor (CSUS Class of '76).

Middle School participants learned how to use design thinking to build confidence and leadership skills in a workshop led by members of Girls Driving for a Difference, an organization that empowers girls to use creative problem-solving to help others and make and impact.

Thank you to the Co-Chairs of the conference, Sarina D. '19, Kaili L. '19, and Ayato S. '19 for an enlightening and inspiring day!

View photos (courtesy of Joy Feng)
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