There are moments when you take the stage among students and your entire mood lifts. Your outlook brightens. Your optimism soars.
This Monday visiting Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School in Pennsylvania was one of those days. Still celebrating International Day of the Girl, I was invited to address 500 students and faculty members and talk about confidence, entrepreneurship and the importance of early mentorship.
What happened was so much more.
Led by members of Gwynedd’s Leadership Council – many of whom I had met last year when they traveled to NYC to takeover NASDAQ’s boardroom with Être and The Golden Globe Foundation – the day started with a casual convo about college admissions, sports recruiting and what companies they’d like to visit next.
Then we got settled in the auditorium and the main discussion happened. Maybe my favorite fireside chat in...well, ever, seniors on the Leadership Council had insightful questions at the ready and a rapid-fire pace to match. One query was more profound than the next, ranging from early influences to character traits, and the lightning round was more fun than most. My Starbucks order, sweet vs salty snacks, hot takes and cool footwear preferences (naturally, Sneex), you could feel the room's energy rise as my interviewers fired away.
And as one common thread wove its way through each exchange - the value of an all-girls school - I was reminded of why I loved my studies at Smith College so much. The focus on the future of girls, the sisterhood vibe as girls clapped for each other and encouraged the next girl to raise her hand - this, I thought to myself from the stage, is what it looks like when hands are raised and standards are never lowered.
Because once the panel opened the floor to questions, it literally shook. Hands went up everywhere, and oh - the questions they asked.
Hi, I'm a freshman and I'm wondering what it was like to go from being a lawyer to starting Être? Were you scared? Terrified.
Hi, I'm a junior and I know I want to study finance. How can I connect with women who lead in that area, like...now? We talked about LinkedIn, cold DMs, email subject lines that are magic and more.
What is the coolest place you have taken girls to visit and what was the most important thing those executives said? Too many to list and so many to come, but convos with women aboard the International Space Station, Gloria Steinem and Tyra Banks are in the Top 5.
I'm a senior and I'm wondering whether you felt like coming from an all-women's college helped you in a male-dominated workforce when you started as a corporate lawyer? Without a question - and for exactly the reasons you are all sitting here today.
Indeed, the collective confidence that was palpable in the auditorium extended to the casual post-game convos that took place from the stage and again back in the Leadership Council's offices.
What, exactly, do these impressive seniors love most about their leadership program and its partnership with Être?
“I think my favorite thing about Gwynedd's leadership department is how it's allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and find what I want to do in my future. I wasn’t the most confident when I came to Gwynedd, but now, like you said on stage, I raise my hand. I'm not afraid to ask questions or step outside of my comfort zone. I want to go into finance, and I've had the opportunities to go to New York City with Être and meet women in those rooms. I don't think I would have been able to get that elsewhere.” - Gabriella Grosso
“During my freshman year networking wasn't such a big thing, but now we have a few networking events per year and have LinkedIn profiles. I think it's really helped me understand what it means to know this stuff early on and how it can separate you in the college process. And then when you get there, being ahead in this way.” - Mariana Madrigal
“Over the past four years, I feel like I've given a lot to the Gwynedd leadership council…and it gives me the opportunity to meet with other women outside of Gwynedd and grow my network at such a young age compared to other students. We’re given a lot of opportunities to go off campus and participate in different panels, and I think it's truly changed my experience, and it will change my life going for the forward.” – Alexis Valenzuela
“Our leadership department has not only helped me grow as a person, but as a woman in a field where like men can be dominant. We learn how to use our voices and how to have a voice…how to say what you want and have confidence behind what you want. Networking and being one of the presidents of the leadership council has taught me how to communicate with people and really put my voice out there to be heard.” - Ellie Markmann
I couldn't say it any better, and I witnessed this leadership firsthand on Monday.
With deep thanks to Jennifer Guarnaccia and the entire Gwynedd community for having me, I’m heading into a weekend of ÊTRE TED-Ed shows fully energized and inspired.
Because from stage to stage, from mic to mic, my awe only grows when I hear the next generation sharing big ideas. For anyone who thinks that today’s teens aren’t dedicated, industrious, ambitious and empathetic, you should have been in Pennsylvania this week.
And you should swing by New York this weekend.
Looking forward with gratitude,
Illana
ÊXTRAS: Three more things about next gen convos you won't want to miss: Être's upcoming TED-Ed Show with mentor moments from epic women, a look back at our talking circles with icons like Gloria Steinem, and a look ahead to our Gen-Ê mentor series!
