Celebrating Women's History Month

Adapted from a press release from Santa Clara County Superior Court

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara welcomed nearly 100 attendees to this year’s Young Women’s Power Lunch, hosting approximately 60 young women ranging from 8th grade through high school to meet with mentors comprised of female judicial officers, attorneys, elected officials, and local leaders. Providing a momentous end to Women’s History Month, the event hosted by the Court’s Community Outreach Committee aims to connect high school students with adult mentors by engaging in a two-way learning experience with mentors and students. Opportunities for small group discussion and networking activities took place over lunch, along with speakers who were thoughtfully invited to empower the youthful audience. Through uplifting exchanges, the event conveys to all participants that a collegial sisterhood has the ability to provide empowerment to those committed to supporting one another.

The nearly filled-to-capacity conference room overflowed with history and experience as wonder women fellowshipped together, taking a break from their regular routines to recharge and receive encouragement to pursue their goals with courage and vigor. Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court Community Outreach Committee, and SVUDL Board member, described the event, “The positive energy created by a room full of amazing, intelligent, and motivated women is undeniable. Through this event, we strive to demonstrate to the young women and mentors alike that through connection, support, and mentorship, we can lift each other up to overcome any barriers and achieve any dream."

With an electric energy comes connectivity and Julie Ramirez from the Office of Women’s Policy, provided vital information early into the program. In her welcome, she affirmed that this event is expansive and its impact has the potential to reap rewards, “Make connections. These connections have the potential to last beyond today. It’s about how you show up, how the information received resonates with you and what you do with it.”

Throughout the event, conversations revolved around the recognition of women’s unique contributions and barriers they have faced despite age and background. Insight and suggestions on overcoming challenges in an atmosphere of unity and support were continuously provided.

During Hon. Nahal Iravani-Sani’s comments, she advised, “You all were selected to attend this Power Lunch because of your strength, determination and potential to make the world a better place. These accolades and characteristics come with responsibility. We have the responsibility to be informed in order to be a catalyst for change.”

As attendees recognized hardships women face around the world, such as the fight for women’s liberation in Iran, local elected official, Hon. Cindy Chavez, Supervisor, District 2 offered vulnerable insight to her decision-making process as she discussed her pathway to leadership in the County of Santa Clara. “What excites me the most about maturing in life is seeing all of you. I have such hope and optimism. What you will face is much more challenging than what I faced at your age,” expressed Supervisor Chavez. “Every one of you is stepping into who you are and how you will contribute to the world. You are brilliant, strong, and thoughtful. You have good values. I trust that the world is going to be a better place with you all as leaders.”

SVUDL student Katie Hion, a sophomore at Independence High School (San Jose), reflected on the events, sharing, "The Young Women's Power Lunch was an amazing opportunity for me to meet inspiring female leaders and hear about their journeys and challenges along the way. By meeting all of these women, it is a reminder that anything is possible despite one's background. We got to hear from accomplished female attorneys, lawyers, and probation officers, and I connected with many of them through personal discussions and reflections. Overall, it was truly a great experience!"

The Community Outreach Committee thanks the Office of Women’s Policy for providing lunch and the City of San Jose for assisting with transportation. The combined forces of Probation-Women Out of Work (P-WOW: a women’s support network for Probation Staff), Office of Women’s Policy and volunteers from the Community Outreach Committee assembled swag bags consisting of pens, notepads, motivational keychains, whistles and hand-painted kindness rocks. Supportive funding for the event was made possible by the California Judges Foundation’s grant. In turn, SVUDL appreciates that the Superior Court of Santa Clara County included SVUDL and many of its students in this remarkable event.