The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara welcomed nearly 100 attendees recently to this year’s Young Women’s Power Lunch, hosting approximately 60 young women ranging from eighth grade through high school to meet with mentors comprised of female judicial officers, attorneys, elected officials and local leaders.
Capping off 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.
The nearly filled to capacity conference room overflowed with history and experience as women fellowshipped together, taking a break from their regular routines to recharge and receive encouragement to pursue their goals with courage and vigor.
“The positive energy created by a room full of amazing, intelligent and motivated women is undeniable,” said Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, chair of the Court Community Outreach Committee. “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.”
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,” she said. “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.
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.”
The Community Outreach Committee thanked 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, 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.
