Ursuline alumnae return for Women's History Month panel

The Ursuline School welcomed five accomplished alumnae back to campus on Monday, March 23, for its annual Women's History Month Panel. The all-school assembly celebrated their achievements and encouraged students to pursue their goals with confidence.

Student facilitators Anna Montes '27, Jadelyn Savinon '27, Aishwarya Punnoose '27, and Dalila Pombo '27 led the conversation, guiding panelists through questions about inspiration, career paths, setbacks, success, and the meaning of Serviam in daily life.

This year's program featured Christine Bave '97, partner and deputy head of sustainable finance at Apollo Global Management; Dr. Camille A. Clare '88, president-elect of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and women's health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Alexandra Frank Marshall '12, village manager of Scarsdale; Allie Kleva O'Malley '97, chief growth officer at Athletes Unlimited; and Kendra Porter '95, founder of Honor You, wardrobe stylist for NBC Sports Group, and adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Together, the alumnae represented a range of fields, including finance, medicine, public service, sports marketing, fashion, and entrepreneurship. Their paths varied, but each returned to a shared message: growth requires courage, support, and a willingness to keep moving forward.

When asked who inspired them, panelists pointed to family members, mentors, colleagues, and teachers who recognized their potential early. Dr. Clare credited her parents and a former Ursuline teacher, Ms. Marro, with helping her see a future in medicine. Marshall recalled the encouragement of Spanish teacher, Sr. Brenda Buckley OSU, whose optimism gave her the confidence to take risks. O'Malley spoke about her grandmother's influence, describing her as a constant source of motivation and strength.

As the conversation turned to career paths, panelists emphasized that success is not always linear. Marshall shared that she once imagined a career in archaeology before discovering public service, where she now leads operations for the Village of Scarsdale. O'Malley described a purpose-driven career that evolved from marketing and public service to media and, ultimately, to women's professional sports.

Asked what qualities contributed to their success, Dr. Clare described herself as "tenacious," "resilient," and "scrappy," and emphasized the importance of faith and community. Porter encouraged students to explore their interests and take initiative, noting that her own career evolved by following opportunities and building on what she enjoyed.

Panelists spoke candidly about setbacks and challenges. Bave shared that growth often comes from stepping into unfamiliar situations and learning to accept support from others. Porter emphasized the importance of seeking guidance from trusted adults who can offer perspective and practical help.

When asked about working in male-dominated fields, panelists pointed to the confidence and sense of identity developed at Ursuline. Bave encouraged students to rely on the relationships they build, while O'Malley noted that a strong foundation helps young women enter new environments with confidence.

Mentorship emerged as a central theme. Dr. Clare encouraged students to seek mentors, sponsors, and coaches early, describing those relationships as essential to growth and opportunity. Marshall added that leadership also requires patience and empathy, especially when working with others.

In a lightning round, panelists reflected on how they continue to live out Serviam through nonprofit work, public service, advocacy, and community engagement. They also shared daily practices that support their goals, including planning, reflection, communication, and mindfulness.

Savinon closed the program by thanking the panelists on behalf of the student body. Principal Robyn Summa '93 echoed that gratitude, thanking the panelists for sharing their stories so generously. "Seeing all of you is truly inspiring," she said. "I hope our students lead with courage, embrace challenges and remember that it is OK to try, stumble and begin again."

"I hope our students lead with courage, embrace challenges and remember that it is OK to try, stumble and begin again."
- Ms. Robyn Summa '93, principal

The panel reflected more than professional success. It brought Ursuline's mission to life, illustrating how the school forms young women who lead with confidence, act with integrity, and live out Serviam each day. Through the voices of its alumnae, students saw that foundation in action beyond the classroom, in lives defined by purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others.