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Making HerStory: Women’s Panel Offers Inspiring Life Lessons
The student-led discussion featured four powerful women who shared experiences from their personal and professional journeys with the Girard community.
Women's HerStory Panel: Kahleah Copper ’12, Melasia Pinder ’15, Star Wright, Khori Hooks ’15. Photo by Byron Purnell III (B'Captured Productions)
Girard College held a special Chapel Program on March 22 to celebrate Women’s History Month. Moderated by Anna Davies ’23 and Surayah Smallwood ’24, Student Council President and Vice President, respectively, the HerStory panel included pioneers in athletics, design, and finance who spoke to the student body about the importance of finding your passion and believing in yourself.
Video: Women’s HerStory Panel
Find exactly what it is that you love. Once you do that and get far enough, it will never feel like work.
Kahleah Copper ’12, 2021 WNBA Finals MVP for the Chicago Sky
Be unapologetically yourself. Be who you are called to be.
Star Wright, Founding Owner, Coach, and Player for the Philadelphia Phantomz
When you see a need, get creative to find a solution by bringing people together.
Khori Hooks ’15, Financial Advisor and Event Manager
Ask questions, put yourself out there. You'd be surprised what people will respond to if you just ask.
Melasia Pinder ’15, Artist and Designer; Owner, Almost Famous PHL
Members of Student Council moderate the Women's HerStory panel discussion. Photo by Byron Purnell III (B'Captured Productions)
Moving performances of Nina Simone’s “Four Women” and Ariana Grande’s “Breathin” by the High School Contemporary Ensemble elevated the program to the next level.
Video: “Four Women” performed by Girard College Contemporary Ensemble
The panelists also took questions from students, including “What motivated you to succeed?”, and “What is the hardest thing you have faced in your career?”
At the event’s conclusion, Ms. Copper was surprised with a special announcement: her #24 Cavaliers basketball jersey would be officially retired by the school!
“I’m humbled by this honor,” Copper said. “Girard was the place where I formed many of my lifelong friendships, not only with my classmates, but with my teachers, RAs, and coaches. It will always be my home.”
The Women’s HerStory Chapel was a fantastic experience for the Girard community and will hopefully become an annual tradition.