My Dream Symposium

Each year, I have the privilege of participating in my school’s International Women’s Day Symposium, organized by the Girl Up club. As part of this event, we curate a panel of 5-6 inspirational women who share their experiences of overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers. The panelists represent a diverse range of backgrounds, from Division I basketball players to journalists shedding light on underrepresented African communities. While each speaker brings a unique story, they are united by their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Their narratives serve as both an inspiration and a powerful celebration of strength, courage, and power.

This year, as I have the honor of serving as president of my school’s Girl Up Club, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to curate an impactful panel of speakers. With an abundance of ideas constantly flowing through my mind, all focusing on local and accessible women, I often find myself imagining what it would be like to bring in women from all over the world—individuals whose presence would otherwise be beyond my reach due to logistical and financial constraints. Although it may seem like a far-fetched dream, I’d love to share with you all the three panelists I would invite to speak at my high school, if given the opportunity.

To begin, my top choice would undoubtedly be Caitlin Clark. As a fellow basketball player, I have witnessed firsthand how Caitlin has used her extraordinary talent to revolutionize women’s basketball. Her impact goes beyond the court, with college games experiencing a surge in viewership and the WNBA seeing unprecedented growth in audience engagement. Caitlin has not only inspired a new generation of athletes, but she has also become a powerful advocate for greater visibility and equality in women’s sports.

My next choice would be Malala Yousafzai. I vividly recall first learning about her in middle school, which sparked my desire to read her memoir, I Am Malala. After finishing her powerful story, I was left deeply inspired by her courage and the lasting impact she continues to make. Growing up in Pakistan, Malala faced significant barriers to education simply because of her gender. Despite these obstacles, her passion for learning drove her to fight not only for her own right to an education but for every girl in Pakistan. To this day, Malala remains a fierce advocate for women’s education and empowerment, working tirelessly to ensure that girls around the world have the opportunities they deserve. Her journey serves as a constant reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of standing up for what is right.

My final choice would be Emma Watson. Beyond my deep admiration for the Harry Potter franchise and the iconic character of Hermione Granger, Watson is a remarkable figure whose influence extends far beyond the screen. As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, she has dedicated much of her time and energy to advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. Additionally, Watson has made a significant impact in the field of sustainable fashion. She is widely recognized for her commitment to promoting ethical fashion choices, using her platform to raise awareness about the environmental and social implications of the fashion industry.

Curating an impactful panel of speakers for our school’s International Women’s Day Symposium is both a privilege and a responsibility that I take seriously. While the prospect of bringing influential figures such as Caitlin Clark, Malala Yousafzai, and Emma Watson to our high school may seem like a distant dream, my goal is to ensure that equally inspiring stories and voices are showcased on our stage.