Nine students of the Class of 2017 accompanied Mrs. McGovern to the Watermark Conference for Women at the San Jose Convention Center this week. The 3rd annual Watermark Conference promised attendees “community and connection, the information and inspiration, the motivation and momentum to help you discover what you want” through a day of nationally recognized speakers and experts in their fields. “The Watermark Conference for Women inspired everyone to the pursuit of happiness, whether that be prosperity in business, leadership in STEM, confidence in the home, or optimism in daily life," shared Sharon Truong '17. Everyone was uplifted by the voices of women leaders to pursue what Shawn Achor describes as the ancient Greeks' definition of happiness: ‘the joy of reaching your potential’" Senior Jane Hrinya noted that it was exciting to connect concepts she is learning in her classes at Notre Dame to what the speakers were saying.  

Whether through a discussion of today’s political climate with Madeleine Albright and Condoleeza Rice, or hearing the story of sexual assault activist, Annie Clark, all of Notre Dame's students at the conference were impressed by the impact of each woman, and inspired to be the catalyst for change in their own lives, their communities and the world.  “It really resonated with me when Viola Davis ended her speech saying, ‘You are enough.’ It is a reminder that our stories are important and that by being authentic we are our best selves,” reflected Joycelyn George '17.