Sally Ride Science hosts the sixth annual Women in Leadership event

The event was created in 2018 by Tam O’Shaughnessy, Ride’s life partner and co-founder of Sally Ride Science, to celebrate the dedication of a US Postal Service Forever stamp in Ride’s honor.

The central focus of the Women in Leadership event is a candid panel discussion with inspiring female leaders from various fields. Panelists are encouraged to share their experiences, challenges and visions in the hope of empowering and motivating young women and girls to aspire to leadership roles themselves.

The diversity of achievements among the panelists often reflects the diverse passions and interests of Sally Ride herself, including her roles as an athlete, physicist, space pioneer, author, business owner and advocate for diversity in science education and careers.

“Sally felt it was really important to get little girls – and little boys – into science,” says Ride biographer Sherr, who will moderate the discussion for the sixth time. “She also thought it was important to have women at the top, in leadership positions.”

Previous panelists have included tennis legend Billie Jean King; labor leader and activist Dolores Huerta; Pioneering NASA aerospace engineer Dr. Aprille J. Ericsson; and the first African-American woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.

“The Women in Leadership event highlights diverse women who have achieved success in a wide range of careers,” said Karen Flammer, Ph.D., friend of Sally Ride, co-founder of Sally Ride Science and Director of Digital Learning at UC San Diego: “Every time I go, I’m personally inspired by hearing the women leaders talk very openly and authentically about the types of challenges that many of us have experienced in our careers, and then hearing them talk about how much they enjoy what they do. doing. they do so despite the challenges. It’s very inspiring.”

Participants range from young students to seasoned professionals, all united by a common goal: championing diversity and leadership in STEM.

“Sally Ride always said, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’” says Morgan Appel, assistant dean for education and community outreach in UC San Diego’s Department of Extended Studies. “For our youngest, second or third graders, who come to events like Women in Leadership, they actually get to see what they can be. It creates a very holistic approach to supporting their education.”

The event is open to anyone who wants to learn from and be inspired by successful leaders, as well as educators, parents and community members who want to support and encourage the next generation of women leaders.