This week, we were fortunate to welcome Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh to Bryn Mawr. Speaking with Lower, Middle, and Upper School students during special assemblies, Mayor Pugh talked about the importance of women's leadership, shared advice about how to become leaders in their own lives, and emphasized the value of persistence, especially after failure.

Mayor Pugh’s visit is just one way that in both the curriculum and co-curriculum at Bryn Mawr, we foster leadership skills in our young women each day. Strong leaders know themselves from the inside out, use their strengths to help others, adapt when problems arise, and include others in the solutions. The Bryn Mawr Way prepares girls well to be leaders in their own lives, and our mission to prepare girls for ‘considered and consequential lives’ has never been more imperative.

Strong leadership is aspirational; envisioning a brighter future for others is a leadership skill that junior Gabby Auchincloss is already putting to use. Earlier this month, Gabby was honored by Mayor Pugh for an initiative she created through the Broadus Community Service Award. Gabby raised over $15,000 to purchase iPads equipped with accessibility features for children in the school where she volunteers. This authentic leadership opportunity was built around something she cares deeply about. Gabby made an amazing difference at The Baer School.

Strong leaders have the ability to innovate when necessary. In this issue, you’ll read about our teachers’ commitment to inspiring girls to be involved in STEM fields and robotics, and two of our three Robotics teams have made it to the state finals in their competition! Bryn Mawr students have an amazing array of opportunities to think like a scientist or entrepreneur. In fact, many internships and project placements help students go beyond imagining their future to actually experiencing what it’s like to be a doctor, researcher, programmer or inventor. Transcending the gender divide in the world of work and preparing girls to act on their ideas are two ways Bryn Mawr girls have an advantage.

Being adaptable when opportunities or challenges come our way is another important trait that strong leaders need. As young adults prepare for their ‘real world’ lives, they are expected to have not just multiple jobs but multiple careers. The path isn’t always a straight one, and this month’s convocation with some of our Bryn Mawr alumnae demonstrated the importance of being able to change the plan, and have the confidence to adjust course when necessary.

And of course, in today’s evermore connected global community, being able to appreciate and work confidently with others regardless of backgrounds is absolutely critical. Leaders must foster inclusivity throughout their domain. Bryn Mawr has changed considerably throughout the decades in terms of inclusion. Hearing some of our African American alumnae from different decades during this month’s Martin Luther King Jr. assembly gave us all a better appreciation for what this process has been like and why it’s important for everyone to feel valued and included. I look forward to providing similar opportunities for our students to learn about other religious and racial diversification in the school’s history. We’ve come a long way.

One of the trademarks and treasures of a Bryn Mawr education is the “bold voice” we encourage. A quick scan of the news and the #Metoo movement reminds us how critical it is to be able to speak up for what we believe in. Girls are surrounded by an environment that empowers their self-worth and courage, and they, in turn, encourage this in their school sisters. Convocation speeches, presentations, service projects, morning meetings, athletics and experiential learning all give girls an invaluable practicum in leadership that prepares them for the future.

The disciplined thinking that, year after year, is built through the Bryn Mawr curriculum truly teaches students that knowledge is power. Girls know the importance of a deep dive into their topic, and have the self-discipline and perseverance to pursue a robust understanding of the world. That, combined with integrity, empathy, compassion and courage, creates a leader-in-waiting. When the time comes for a Bryn Mawr girl to step up, I have no doubt she will! What a privilege to help girls find their inner leader every day.