This month, we had the opportunity 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 education, courage and women’s leadership as she shared stories of her path to the mayor's office.

Mayor Pugh emphasized the value of persistence and reminded students that she ran for mayor twice, having lost her first time in 2011.“Everything that you try you may not immediately succeed in, but if you truly believe it’s something that you want to do, then you have to develop the energy, strength and courage to continue to strive for it. Nothing beats a failure but a triumph,” said Pugh.

While answering questions from students, Mayor Pugh spoke about how there are only 22 female mayors in the United States, and said that getting more women into leadership roles starts from the bottom. She encouraged students to learn who their representatives are, be active and informed, and to maybe run for office themselves one day. “We are just as qualified to hold any position, do any job and create opportunities for others. When we are in these positions, we have a responsibility to lift up women,” she said.

Mayor Pugh encouraged students to believe in themselves and in each other and to know that with hard work and their education, they can achieve anything. She closed the assembly by saying, “I’m excited about your future, I encourage you to be aware of your own capacity and be supportive of each other, because together as women, you can change the world.”
After the assembly, student government leaders from the Baltimore Young Women's Leadership School joined Bryn Mawr student leaders for a follow up discussion over lunch.
 
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.