What’s Possible?

It's about the remarkable presence of girls, not the absence of boys.

Alumna Spotlight: Sarrah Nomanbhoy '07

Sarrah Nomanbhoy ’07 isn’t afraid to speak up in a crowd. Working for Sri Lanka’s largest apparel manufacturer after graduating from Stanford University, Sarrah attended a conference on the topic of attracting foreign talent to work in Sri Lanka. A question, posed to the exclusively male panel of CEOs on stage, asked what women in Sri Lanka could do to advance into senior leadership. To Sarrah’s shock, the host immediately dismissed the question. There was a murmur that gave way to a loaded silence as the host attempted to move on. As the moment stretched, Sarrah’s mind raced: “I was new to Sri Lanka, and I wasn’t sure if it was my place to do anything about it.” She paused, and then realized that she could use her position to create impact. Sarrah raised her hand and spoke, framing her response to fit the focus of the conference. “As an American working in Sri Lanka, I look at a company’s leadership to see what my trajectory could be. If I don’t see any women in leadership positions, I’d question my future there.” As she compelled the panel to address the issue, the audience responded with cheers.
 

Everyone is unique!—There are many different points of view and ways of looking at difficult problems.

Daniella H. '23

Coaching Courage

It’s halftime. The score is tied up 4:4 and the Castilleja varsity lacrosse team is gathered around coach Claire Mancini. Addressing the huddle of student-athletes, she reinforces that they need to communicate and drive forward: “You have to trust one another enough to take risks, your teammates will have your back.” The whistle blows, and within moments the offensive line catches a breakaway and thunders down the field. There’s an intense flurry around the goal post. Cradling the ball, the forwards dash to-and-fro looking for an opening, resisting the temptation to rush or lose their hard-earned offensive position with a poorly-placed shot. After a few long seconds of strategic passing, a forward receives the ball and sees her opening. Seizing the opportunity, she shoots, decisively hurling towards her target. The ball rockets into the goal and Castilleja pulls ahead. 

Week after week, our daughter becomes more confident and determined to reach her goals.

Jose and Maria R.
Parents of Aizza '22

 

A Courageous Student-Led Project

Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York portraits of the people he meets on the streets in New York City, Noor Hanafi ‘18 began to photograph members of the Castilleja community. “I was moved by Stanton’s portraits and the compelling stories people shared and decided that I wanted to do something similar. with the Casti community I wanted to learn more about members of our community and to see a different side of people—outside our roles as students, administrators, or teachers—through sharing their collective stories.” 

Alumnae Spotlight: Marion Lepert '13

From a 12 year-old facing down choppy waters and dodging cargo ships while windsurfing in the San Francisco Bay to a seasoned athlete competing in the Rio Olympic Games last summer, Marion Lepert ’13 embodies courage and perseverance.

I can use art to convey an important message. Not only am I an artist, I'm also a risk taker, an avid learner, and a feminist.

Catherine D. '21  
 

 

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