Young Women’s Power Lunch:  Valuing the voice, experience, and future of young women in the County of Santa Clara

SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 28, 2025): On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, hosted its annual Young Women’s Power Lunch, bringing together over 120 attendees, including over 70 young women from middle school through high school. The event provided a unique opportunity for young women to connect with mentors from various fields, including female judicial officers, attorneys, elected officials, and local leaders. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the event sought to foster meaningful connections between students and professionals, creating a two-way learning experience that empowered and uplifted all participants.

Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court Community Outreach Committee and Vice Chair of California’s Power of Democracy Steering Committee described the event’s atmosphere, "The energy in the room for this event is palpable as women come together to mentor, guide, and support one another in collaboration and free from competition.  It creates connections not only between the mentors and the students but between the adults who bond together with a common goal to lift up our next generation of female leaders."

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the speakers, who set the tone by emphasizing the limitless potential of the young women in attendance. They encouraged them to pursue careers that bring fulfillment and strength, echoing the event’s mission to inspire and empower future leaders. Throughout the lunch, attendees engaged in small group discussions and networking activities, guided by thoughtfully selected mentors who shared their insights, challenges, and successes.

Hon. Shelyna Brown, the keynote speaker, delivered an inspiring address, urging young women to embrace resilience, take on challenges, and seek out supportive mentors. "We are here to support one another. Who you are and who you want to be is more than enough. Do not let the noise drown out your dreams. Imagine who you want to be 10 and 20 years from now.  Your older self will thank you for doing the work to accomplish your current vision."

The event featured interactive sessions designed to facilitate deeper conversations between mentors and participants. Icebreakers, breakout discussions, and interactive exercises encouraged young women to share their aspirations, explore career pathways, and envision their futures in leadership roles. The room buzzed with enthusiasm as accomplished professionals and emerging leaders exchanged experiences and words of encouragement.

Hon. Kelley Paul reinforced the importance of authenticity and perseverance, "Your journey is uniquely yours, shaped by your experiences and challenges. Never let setbacks define you—there is always time to re-center, redefine, and pursue the most authentic version of yourself. Surround yourself with those who uplift you and be the cheerleader that someone else needs."

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, extends its heartfelt gratitude to all mentors, speakers, sponsors, and partners who made this empowering event possible. Special thanks to the Office of Women’s Policy for sponsoring the lunch, P-WOW for providing souvenir gift bags, the California Judges Foundation for supportive funding, and all justice and educational partners who assisted with recruitment and transportation.