Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Hosts Young Women’s Power Lunch in Honor of Women's History Month

SAN JOSÉ, CA (March 30, 2026):  In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara successfully hosted its ninth Young Women’s Power Lunch on March 25, 2026, at the Family Justice Center Courthouse in downtown San José. 

Organized by the Court’s Community Outreach Committee, the event brought together young women from across Santa Clara County for an afternoon of mentorship, reflection, and empowerment. Participants engaged directly with women leaders, including judges, attorneys, law enforcement professionals, and community advocates, who shared personal insights on overcoming challenges and achieving success. 

“Different stories and different paths brought us here, but we share one common purpose: lifting one another up,” said Hon. Kelley Paul, Judge of the Superior Court. “In this room are young women just beginning to imagine the possibilities ahead of them, and women who have already faced obstacles, broken barriers, and created opportunities not only for themselves, but for those coming after them. That is the power of spaces like this, where encouragement, representation, and community come together to remind us that no one’s journey is taken alone.” 

The program focuses on young women who are facing barriers that they struggle to see beyond.  To build resilience and create vision, attendees participated in a series of guided exercises created and led by Judge Shelyna Brown (retired) that focused on personal growth and goal setting.  During lunch, attendees engaged in small-group discussions with mentors, creating space for meaningful dialogue and connection.  Students were provided time and space to share about their dreams, struggles, and lessons learned at the event.  At the conclusion of the program, Judge Brown invited the young women and adult mentors to join her in a declaration, ending with “I will take responsibility for the life I want to build.  And I will lead my life with courage.” 

Judge Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court Community Outreach Program, thanked Judge Shelyna Brown and Judge Kelley Paul for bringing this event to a new level.  "This was our most successful Young Women's Power Lunch, with 90 young women attending.  Every year, our program finds new ways to demonstrate to these future female leaders that women hold the keys to the success of other women.  As women leaders, we need to lift each other up, provide mentorship, make room at the table for the woman next to us, and reach out a hand to the woman climbing the ladder below us.” Judge Alloggiamento commented. 

The Santa Clara County Superior Court especially thanks the California Judges Foundation whose grant funding supported the lunch, P-WOW and Hear the Silent Cry who partnered to provide goody bags of make-up and inspirational bracelets to the attendees, the mentors who gave up valuable time, and the community partners and court staff who helped make the program a success.   

Through programs like this, the Court continues to strengthen its commitment to civic education, community outreach, and empowering the next generation of leaders in Santa Clara County. 

Students sitting alongside their mentors for inspiring activities centered on women’s empowerment, leadership, and career growth 

ADA text: Students and mentors are seated around a large round table in a bright conference room, participating in a group activity. Many are writing on worksheets or note cards while talking with one another. The table is covered with papers, pens, small decorative items, water bottles, and a table number sign. 

Students and mentors share a meaningful conversation during an engaging discussion focused on connection and future opportunities 

ADA text: Three participants are seated together at a round table during a group mentorship event, engaged in conversation. One mentor in a green blazer is smiling while speaking with two students seated across from her. Papers, pens, and a water bottle are on the table, and other small group discussions are taking place in the background, creating an active and collaborative atmosphere. 

Hon. Julia Alloggiamento presented flowers to Hon. Kelley Paul, Hon. Shelyna Brown (Ret.), and members of the women organizations (P-WOW and Hear the Silent Cry)  in appreciation of their time, leadership, and support in helping bring the event to life 

ADA text: Eight women stand together in front of a wood-paneled wall with the California state seal displayed behind them. Several are holding bouquets of colorful flowers and smiling toward the camera. 

Awarded students and their mentors gathered for a photo at the close of the event, reflecting a day filled with encouragement, connection, and inspiring lessons that will continue to shape their educational and professional journeys 

ADA text: Eight people stand side by side outdoors in front of large glass windows with a bright blue sky reflected behind them. The group includes several students, a uniformed mentor in law enforcement, and another mentor in a light-colored suit. Three students in the center are holding certificates and smiling toward the camera. Others hold goodie bags received from the event.