Women’s History Month is dedicated to remembering and celebrating those women who have shaped the course of the world, of our nation, and of our lives. It is a time to show support for the women whose contributions were often overlooked. As Women’s History Month came to a close, Cathedral Prep resolved to commemorate this month by holding a Women’s Forum, with a panel comprised of several women—some of them Villa alums—who have successfully seized positions of leadership in the workplace, and in their own lives. This presentation is especially important for Cathedral Prep, given the consolidation that occurred last year between Prep and Villa, ultimately creating one co-educational institution.

The range of topics that was addressed by the panel included issues such as the gender pay gap and discrimination against women in the workplace. The presenters shared their own stories of struggle, empowerment, and success. The panel was moderated by Raven Clark, a 2014 graduate of Villa Maria Academy, and panelists included Debbie Uht, Erin Kerner, and Lisa Goddard McGuirk. Mrs. Uht is a 1982 graduate of Villa, and serves as the president of PCMSI, a telephone answering services business. Ms. Kerner was formerly a director at Louis Vuitton, and is now an entrepreneur running her own business. Finally, Mrs. Goddard McGuirk is the Director of Athletics at Gannon University. Hearing each of their different experiences and diverse backgrounds was very enlightening for many students.

To gauge the student body’s response to this presentation, several students offered to voice their opinions about the event.

“I liked how all the women shared the stories about their lives,” senior Nikole McLallen said. “They were very expressive towards all the girls—this is something that we have not had in forever, and it was nice to bring some of that into the new co-ed part of the school.”

Freshman Kylie Sidun also voiced her approval of the event.

“These panels help people learn how to be human, and how to better themselves,” she said. She felt that she was most closely associated with Ms. Kerner, and expressed interest in the sort of life that would accompany working for a luxury clothing brand such as Louis Vuitton.

Kylie and many other Prep students really seemed to gain a greater awareness of their worth through this presentation:

“I liked all of the advice they gave, and all of their backgrounds,” Kylie said.

Nikole left the Rambler with this closing remark, “Women need to be brought out, and we love to show our worth.”