Shaping the Future: Student Leaders in Action

Four Upper School students were nominated by their teachers to attend GenHERation® Connection 2024, a hands-on summer experience that virtually connects high school and college students with successful female leaders from over 50 companies nationwide. Siena Bateman ’25, Kelsey Lewis ’26, Ria Loomba ’25, and Isabella “Isa” Vazquez Gloria ’25 spent a week learning from industry experts, networking, exploring career paths, and engaging in mentor sessions. One skill-building activity had students collaborate to solve real-world problems for companies like Mattel, Google, Hartford Funds, Netflix, and the Fossil Group.

For Isa, the highlight was one-on-one mentoring sessions with a digital and partnership insights manager for the LA Lakers and KLA’s climate solutions director. “I learned three key lessons for college: pursue something you’re passionate about to enjoy the journey; working in a field unrelated to your major during college still provides transferable skills; and always be your biggest supporter by having a short but effective elevator pitch ready. The program also helped me realize I could combine my interests in management and sustainable development to pursue a career in the chocolate trading industry.”

Ria found the program equally inspiring. Noting how it boosted her confidence to network, she created a LinkedIn profile and connected with leaders and peers. “Seeing so many women in leadership roles across industries was empowering. They shared valuable advice about work culture, networking, self-care, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”

Already in touch with her mentor, Ria believes the skills she gained will be helpful for college interviews. The experience also broadened her perspective on medical careers. “I’ve always wanted to pursue medicine, but this program opened my mind to different pathways. I could approach medicine through marketing, business strategy, or even biotechnology. I could own a company that manufactures medicines or helps expedite the process—there’s no single route to reach the same goal.”

This summer, Anna Holland ’25 was selected to participate in a unique one-on-one competition called the Gladiator Mock Trial World Championship in Atlanta, putting her skills to the test against some of the most talented high school students from around the globe. 

Drawn by the challenge of playing every role, Anna switched between performing as prosecuting and defending attorneys and as a witness for each side. The tournament spanned two days and had six trials in total. Allowing more creative freedom outside the typical boundaries of a school mock trial, Anna could express herself as a lawyer by walking around the courtroom and using props like signs, accents, and emotions.

“Participating in this trial was an eye-opening experience,” reflects Anna. “While I’ve been successful as a defense attorney in San Diego, I was amazed by the incredible talent and passion of the other participants. It made me realize that, although I’m good at mock trials and enjoy them, my true passion lies elsewhere, and I’m excited to explore new paths beyond law.”

Having been a part of Torrey Mock Trial since her freshman year and serving as the team’s closing defense attorney since 10th grade, Anna brought significant experience to the competition. She was named San Diego County Mock Trial 2024 Best Defense Attorney. As captain, she plans to incorporate what she learned from the intense tournament into her leadership this year.

Mia Thiele ’25 founded Advantage: SKIN to educate young athletes about the risks of sun damage and skin cancer prevention. Growing up with a dermatologist as a father, putting on sunscreen was second nature. When she noticed many of her fellow players going unprotected, Mia started giving sun-safe presentations at tennis academies, including internationally. Through her organization, she shares tips on sunscreen use, distributes samples, and uses creative tools like color-changing bracelets to remind players to reapply. Mia hopes to expand her efforts, raising awareness about sun protection alongside promoting her love for tennis.

Sabrina Hochberg ’28 and two friends completed their Girl Scout Silver Award project by educating young students about e-bike safety after a friend’s serious accident. The trio conducted extensive research on e-bike accidents, interviewed experts, and created a 20-minute presentation for fourth and fifth graders at La Jolla Elementary. They aim to raise awareness about the risks and responsibilities of riding e-bikes, focusing on helmet use and safe riding practices. The students believe their peer-led approach resonated with younger audiences and hope to expand their efforts to reach more children and adults.