Kingswood Oxford School hosted its annual Power of Women event — a special panel featuring women business leaders, doctors, and nurses who gathered to share their professional journeys, offer advice, and encourage the young women in attendance to dream big, stay grounded, and persevere. The panelists included Annie Hildreth P’30, managing director and marketing executive at Bank of America Private Bank; Grace Jarmoc ’14 M.D. Yale School of Medicine; Nirupa Sekaran P’25, ’28, pediatric nurse and practitioner; and Diane Tager ’03, co-founder and chief operating officer at Penguin Bio. The KO students who did a commendable job interviewing the panelists included seniors Nidhi Bhat, Sasha Dausey, Claire Palmer, and Camryn Weinstein.

The event opened with the panelists reflecting on advice they would give to their younger selves. A resounding theme emerged: being present. One speaker shared a pivotal moment when a stranger in Boston reminded her to look up and enjoy the beautiful day instead of rushing through life. Another panelist emphasized the importance of saying yes to experiences beyond academics, reminding students that memories with friends are just as vital as achievements.

Courage in the face of fear was another major takeaway. “You’re always going to have fears — don’t wait for them to disappear,” one panelist said. “Do it scared.” Others reinforced the importance of embracing every opportunity, even the less glamorous jobs, because each experience teaches resilience, accountability, and sometimes, practical life lessons — like the importance of dress codes! “Even if it’s not your favorite job, you will most likely learn something from it,” said Tager.

When asked about critical skills for their professions, the panelists provided thoughtful insights:

In medicine, organization, compassion, humility, and lifelong learning were emphasized. Grace Jarmoc spoke of the importance of meeting each patient with fresh empathy, even on exhausting days.

In business and finance, active listening, clear communication, and teamwork were highlighted as essential. Without truly listening to clients, it is impossible to give meaningful advice. Humility, the ability to admit mistakes, and maintaining integrity were described as crucial to long-term success.

One key insight was how universally these skills apply: whether healing patients or managing wealth, relationships, and compassion form the foundation of impactful careers.

The conversation turned candid as panelists discussed what it was like to be the only woman — or the youngest woman — in the room. The advice? Preparation and repetition. One panelist explained that although she was often the only woman at the table, the groundwork laid by women before her, along with thorough preparation, allowed her to succeed confidently. Another added that confidence is key — not arrogance, but the deep, quiet belief in one’s abilities and experiences.

Role models, the panelists stressed, are critical. Some found their role models in college professors, others in workplace mentors, and some in family members who demonstrated resilience, leadership, and compassion. They advised the students to seek out people a few steps ahead of them, to build relationships, and to value advocates who can open doors when they are not in the room. Hildrith said she often meets with younger people within her organization each week to field their questions or help them prep for interviews. She said meeting with the younger peers takes the anxiety out of the interview process for them.

Students interested in finance, medicine, biotech, or business were encouraged to pursue internships early and to build a strong network. Leadership in clubs, strong academics, and a professional online presence were all emphasized. They advised students to start conducting informational interviews now — networking is not just for job-hunting; it’s about learning and connecting.

“Your network is your net worth,” one panelist said, stressing that relationships often open doors more than any resume line can.

Community involvement was a priority for these women. Whether serving on nonprofit boards, volunteering globally, or contributing to local communities, they described service not as an obligation, but as a source of personal fulfillment and growth. They encouraged students to look beyond their own experiences and make an impact wherever they could.

To wrap up the event, each speaker shared a quote or philosophy that guides their life:

“Your decisions, not your intentions, determine your direction.”

“Seek first to understand, then be understood.”

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

“Quiet confidence over loud pride.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“Don’t settle — climb your own ladder.”

These powerful reminders underscored a final, uplifting message: the path to success is not a straight line, but a journey built on resilience, community, and authenticity.