CWU-Des Moines, Highline College host successful young women’s summit

The ninth annual Young Educated Ladies Leading (Y.E.L.L.) Female Summit took place Saturday, May 13, at Highline College and it was an enormous success.

Angela Murry-Walker of CWU-Des Moines said she was pleased with the attendance of 250 for the all-day summit, as young women from across the Puget Sound area showed up to learn and interact with one another.

"It was an amazing event and the turnout of young, educated ladies of color, their mentors, guidance counselors, teachers, parents, families and friends was phenomenal," said Murry-Walker, an academic advisor for the Department of Computer Science. "These young ladies represented their local high schools, community colleges, and programs with such pride and I know they will do the same should they join us to become Wildcats."

The day started with a welcome from Highline College President Dr. John Mosby, followed by a keynote address by Ruby Ibarra, a first-generation Filipina American graduate of the University of California, Davis, who majored in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Ibarra shared her personal experiences and journey in her music and STEM careers in her address titled, "Who AM I? Cultivating Your Voice and Story," and then hosted a question-and-answer session.

The Y.E.L.L. summit-dedicated to serving young women of color-also featured 10 workshops that provided opportunities for community members to work alongside industry partners while interacting with the summit participants, share information and answer questions specific to their educational goals. The summit also included a series of activities that focused on leadership and a resources fair.

Among the schools and organizations represented were Highline College, Green River College, Shoreline Community College, Seattle Colleges (North, South, Central), Pierce College, Lake Washington Technical Institute, Renton Technical College, Federal Way High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, Decatur High School, Auburn Mountain View High School, Bethel High School, Garfield High School, Highline High School, Mount Rainier High School, and Eastside Catholic High School.

Murry-Walker thanked her CWU colleagues-including Janet Campbell, Ngoc Phung, Mishel Kuch, Monica Medrano, Rachel George, Asraa Jaber, and the CAT Team-for all of their efforts supporting Highline College's successful summit.

"I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to support our community partners, represent the university, the centers, STEM, and Computer Science to young, eager minds from all walks of life," Murry-Walker said.

She also expressed her gratitude for the committee of Highline College staff and faculty who helped put on the event, including Rickitia Reid, Tanisha Williams, Mariela Barriga, Loyal Allen, Kharmyn Williams, Gerie Ventura, Erich Elwin, Geomarc Panelo, Krystal Welch, Tolu Taiwo, and Amy Chhom.