In the spirit of Women’s History Month, four Oak Knoll Upper School students reflected on their experiences at the International Coalition of Girls' Schools Empowering Girls’ Voices Summit.

Held last month in Washington, D.C., the civic leadership program was attended by Isabella Ceballos ’28, Ellie Jessen ’28, Winifred Ohene-Ologo ’28, and Savannah Ramdass ’26. The summit brings together leadership-minded students interested in learning strategies for civic engagement and constructive dialogue.

“My experience with the Empowering Girls’ Voices program has provided me with significant insight into the process of congressional policymaking,” Ohene-Ologo told her Upper School classmate during general homeroom. “I continue to implement and value the leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills I took away from it.”

Ceballos agreed.

“As someone who wants to go into international studies and poli sci, this experience showed me the determination and leadership that is needed in these fields, which empowers me to continue to work towards my goals,” she said.

Participating students selected major topics — including immigration, gun violence, and artificial intelligence — and crafted their own policy proposals. These proposals were later presented during a culminating Civic Action Symposium, where they were reviewed by panelists including female leaders and policymakers, such as congressional office staff, representatives from national policy organizations, and individuals who have worked in government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

For the Oak Knoll students, the group focused on the growing mental health challenges facing young people nationwide.

“Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among adolescents have rapidly increased due to factors including social media, academic pressure, persistent mental health stigma, and insufficient access to mental healthcare,” Jessen noted.

Among their proposals were mandating school-based mental health programs in public middle and high schools and developing awareness and outreach initiatives designed to reduce isolation and build trust among adolescents. Another component would allocate funds to the federal Department of Education to support additional research into youth mental health issues.

Melissa Miller, Director of Community Engagement and Belonging, said she was inspired by the students presenting their policy proposals at the Summit.

“Their ideas were thoughtful and bold, and they clearly resonated with the panel of experts,” Miller said. “I’m grateful that Oak Knoll continues to provide opportunities for our students to find their voice, engage with real-world issues, and grow as thoughtful civic leaders.”

The students concluded their presentation by reminding classmates of Oak Knoll’s many leadership opportunities, including involvement with the Student Diversity Leadership Board, Peer Leaders, or Student Ambassadors.