International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s accomplishments, educate and raise awareness about women’s equality, call for positive change in advancing women, lobby for accelerated gender parity, and fundraise for female-focused charities. And while this year’s event is celebrated on Friday, March 8, 2024, Oak Knoll celebrates and honors the achievements of women all year round.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #InspireInclusion. Oak Knoll’s entire program — PK-12 — ensures that our girls know that they can not only have a seat at any table but a voice.

This year alone, we have had the privilege of welcoming a diverse group of Oak Knoll alumnae back to campus to share their gifts and talents with students across a broad swath of professions. 

“I firmly believe in the power of celebrating women,” explained Upper School Division Head Kate McGroarty. “Ensuring equity in the workforce is not just a goal, but a responsibility we uphold. Our alumnae network stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of our past students, serving as both inspiration and support for our current students as they navigate the paths to their futures.”

During our annual Upper School Career Day, as well as in special panel events, our campus has been graced with the presence of successful women in business, African American alumnae in the arts, and women in prominent positions in sports. 

Panelists have included women in high finance and investment, publishers, professional athletes, computer scientists, software engineers, entrepreneurs, fashion designers, magazine editors, film and television producers, enterprise risk managers, authors, and more. 

These stellar individuals at the top of their fields have joined us in assemblies to answer thoughtful questions from our students. They have explained how they used their high school years to set themselves up for success in college and beyond. They have shared their challenges and victories, and many have focused on strategies they have deployed to remain successful in their male-dominated industries. 

This Friday, on International Women’s Day and for Women’s History Month, Oak Knoll’s Upper School HOPE Committee is raising awareness about period poverty, which is the lack of access to sanitary products, toilets, menstrual hygiene education, hand washing facilities, and waste management. Students seek donations for the women-led Community Food Bank of New Jersey’s #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive, which provides period supplies for women without access.

Next month, we look forward to welcoming another group of alumnae at our sixth annual Women in Sports Leadership Panel on Thursday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m., which will bring together women who have made significant strides in their respective fields to share their unique experiences and perspectives on women’s challenges and opportunities in sports.

Oak Knoll students live by faith, learn by doing, and lead by example, and it’s clear from our frequent alumnae visits that our graduates carry these qualities into their college years and careers. We celebrate International Women’s Day today and always!