Sally Ride Science Hosts the Sixth Annual Women in Leadership Event

The event was conceived in 2018 by Tam O’Shaughnessy, Ride’s life partner and co-founder of Sally Ride Science, to celebrate the dedication of a U.S. Postal Service Forever stamp in Ride’s honor.

The central focus of the Women in Leadership event is a candid panel discussion with inspiring women leaders from various fields. Panelists are encouraged to share their journeys, challenges, and visions, with the hopes of empowering and motivating young women and girls to aspire to leadership roles themselves.

The diversity of achievements among the panelists often reflects the diverse passions and interests of Sally Ride herself, including her roles as an athlete, physicist, space pioneer, author, business owner, and champion of diversity in science education and careers. 

“Sally cared deeply about getting little girls—and little boys—into science,” said Ride biographer Sherr, who will moderate the discussion for the sixth time. “She also cared about having women at the top, in leadership positions.” 

Past panel participants have included tennis legend Billie Jean King; labor leader and activist Dolores Huerta; trailblazing NASA aerospace engineer Dr. Aprille J. Ericsson; and the first African American woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice.

“The Women in Leadership event highlights diverse women who have achieved success in a wide variety of careers,” said Karen Flammer, Ph.D., friend of Sally Ride, co-founder of Sally Ride Science, and Director of Digital Learning at UC San Diego. “Every time I go, I personally get inspired by hearing the women leaders talk very openly and authentically about the types of challenges many of us have experienced in our career paths, and then also hearing them talk about how much they enjoy what they do despite the challenges. It’s very inspirational.”

Attendees range from young students to seasoned professionals, all united by a common goal: to champion diversity and leadership in STEM.

“Sally Ride used to say, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’” said Morgan Appel, Assistant Dean for Education and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. “For our youngest, second- or third-graders, who come to events like Women in Leadership, they actually get to see what they can be. It creates a very holistic approach to supporting their education.”

The event is open to anyone interested in learning from and being inspired by successful leaders, as well as educators, parents, and community members who want to support and encourage the next generation of women leaders.