When sophomore Lily Baumgardner was in eighth grade, she noticed that many of her female peers were not very secure in their career plans for the future.

Because of this realization, she was inspired to start an initiative that would bring successful women to school to talk about their careers and show girls just how much potential and opportunity they have.

“I think by seeing these very powerful women, it can inspire (students) to know that we can do whatever we set our minds to,” she said.

With the help of middle school teachers Anthony Barbano and Daniel Shaner, she researched and scouted women who would be interesting speakers. Baumgardner held her first Hear About Her event in March 2024 with five speakers. It was a success, with many attendees saying they learned a lot from the speakers, Baumgardner said.

This year, Hear About Her will have its second event. It will include 12 female speakers, including doctors, judges, executives, and CEOs, among others. They will talk about their lives and their careers in different sessions. 

For the people who do know what career they want to pursue, this event can be an opportunity to network with people in that area. But the event is also for those who are unsure of what field they want to enter.

“I’m trying to cast a wide net so that anybody who doesn’t know what they want to do can get that inspiration by meeting someone in these fields,” she said. 

The event will take place in the library on March 19, with sessions running from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will happen during the school day, as Baumgardner wanted it to be as accessible as possible for students who may not be able to attend any other time.

“I’m trying to break that wall between the professional world and where we are in our youth,” Baumgardner said. With this initiative, she hopes that students will feel more prepared after high school.