Anahi Olvera, Santa Maria High School. Courtesy photos.
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley High School business students recently attended “Defining Her Power,’’ a conference geared towards empowering and supporting women interested in pursuing businesses.
The event, which was hosted by the Cal Poly Women in Business Organization, featured a keynote speaker who is launching a business. Her product is a stiletto heel that is convertible into a flat shoe. Students also attended question-and-answer panels on student life at college and took a campus tour.
Alexia Espejo, SMHS 11thgrader, said that she was inspired by the 22-year entrepreneur who told the ladies to “never give up.”
Lizeth Guzman-Calderon, SMHS 11thgrader agreed, adding that the women in business conference has impacted “me to be persistent in my future goals.’’
The organization awarded Saint 11th-grader Anahi Olvera a $500 scholarship. “I experienced a feeling of excitement and an ability to speak freely without judgement,’’ she said.
“This is the second year I have participated with Santa Maria and Pioneer Students. Each girl gained new insights to the possibilities of their future; quite an empowering opportunity for 15-17 year olds,’’ said Cindy Quaid, SMHS Business & Technology Instructor.
Fourteen Saints and five Panthers attended.
