Commencement Keynote Speaker

What role does a college education play in a woman’s life?

A college education opens doors to professional success and satisfaction, translating to more career choices and higher lifelong income for a graduate. But just as important, the college experience can broaden a woman’s horizons by introducing a world outside of familiar family, friends and community. The challenge of new ideas and diverse perspectives encourages the sort of personal growth that enriches a woman’s life journey.

How can Californians get involved to support their schools in this time of a severe budget cuts?

On a collective level, Californians can be more vocal activists for stable and adequate school funding. College students have tried to do their part, with demonstrations and rallies. But we all need to become more politically active to ensure that education is considered a funding priority, by holding legislators accountable for their funding choices and monitoring spending to see that money for schools goes to where it is most needed and can make the most difference in student outcome.

What tips for success do you have for Los Angeles’ young women of color?

Value what you know, where you have been and who you are. The basics are the same for all of us: do your best on every task; don’t be afraid to ask for help; be a team player, but be willing to work longer, harder and smarter than everyone else. But beyond that, believe in yourself; your own unique past and present and perspective are valuable, and they are what you bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to say what you think, challenge convention and encourage honesty.

As a writer, how do you find your voice in a media universe saturated with endless commentary?

I try to follow the advice I offer to young women: Be true to yourself. I don’t always have the answers, but I am always willing to ask the questions. I try to follow my own heart in pursuit of columns, and that means owning up to confusion, conflict, indecision, anger, awe. I try to be intellectually curious and emotionally vulnerable. If you are reliably authentic, people may disagree, but they will trust you enough to at least listen.

What was your favorite class or activity in college? Why?

My favorite activity was my sorority, which helped me find a sense of sisterhood on campus. Only a tiny percentage of Ohio State students were black, and the campus was so large there were few leadership opportunities for women. Through my historically-black sorority, I developed a close network of friends and became active in political movements on campus and charitable activities in the community. My favorite classes tended to be courses related to sociology; I loved linguistics, religion and philosophy classes, because they focused on links between groups of people across geography and over time.