Women & Power for Good: Learning from Alumnae, Leading with Purpose

At Holton-Arms, conversations about women and power are grounded in purpose, agency, and community. While power is often misunderstood or narrowly defined, Holton challenges students to see it as a tool for leadership, service, and positive change. This commitment was at the center of the 7th Annual Women & Power for Good Summit, which brought alumnae back to campus to engage with Upper School students about leadership, resilience, and impact.

An Open Door to Learning Beyond Holton
The Summit reflects Holton’s “open door” culture—one in which alumnae remain active partners in the life of the school. By welcoming graduates back to campus to share their lived experiences, Holton reinforces a powerful message to students: you belong here, and you are supported long after graduation. These connections help students envision what lies beyond Holton and recognize the many paths available to them.

Nineteen alumnae participated in this year’s Summit, representing a wide range of fields including medicine, education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Together, they demonstrated that power takes many forms and evolves over time.

Finding a Way Forward
Mikki Offit Levi ’11, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders and a ten-year Holton student, spoke candidly about perseverance. After graduating, she returned to campus to study for the MCAT and train on the turf field. When she did not gain acceptance to medical school on her first attempt, Mikki described pivoting to a post-baccalaureate master’s program before reapplying successfully two years later. Her story underscored a central Holton value: resilience and the determination to find a way forward.

Power Through Agency and Self-Advocacy
Sabah Iqbal ’94, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, Trustee, and current Holton parent, reflected on leadership in high-stakes environments and the importance of advocating for oneself. Describing her decision to leave a significant position without a clear next step, she shared a powerful message with students: “Power comes from your agency.” 

Several alumnae also addressed the pressures students feel today. Pediatrician Kayla Moffett ’14 reminded students that “the stress is real—and it’s normal,” encouraging them to give themselves grace and hold close the people who support them. She also spoke about changing her major and stepping away from social environments that did not feel like the right fit, urging students to “carve out your own path.”

Mentorship, Confidence, and Claiming Space
Themes of comparison and self-definition continued with Hilary Diefenbach ’07, a speech therapist and third generation Holton girl. Asked about challenges she faced at Holton, Hilary shared how early comparisons—labeling herself as “the creative one” while her twin was seen as “the smart one”—shaped her self-perception. A trusted mentor helped guide her toward a fulfilling career, reinforcing her advice to students to identify people they can turn to for guidance. 

Amy DeLouise ’81, founder of an independent director, producer, and speaker practice, spoke about entrepreneurship and the tendency for women to prioritize empowering others over themselves. She encouraged students to be intentional about their goals and to ask for what they want, reminding them that women still must actively claim their space. 

“Find a Way or Make One”
With more than 25 years of legal experience and two decades of service in local and federal government, Taura Smalls ’93, emphasized flexibility and adaptability, reinforcing Holton’s motto: I will find a way or make one. A Holton parent, she encouraged students to take full advantage of the School’s opportunities—from global education to design and technology—and to view alumnae as valuable resources and mentors. Reflecting across generations, she noted, “Holton keeps getting better.”

A Legacy of Women & Power for Good
The Summit was founded by alumna and Trustee Marcia Johnson Bateson ’75, whose vision continues a legacy of thoughtful leadership at Holton. A former Holton Representative Assembly Director and co-creator of the 1975 Potential of Women Day Assembly, Marcia was inspired by Women & Power: A Manifesto by Mary Beard, to bring this conversation to today’s students. Through the Mary Jane Puckett Fund to Advance Women & Power for Good, this work will continue for generations.

At the same time, Holton’s Middle School hosted Make Your Way Day, welcoming nine alumnae back to campus to share their professional journeys. By connecting past and present, the program reinforced Holton’s mission to educate “not only the mind, but the soul and spirit.”

Together, the Women & Power for Good Summit and Make Your Way Day underscored the enduring strength of Holton’s intergenerational community. By opening its doors to alumnae voices and lived experience, Holton continues to show students that power is not reserved for a few—it is something to be developed, shared, and used for good.