The Intercultural Leadership Program has helped me become more confident in myself as a woman and a person of color. It was a place for me to feel safe with my identities and be able to talk about important topics that affect me as a young woman going into the professional world as a leader. Genesis Vasquez ’20
SUSI created a space where women from all over the world were able to bond, bridge gaps, and support one another in all ways. The program truly empowered and challenged us as the next generation of women to continue to push boundaries but also to cultivate a community committed to global unity and inclusion. I gained tremendous knowledge, powerful self-confidence, and a lifetime of friendships that stretch oceans wide and for that, I will forever be grateful to SUSI. Iman Omar ’20
I think before SUSI, I continuously called out for women to take a stand and prove themselves in society. I was always waiting for a woman to break all barriers and become fearless enough to take all matters into her own hands. Today, with the help of SUSI, I realized I am that woman. Lynn Chlela ’19
Being part of the Intercultural Leadership Program was one of the most enriching and transformational experiences I had at Saint Mary's College. I was able to grow so much in my awareness of the injustices that plague our world, and understand how I am called to work with my community to fight for justice and walk with each unique person. Jaqueline Rojas ’21
Studying abroad in Spain for a year was an unforgettable experience that gave me the language skills I was seeking. Leaving your comfort zone is so important to realize there is so much more out there! An immersive experience is the best way to learn a language and truly learn about a different culture. Angeline Barthel ’19
Studying abroad and being a part of the Global Women’s Leadership SUSI program shaped my life’s vocation and purpose. After studying abroad in Rome and meeting the incredible women from the Middle East and North Africa in SUSI, I knew I wanted to work in the field of International Higher Education. Kathryn Mathews ’17
My participation in Global Intercultural Dialogue events, which brought together students from women’s colleges across the world to promote international peace and understanding, was featured at the NAFSA annual conference in June 2021. Studying abroad inspired me to attend American University’s master’s program in International Relations. Shayla O'Connor ’21
The Global Women’s Leadership SUSI experience broadened my knowledge about cultural diversity, human rights, and women’s rights. I am now an engaged activist who is passionate about pressing issues the Kurdish community faces, and am the vice curator of Global Shapers Community (Erbil Hub). Ilaf Sabah ’19
SPARK taught me how to make my dreams possible. It's given me the background and foundation to use the skills I already have to forward my independence. Elise DeSomer ’17
There are so many takeaways from SPARK. If I had to only choose one, it would be that it has helped me organize my ideas into goals, and create a plan for those goals. There were many pieces to running a business that either I had not considered and/or that I didn’t have a good grasp on. SPARK helped me become more strategic and excited for MY future! Estephanie Aguilera Contreras ’19
The Intercultural Leadership Program has helped me become more confident in myself as a woman and a person of color. It was a place for me to feel safe with my identities and be able to talk about important topics that affect me as a young woman going into the professional world as a leader. Genesis Vasquez ’20 
SUSI created a space where women from all over the world were able to bond, bridge gaps, and support one another in all ways. The program truly empowered and challenged us as the next generation of women to continue to push boundaries but also to cultivate a community committed to global unity and inclusion. I gained tremendous knowledge, powerful self-confidence, and a lifetime of friendships that stretch oceans wide and for that, I will forever be grateful to SUSI. Iman Omar ’20 
I think before SUSI, I continuously called out for women to take a stand and prove themselves in society. I was always waiting for a woman to break all barriers and become fearless enough to take all matters into her own hands. Today, with the help of SUSI, I realized I am that woman. Lynn Chlela ’19 
Being part of the Intercultural Leadership Program was one of the most enriching and transformational experiences I had at Saint Mary's College. I was able to grow so much in my awareness of the injustices that plague our world, and understand how I am called to work with my community to fight for justice and walk with each unique person. Jaqueline Rojas ’21 
Studying abroad in Spain for a year was an unforgettable experience that gave me the language skills I was seeking. Leaving your comfort zone is so important to realize there is so much more out there! An immersive experience is the best way to learn a language and truly learn about a different culture. Angeline Barthel ’19 
Studying abroad and being a part of the Global Women’s Leadership SUSI program shaped my life’s vocation and purpose. After studying abroad in Rome and meeting the incredible women from the Middle East and North Africa in SUSI, I knew I wanted to work in the field of International Higher Education. Kathryn Mathews ’17 
My participation in Global Intercultural Dialogue events, which brought together students from women’s colleges across the world to promote international peace and understanding, was featured at the NAFSA annual conference in June 2021. Studying abroad inspired me to attend American University’s master’s program in International Relations. Shayla O'Connor ’21 
The Global Women’s Leadership SUSI experience broadened my knowledge about cultural diversity, human rights, and women’s rights. I am now an engaged activist who is passionate about pressing issues the Kurdish community faces, and am the vice curator of Global Shapers Community (Erbil Hub). Ilaf Sabah ’19 
SPARK taught me how to make my dreams possible. It's given me the background and foundation to use the skills I already have to forward my independence. Elise DeSomer ’17 
There are so many takeaways from SPARK. If I had to only choose one, it would be that it has helped me organize my ideas into goals, and create a plan for those goals. There were many pieces to running a business that either I had not considered and/or that I didn’t have a good grasp on. SPARK helped me become more strategic and excited for MY future! Estephanie Aguilera Contreras ’19