To construct the Center for Women’s Leadership on their downtown San Jose campus.
San Jose, CA—Notre Dame High School broke ground on construction of the Center for Women’s Leadership, a new three-story campus building. The Center for Women’s Leadership will provide spaces that reflect Notre Dame’s mission and support the vision to expand educational and leadership opportunities for young women. Joining Principal Mary Beth Riley for the groundbreaking ceremony were Santa Clara County Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Dave Cortese as well as Notre Dame High School Board members.
More than fifteen million dollars has been raised for construction of The Center for Women’s Leadership, which will be dedicated on August 26, 2020, the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
“Resources and support for women’s education and leadership has traditionally lagged behind that for men,” shared John M Sobrato, campaign honorary co-chair and lead donor. “Breaking ground on this new building is an indication that this inequity is changing. The Center for Women’s Leadership will provide expanded opportunities for young women by preparing them for engagement and leadership roles in careers and fields where they have been underrepresented.”
“In Silicon Valley, we are acutely aware of the need for increased diversity in business, science, law and the arts. The Notre Dame High School Center for Women’s Leadership will be an environment designed for collaboration, innovation and spirituality. Our young women will be educated in a state-of-the-art facility by teachers who challenge, question and nurture each student’s unique leadership qualities,” said Nancy Erba, capital campaign co-chair. “As a technology executive, I am excited by the amazing capabilities of NDSJ students and the opportunities in front of them. Today’s Notre Dame girls will be tomorrow’s confident and strong women leaders.”
“We are excited that the Center for Women’s Leadership will be dedicated on August 26, 2020, the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution. The centennial offers us an opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy with the opening of a state-of-the-art building that will serve as an icon of Notre Dame’s 169 years as a leader in women’s education,” shared Principal Mary Beth Riley.