Career Day Words of Wisdom from Harpeth Hall Alumnae

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In searching for my career, I always followed what was real for me, and when I started, there was no path already created in my field. Stay connected to what you enjoy and what you feel is right for you, and your path will unfold as it should.

Amanda Wentworth ’98, yoga therapist at Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

When you get to college, use internships and job shadowing to get exposure to career opportunities. Bringing studying and work experience together while you are in school can pull things together for you early in your career.

Ellen Fuson ’02, architect at Gresham Smith

Learn to delegate and empower others. It’s harder to learn than you may think, but it’s very valuable.

Emily Manning ’08, past national security advisory for Sen. Marsha Blackburn

You can’t lead people if they don’t trust you, and one of the ways you lead people is to get to know them as a person first.

Ryan McLaughlin Wood ’05, market head for UBS Financial Services

At Harpeth Hall, they really teach you to speak up and invoke change in your own way, and that sets you apart. We are all one step up, because Harpeth Hall prepared us in that way. Go out and use those skills, so you can set yourself above other candidates.

Molly McConnell ’14, junior developer for Seamless.ai

Your voice and your opinion matter. If you see something not being done right, you have every right to step in and communicate. Find the ground you want to stand on.

Ann Francis Garvey ’09, consultant for Ancore Health

Working in a male-dominated industry, I think I made a lot of mistakes trying to blend in and act like a guy. It wasn’t me. You don’t have to do that. You can be a woman, and be yourself.

Annie Baron Flanagin ’99, chief operations officer for Baron Construction LLC

In my job, helping people is the daily inspiration. You're not just solving the medical problems, you’re solving situations, and that sustains me.

Kim Bueno Frigon ’84, pediatric and neonatal hospitalist for Pediatrix Medical Group

It’s always nice to have someone you can trust and ask the hard questions to. Once you find that person, hold onto them.

Kaitlin Ray ’07, assistant program director and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

It’s important to have not just one mentor, but many mentors. You should think about your strengths and your areas of growth, and find a mentor who is your expander. Someone who fills in your weaknesses and serves as a guide for you.

Kate Berry ’00, senior project manager in the department of special education at the University of Texas Austin

In August, our newest Harpeth Hall alumnae enjoyed the annual Sweet Summer Send-Off in a final hurrah before heading off to college. The Class of 2022 shared an ice cream sundae bar as they said goodbye to friends and Harpeth Hall faculty.