Women-Centric ENVIRONMENT

Notre Dame is proud of our history and tradition as the oldest all-girls school in the western United States. In 1851, our school emerged as a designated space to educate and empower young women at a time when their social and educational options were limited. While the educational landscape for women has expanded, the evolution of professional and leadership opportunities has grown more slowly. For example, women remain under-represented in positions of leadership in corporate and political spaces, as well as across STEM fields.

Women-centric spaces, like the one cultivated at NDSJ, disrupt limitations women faced by promoting empowerment, cultivating confidence, providing representation and enabling broad access to skill-building, free from stereotypes of what is, or is not, possible for women.

As we continue this legacy of centering women, our learning community is also actively engaged in expansive thinking about gender identity and expression alongside our mission of inclusivity.

A Place Where Women Thrive

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Annual events reflect Notre Dame’s distinctive culture and commitment to women’s leadership. These events connect students with the larger community and serve as milestones in their journey.

THE MARY BETH RILEY CENTER FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

Our newest building on campus embodies our commitment to developing leaders. Each floor of the Center for Women’s Leadership designates learning spaces that advance student skills and perspective-building through hands-on learning, integrated curriculum and spiritual development.

of students agree that they are encouraged to be their best self at Notre Dame

96% of students say they lead with integrity and confidence of students say they honor the legacy of women’s leadership

2023 graduating senior survey data