Women as Changemakers Summit: A Day of Leadership and Impact at Forest Ridge

Last Friday, October 17, 2025 we welcomed an extraordinary group of leaders, creators, and visionaries for our inaugural Women as Changemakers Summit—a day-long celebration of female empowerment, leadership, and impact. The event gathered students, faculty, alumni, and community members for a full day of meaningful connection.

The summit’s keynote speakers, Julia Quinn and Suki Dardarian, set the tone for a day centered on courage, creativity, and change-making.

Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series and three-time Romance Writers of America Award winner, captivated the audience with her witty, heartfelt talk on storytelling, persistence, and the evolving role of women in publishing and entertainment. Known globally for her beloved historical romances turned Netflix hit, Quinn shared behind-the-scenes insights and encouraged young women to follow their creative instincts. "You don't have to wait for permission to write your own story, she said. Just start telling it."

Equally compelling was keynote speaker Suki Dardarian, retired Editor and Senior Vice President of the Minnesota Star Tribune, and a leader in Pulitzer Prize–winning journalism. Drawing on her decades-long career in newsrooms, Dardarian spoke about the critical importance of truth, representation, and leadership in media. She urged students to stay curious, question power, and remember that journalism—at its best—builds community and drives justice. “Never underestimate the impact of asking the right question at the right time,” she told the audience.

 

From Laura Chavez, Executive Producer of What Is Productions, who spoke passionately about the transformative power of visual storytelling and media as tools for change, to Dr. Pat Sadate-Ngatchou, Global Health Security Director at PnP AHEAD LLC, who shared invaluable lessons from her global health work across 40 countries emphasizing the importance of equity and science-driven compassion, and Logan Simons ’17, a Forest Ridge alumna and New York-based fashion photographer, who inspired the audience with her creative journey and message of artistic identity and inclusion, our panelists engaged the audience with their diverse experiences and genuine dedication.

Breakout sessions, panels, and networking opportunities offered attendees space to engage directly with speakers and each other, fostering meaningful dialogue about leadership, service, and purpose.

“The Women as Changemakers Summit at Forest Ridge was unlike anything I've experienced inside or outside of school,” reflected Student Body President Katelyn T. ’26. “Not only did I get to hear from some of my heroes, but I was able to connect their stories to my own hopes for the future after Forest Ridge. Each speaker reminded me that leadership and growth doesn't mean having all the answers but having the courage to learn and grow. Through the summit, we were able to see ourselves reflected in successful, empowering, and compassionate women which made me realize that becoming a changemaker means surrounding myself with people who support me and standing up for what I believe in.”

Thanks to everyone for joining us. We can't wait until next year!

View the full photo album here.