Students Inspired by Women's Work Presentations

Last week the Upper School welcomed a talented group of St. Agnes Academy alumnae back to campus to participate in our Women’s Work event. Women’s Work was created to allow SAA alumnae with meaningful careers a time and a space to share their stories, their struggles, and their passion with our Upper School students. This annual collaboration between our Alumnae Office and the Upper School SGA gives students a glimpse into the potential that each person’s future holds.

SGA President Emma McClellan (’24) shared, “I love Women's Work because it allows me, as a young woman, to catch a glimpse into what the ‘real’ world has in store for me. It is such an empowering experience to hear from successful women, who used to walk the same halls and sit in the same seats as me, about their journey from high school to where they are now. Getting to hear about their achievements and rejections or ‘failures’ provides hope and inspiration for me, especially as I am about to graduate. Women's Work helps me realize there is no straight and narrow path to success and there is a myriad of opportunities out there for a St. Agnes Star!”

This year’s speakers were Beth Weems Bradley, Dr. Alicia Weeks Wright, and Rachel Smith O'Neal. A member of the Class of 1980, Beth Weems Bradley attended Vanderbilt University where she earned a B.A. in French and English and a J.D from Vanderbilt School of Law. Beth has practiced for 35 years as a probate attorney at Burch, Porter & Johnson. Beth recently completed a two-year term as President of the Memphis Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the local Bar Association. She is a member of the St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Board of Trustees serving as chair of the Trustee Governance Committee. Beth is a long-time volunteer with the Blessings Special Needs ministry at Christ Church. 

Rachel Smith O’Neal, Class of 2002, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she majored in Media Studies & Production and minored in English. Rachel is Vice President of Development at Los Angeles-based movie production and financing company Black Label Media. A self-proclaimed “book nerd and a movie nerd”, Rachel has followed her passion for books and film, turning this passion into a successful career journey.  Before joining Black Label Media (co-founded by her sister Molly Smith Heussenstamm,’99), Rachel worked in advertising for BBDO Worldwide in New York and 2S FILMS. Rachel works in production, reviews scripts, and works closely with writers to develop original material exclusively for Black Label.

Class of 2002 graduate Dr. Alicia Weeks Wright completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University and earned her medical degree from the UTHSC College of Medicine in Memphis. She is a physician at Memphis Obstetrics and Gynecological Association (MOGA). Alicia has met the rigorous criteria necessary to qualify as a Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. As an ACOG Fellow, she can provide the highest level of quality care for women of all ages, from routine and preventive services to reproductive health. Dr. Wright has educated hundreds of Upper School SAA girls in Health Class about how important it is to take care of and listen to your body. The students look forward to her visit each year!

Junior Kate Nieman had this reaction to the presentations: “Women's Work was a great opportunity to listen to three inspiring women share their experiences and give us their advice. Dr. Wright emphasized taking every ‘no’ that life gives you as a ‘not yet,’ Mrs. Bradley described that a career path isn't always a straight line, and Mrs. O'Neal talked about how being both kind and assertive is possible. It was awesome to know that they all had the same foundation at St. Agnes that I'm getting. Each woman gave us a glimpse of how bright a Star's future can be!”