Golden State Today

Award-winning journalist and author Soledad O’Brien is set to headline a symposium on women, philanthropy, and leadership at the University of California, Davis. The event will take place on March 9 at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are currently available for purchase.

The symposium will include a one-on-one conversation with O’Brien, who is recognized as a leading voice on social issues. Additional presentations will be delivered by Anna Maria Chávez, former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, and Amishi Jha, Ph.D., a neuroscientist known for her work in mindfulness.

Sponsored by Women & Philanthropy at UC Davis, the event aims to foster connections and leadership among women. It will also announce the recipient of the 2025 Women & Philanthropy Impact Award. This award recognizes significant contributions to women's advancement and leadership within university communities. The winner receives $25,000 to allocate to a UC Davis fund of their choice.

This marks the third Wisdom of Women symposium following an event in 2023 featuring Misty Copeland.

O'Brien is known for her influential storytelling through various media platforms including podcasts and books. She anchors "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien," America's top syndicated public affairs news magazine. Her company, Soledad O’Brien Productions, focuses on telling stories about social issues. Her accolades include four Emmys and induction into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2023.

Anna Maria Chávez made history as the first woman of color to lead Girl Scouts USA and now heads the Arizona Community Foundation. Amishi Jha directs contemplative neuroscience research at the University of Miami and authored "Peak Mind."

Pamela Wu ’95 from UC Davis Health will moderate the event. Wu's career spans broadcast journalism and communications training; she received an Emmy in 2021.

Women & Philanthropy’s Wisdom of Women series highlights women's contributions to community improvement worldwide.