Trinity Hall continued its tradition of empowering young women at its annual Leading Ladies Luncheon at Eagle Oaks Country Club on May 20. The event brought together a mix of successful local businesswomen and Trinity Hall’s junior class for a meaningful afternoon of networking, mentorship, and inspiration.
Head of School Theresa Kiernan opened the afternoon with welcome remarks, expressing gratitude to sponsors and recognizing the contributions of past keynote speakers who helped shape the event’s legacy. SCOPE council chair Anna Martin then offered a prayer of appreciation, and Student Body President Maddie Quinn welcomed guests while recognizing leadership growth opportunities provided by Trinity Hall. Student Body Vice President Arielle Nimoh emphasized the importance of the junior class modeling strength and leadership to fellow students.
After initial greetings, students engaged in lively conversation and networking with professionals seated at their tables, learning firsthand about various career paths and leadership journeys. Junior Sydney Kramer especially enjoyed this portion of the day as she said, “Seeing so many successful women from Monmouth County in one room was truly empowering and inspired me to follow my passions." Similarly, Bridget Pearson expressed, "I was inspired and motivated by all the powerful women surrounding me.”
The keynote address was delivered by Rebecca Davis. Davis has served as a news and television producer, and she is the co-director and co-producer of the feature-length documentary “Join or Die”, currently streaming on Netflix. Davis recounted her experiences in journalism – a field she described as traditionally male-dominated – and shared insights from her research on social capital and community engagement. Throughout her speech, she shared clips from the documentary and led listeners through her journey in bringing the film to life.
Drawing on two years of travel across the U.S. to promote her film and connect with audiences, Davis encouraged students to take part in calls to action. She instructed the junior class to take stock of their communities’ needs and to become active participants in shaping the future they want to see. Luncheon guest Wendy Kramer, mother to Sydney Kramer, sensed the importance of Davis’ words as she shared, "I found the speaker very informative and educational. Learning about the importance of community involvement and the decline over the last 25 years was truly eye-opening to me as a mother and a citizen. Her message was very inspiring, that we, as community members, can be the change."
A discussion between Davis and Victoria Gmelich, Trinity Hall co-founder and Trustee, followed the keynote. Their conversation explored themes of community ownership and the power of individual action, reinforcing the day’s theme of proactive leadership.
To close the event, Lorraine Knepple, Trinity Hall’s Director of Development, offered a note of thanks to all attendees for their continued support in advancing the school’s mission of developing the next generation of female leaders.
The day proved to be a success for all in attendance. Guest and Trinity Hall mother Beth Taylor shared, “The megawatt smiles of the Class of 2026 that greeted me in the entrance hallway created an exhilarating atmosphere that infused the entire event. I left feeling incredibly optimistic that our girls, as Trinity graduates, will encounter inspiring and supporting female mentors whatever career or passion they pursue.” Taylor’s daughter, student Helen Taylor, expressed her agreement with her mother’s sentiments as she reflected, “It was so empowering to be in a room full of powerful working women. I cannot wait until it is my turn to become a leading lady!”
Thank you to all the supporters and attendees of the Leading Ladies Luncheon. See photos from the event here.