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For more than 160 years, Harpeth Hall and its predecessor schools — Ward-Belmont and Ward Seminary — have educated confident, thoughtful young women who leave the school ready to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the world. And now, with the school’s new vision statement, this mission is more clearly defined than ever: With a deepening understanding of herself and boundless curiosity about the world, each Harpeth Hall graduate embraces her strengths and leads a life of purpose.

We spoke to a handful of alumnae to explore how this vision affects their lives as Harpeth Hall students and continues to have an impact long after graduation.

A teacher stands by young women as they review papers. Others engage in problem-solving at the whiteboard.Pin
Harpeth Hall’s new vision statement not only affects current students. Many alumnae say the vision resonates with them, too. Image: Harpeth Hall

How does Harpeth Hall’s new vision statement resonate with you as an alumna?

“As an alumna, I realize I was surrounded by such intellectual, talented students and a dedicated community where I had the freedom to be boundlessly curious and find my life of purpose. The new vision statement captures the awe of each Harpeth Hall girl’s potential and future.” — Nancy Brown King, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee (Class of 1986)

“This vision [statement] translates into prioritizing meaningful connections with friends and family, understanding that purpose in life extends beyond career aspirations. Harpeth Hall’s new vision statement codifies the school’s already long-standing culture of empowering young women to think independently and forge their own unique paths with courage.” — Scottie Gambill Ryan, Group Project Manager at Google (Class of 2002)

At Harpeth Hall, four girls cheer around a robotics competition table, where small robots are assembled and displayed. This vibrant scene perfectly embodies our vision statement that empowers women through hands-on learning and teamwork.Pin
Harpeth Hall’s new vision statement reiterates the school’s dedication to encouraging young women to be confident and curious as they uncover their greatest strengths. Image: Harpeth Hall

How does this new vision statement relate to your impact on the world?

“There’s definitely a strong connection between leading a life of purpose and the work I do today. I think the opportunities I had at a young age to engage with others outside of my comfort zone, explore different ideas, and learn about different perspectives helped shape who I am today and how I approach my work. I’ve been able to truly enjoy what I do every day and support others by leading with purpose and empathy.” — Tobi Lee Erwin, School Partnerships Manager (Class of 2008)

“In my own life and career, curiosity and purpose are vital to success. I enter the hospital each day with a deep curiosity about why we treat patients the way we do, how my patients’ cultural background shapes their care, and how we may create new technology to increase efficiency and improve outcomes. To create great change in this world, you must combine that boundless curiosity with drive and purpose, as just questioning the world around you won’t get you very far.” — Hannah Huth, Fellow at NIH Medical Research Scholars Program + MD Candidate University of Tennessee Health Science Center  (Class of 2016)

Students in uniforms sit at desks in a Harpeth Hall classroom, raising their hands. A teacher stands nearby, observing and empowering women to contribute confidently as part of the school's vision statement.Pin
Many Harpeth Hall alumnae say the school cultivates an environment for young women to ask questions and pursue their passions — which often leads to success in their adult lives. Image: Harpeth Hall

What values from Harpeth Hall do you carry with you in your personal and professional endeavors today?

“I’m incredibly grateful for the persistence with which Harpeth Hall instilled the mission to ‘think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably.’ While these words may seem simple and obvious in a vacuum, they are less so in the ‘real’ world, and it can be surprising how many people don’t follow them in the way that Harpeth Hall teaches us to … The moments when I’ve lived by [these] values are the ones I’m most proud of, and I hope to live my life as a reflection of that mission as much as possible.” — Kaili Wang, Circle Research and Engineering, Software Engineer (Class of 2018)

“I carry deep curiosity and the instinct to question assumptions before making decisions. I carry thoughtful feminism that empowers women and doesn’t require us to be a single reduced stereotype. I carry compassion and empathy. I carry a desire to know and learn from people who aren’t exactly like me, but the most important value from Harpeth Hall that I carry with me daily is belief — belief in myself and the confidence that I can do hard things, belief in others and the collaboration it takes to do hard things, and belief in the world that it can be a better place for us all.” — Katie Sergent Cour, President and CEO, Nashville Public Education Foundation (Class of 1990)

In the library, a teacher engages with students sitting with books, embodying Harpeth Hall’s vision statement of creating an inspiring environment that empowers women to learn and grow.Pin
“For almost 35 years, I have been telling people that Harpeth Hall was where I began to realize who I was and when I truly started to come into my own,” continues Katie Sergent Cour. “It was at Harpeth Hall that I learned that I didn’t have to fit into a box, where I learned to try new things and take risks at a time in [my] life when risk-taking is hard to embrace.” Image: Harpeth Hall
“Something I carry with me to this day from my time at Harpeth Hall is its celebration of women. Having moved out into the world, nowhere has the celebration and uplifting of girls and women felt more central and genuine than at Harpeth Hall … I would not have the strength and self-awareness I do today in navigating historically male-dominated fields and settings if it weren’t for the encouragement of me and my abilities by my teachers at Harpeth Hall. It provided the strong foundation on which I’ve built my persona and self-confidence as a scientist.” — Maddie Shankle, PhD Student in Geochemistry and Paleoceanography (Class of 2012)

“Curiosity, kindness, and respect are essential in what I do every day as a psychiatrist, and I’m thankful to Harpeth Hall for cultivating these values in me … I appreciate the way Harpeth Hall’s values of curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning became such a fundamental part of me as a student there. I attribute my courage in taking the leap [to be my own boss] to my experience at Harpeth Hall, where I was encouraged to take smart risks and view mistakes and failures as useful learning opportunities for success.” — Dana Deaton Verner, Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist, Green Hills Family Psych (Class of 1995)

In a Harpeth Hall classroom, students are seated at desks, eagerly raising hands to answer a teacher's question. The teacher stands confidently near the whiteboard, embodying the school's vision statement to empower women through education and engagement.Pin
When young women leave Harpeth Hall, they’re equipped with the skills to think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably. Image: Harpeth Hall

Harpeth Hall is located at 3801 Hobbs Rd, Nashville, TN 37215. To learn more, visit harpethhall.org or call (615) 297-9543.

This article is sponsored by Harpeth Hall.

Brianna Goebel
About the Author
Brianna Goebel

Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.