2025 Women for Good Weekend

Photo of Linda Demo and Deanna Gumpf smiling at each other

Women For Good Weekend 2025

Date: May 2, 2025
Location: Notre Dame Campus

The Hesburgh Women of Impact community was joined together again for the 2025 Women for Good Weekend — a celebration of purpose, connection, and transformative leadership. This year’s gathering highlighted the power of women of Notre Dame to create meaningful impact through faith, service, and philanthropy. Through dynamic conversations, thought-provoking panels, and shared reflection, participants left the weekend inspired to lead boldly and continue changing the world with compassion and conviction. 

Event Gallery

Aerial view photograph of the 2025 Women For Good Weekend, showing women milling around, the stage, and the digital conference screen.
Group photo of four smiling women, two Hesburgh Women of Impact Members and two young women from the Aspiring Leaders Program.
Photo of session titled From the She-Suite with four women on stage sharing their experience in leadership positions.
Photos of Notre Dame Championship Trophies for Women's Basketball and Football, featured in an artistic way at Friday night dinner.
Group of four Hesburgh Women of Impact members smiling while at dinner at basketball practice facility.
Three Notre Dame Regional Directors smiling in front of golf carts while they shuttle attendees to and from.
Three young Aspiring Leaders smiling at the camera
Two Aspiring Leaders sitting outside smiling
Large group photo at Basketball Practice Facility with young women happy and smiling at camera
Three Hesburgh Women of Impact members cheering wiht their drinks and smiling at evening event.
Group photo of three women smiling outside in the dark after Saturday night event.
Four young Aspiring Leader sitting on a rock wall at evening event on Saturday night.
Five women smiling behind a florally decorate table
Candid photo of a group of women talking and socializing at basketball practice facility.
Candid photo of women talking at the event
Photo of session She-Suite on stage with Together, Katie O’Connell Marsh ‘91, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated television producer, Ami McReynolds MBA ‘15, Senior Vice President at Feeding America, and Sherry Phillips, CEO of Forbes.
A photo of a number of wine glasses filled in the event's signature drink.
Aerial photo of HWOI members milling about and talking at basketball practice facility.
A group of four women behind a cocktail table holding their signature drinks up in a cheers style- while smiling.
A photo of the buffet
A photo of the buffet featuring salads, cheese and small hamburger sliders
A photo of two young women smiling outside .
A group photo of current students whoe were Hesburgh Women of Impact Mentees.
A photo of three women smiling while they enjoy dinner
Aerial photo of the basketball court in the basketball facility.
Photo of five women who are at the basketball practice facility, smiling for a group photo.
Candid shot of women enjoying dinner and talking amongst themselves at the table.
Photo showing the decor at the evening Friday event. Striped table clothes and small flower centerpieces
Candid shot of young women talking to each other
Candid shot showing multiple tables of attendees eating dinner
A group of three women, standing in a semi-circle talking and laughing.
Group of four women smiling together.
Group of three women smiling and holding their drinks
A candid shot of two women smiling with the Notre Dame Orange Bowl trophy.
Large group photo of women smiling for the camera outside
Katie Anthony, Notre Alum, speaking at the podium welcoming everyone to the event.
Young woman singing "Here Comes the Irish" at welome of the event
Group shot of the women while women are clapping after a session.
Slideshow of photos from the weekend
A candid shot of a women looking at the stage with interest and awe
Micki Kidder, Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment at podium speaking to the group.
Candid photo of women in the room clapping after a session
Candid photo of two women sitting at their table looking at the stage, smiling
Photo of a group of women at table, while one takes notes.
Photo of Christina Glorioso on stage welcoming everyone at the Weekend
Candid photo of a group of women talking to each other at their table.
Candid photo of a group of women talking to each other at their table.
Candid photo of a group of women talking to each other at their table.
Candid photo of a group of women talking to each other at their table.
Photo of session, What Would You Do If You Knew You Wouldn’t Fail?Katie Koch ’02, President and CEO of TCW, moderated by Ann Firth ’81, ’84 J.D., Vice President and Chief of Staff at the University.
A photo of the entire room showing hundreds of women sitting at their tables.
Photo of session, What Would You Do If You Knew You Wouldn’t Fail?Katie Koch ’02, President and CEO of TCW, moderated by Ann Firth ’81, ’84 J.D., Vice President and Chief of Staff at the University.
Photo of session, What Would You Do If You Knew You Wouldn’t Fail?Katie Koch ’02, President and CEO of TCW, moderated by Ann Firth ’81, ’84 J.D., Vice President and Chief of Staff at the University.
Candid shot of women watching a session on stage.
Candid shot of women watching a session on stage.
You Are Home: Remembering Melissa Cook ’94 Celebrate the remarkable legacy of the late Melissa Cook ’94, in a poignant session featuring her mother, Linda Demo, current Notre Dame students Micaela Kastor ’26 and Thomas Larson ‘25, and former Notre Dame Head Softball Coach, Deanna Gumpf. Micaela and Thomas’ film, You Are Home, recently took top honors at the Notre Dame Student Film Festival and beautifully captures Melissa’s impact as a student-athlete, friend, and daughter. Through heartfelt stories and reflections, Linda, Micaela, and Thomas will illuminate Melissa’s inspiring spirit, her impactful leadership, and the significance of the stadium named in her honor. This session is a powerful tribute to the enduring bonds of friendship and family, and a testament to how one woman’s story continues to resonate and shape the lives of generations of Notre Dame student-athletes. Moderated by Lou Nanni ‘84, MA ‘88, Vice President for University Relations.
You Are Home: Remembering Melissa Cook ’94 Celebrate the remarkable legacy of the late Melissa Cook ’94, in a poignant session featuring her mother, Linda Demo, current Notre Dame students Micaela Kastor ’26 and Thomas Larson ‘25, and former Notre Dame Head Softball Coach, Deanna Gumpf. Micaela and Thomas’ film, You Are Home, recently took top honors at the Notre Dame Student Film Festival and beautifully captures Melissa’s impact as a student-athlete, friend, and daughter. Through heartfelt stories and reflections, Linda, Micaela, and Thomas will illuminate Melissa’s inspiring spirit, her impactful leadership, and the significance of the stadium named in her honor. This session is a powerful tribute to the enduring bonds of friendship and family, and a testament to how one woman’s story continues to resonate and shape the lives of generations of Notre Dame student-athletes. Moderated by Lou Nanni ‘84, MA ‘88, Vice President for University Relations.
Photo of Linda Demo and Deanna Gumpf smiling at each other
Photo of Lou Nanni, Vice President for University Relations. moderating a session on stage
Slideshow of photos from the weekend
Candid shot of the room giving the session described below a standing ovation. Celebrate the remarkable legacy of the late Melissa Cook ’94, in a poignant session featuring her mother, Linda Demo, current Notre Dame students Micaela Kastor ’26 and Thomas Larson ‘25, and former Notre Dame Head Softball Coach, Deanna Gumpf. Micaela and Thomas’ film, You Are Home, recently took top honors at the Notre Dame Student Film Festival.
Photo of attendees giving a standing ovation to session: You Are Home: Remembering Melissa Cook ’94 Celebrate the remarkable legacy of the late Melissa Cook ’94, in a poignant session featuring her mother, Linda Demo, current Notre Dame students Micaela Kastor ’26 and Thomas Larson ‘25, and former Notre Dame Head Softball Coach, Deanna Gumpf
Photo of Sherry Phillips, CEO of Forbes during her session She-Suite.
Photo of Katie O’Connell Marsh ‘91, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated television producer sharing during the session She-Suite.
Photo of the Session She-Suite with Katie O’Connell Marsh ‘91, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated television producer, Ami McReynolds MBA ‘15, Senior Vice President at Feeding America, and Sherry Phillips, CEO of Forbes, will share invaluable insights gleaned from their experiences as women in executive leadership, the critical decisions that have defined their career trajectories, and the enduring influence of their values and personal narratives on their leadership styles. This is your chance to witness a powerful exchange about the driving forces behind lasting success.
Photo of Notre Dame Master of Global Affairs student Maria Camila Salamandra Arriaga, a dynamic Colombian lawyer and Fulbright Scholar who is already making waves on the world stage.
Photo of From Campus to the World Stage: Notre Dame Women in Global Leadership Experience an inspiring conversation with Dr. Mary Gallagher, the Marilyn Keough Dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs, Dr. Josefina Echavarría Álvarez, the driving force behind the Kroc Institute’s influential Peace Accords Matrix, and current Notre Dame Master of Global Affairs student Maria Camila Salamandra Arriaga, a dynamic Colombian lawyer and Fulbright Scholar who is already making waves on the world stage. Discover how these three Notre Dame women are fearlessly shaping global public policy, forging paths towards peace, and empowering the next wave of ethical leaders. Journey with them from the halls of academia to the front lines of critical global challenges, and experience firsthand how their groundbreaking work embodies Notre Dame’s mission in action to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. Moderated by Dr. Michelle Joyce ‘99, Associate Vice President of Development.
Candid shot of the room with women watching a session on stage.
Beth Graybill standing at podium introducing a session.
Photo of speakers from the session Things Shouldn’t Be So Hard Go behind the camera with Beth Garrabrant ’07, the visionary photographer behind the iconic album covers for Taylor Swift’s Folklore, Evermore, and The Tortured Poets Department. Discover the driving force behind her lens: a profound passion for storytelling, and more particularly for exploring the intricate landscapes of youth, memory, and identity. In this captivating conversation, Beth will delve into her artistic evolution, the powerful themes woven throughout her debut book, Things Shouldn’t Be So Hard, and her remarkable ability to capture raw truth and vulnerability in every project she undertakes. Moderated by Carly Murphy ’01, MA ‘02, Senior Vice President and Head of Client Strategy for the Americas at Christie’s Auction House, this session offers an exclusive glimpse into the captivating intersection of art, adolescence, and profound cultural influence.
Photo of session: Things Shouldn’t Be So Hard Go behind the camera with Beth Garrabrant ’07, the visionary photographer behind the iconic album covers for Taylor Swift’s Folklore, Evermore, and The Tortured Poets Department. Discover the driving force behind her lens: a profound passion for storytelling, and more particularly for exploring the intricate landscapes of youth, memory, and identity. In this captivating conversation, Beth will delve into her artistic evolution, the powerful themes woven throughout her debut book, Things Shouldn’t Be So Hard, and her remarkable ability to capture raw truth and vulnerability in every project she undertakes. Moderated by Carly Murphy ’01, MA ‘02, Senior Vice President and Head of Client Strategy for the Americas at Christie’s Auction House, this session offers an exclusive glimpse into the captivating intersection of art, adolescence, and profound cultural influence.
Photo of session: Things Shouldn’t Be So Hard Go behind the camera with Beth Garrabrant ’07, the visionary photographer behind the iconic album covers for Taylor Swift’s Folklore, Evermore, and The Tortured Poets Department. Discover the driving force behind her lens: a profound passion for storytelling, and more particularly for exploring the intricate landscapes of youth, memory, and identity. In this captivating conversation, Beth will delve into her artistic evolution, the powerful themes woven throughout her debut book, Things Shouldn’t Be So Hard, and her remarkable ability to capture raw truth and vulnerability in every project she undertakes. Moderated by Carly Murphy ’01, MA ‘02, Senior Vice President and Head of Client Strategy for the Americas at Christie’s Auction House, this session offers an exclusive glimpse into the captivating intersection of art, adolescence, and profound cultural influence.
Candid photo of a woman looking at the book/photography Beth Garrabrant wrote
Photo of the swag bag that attendees received, a rattan bag, Beth Garrabrant's book and Petite Plume box.
Group photo of all the Aspiring Leaders on stage.
Group of the Aspiring Leaders Leadership Committee five young women on stage.
Photo of Mollie Baumer at podium smiling.
Photo of the session: Beyond the Game: Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Women in Sports Take part in a powerhouse conversation featuring three trailblazers in women’s athletics: legendary Hall of Fame coach and former Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Notre Dame, Muffet McGraw; Chief Executive of Professional Tennis and Tournament Director of the US Open at the United States Tennis Association, Stacey Allaster; and former President and COO of the Indiana Fever, Allison Barber. Hear firsthand accounts of their pioneering journeys from the sidelines and courts to the highest levels of leadership. With decades of collective experience and transformative impact, each of these talented women will share invaluable insights into the pivotal decisions that defined their remarkable paths and the exciting new roles they are now embracing beyond the games themselves. This session celebrates the enduring legacy of women who have not only revolutionized the field of women’s sports, but are actively shaping its dynamic future. Conversation led by Muffet McGraw.
Photo of three women smiling as they walk to the next session, outside.
Photo of the session: Beyond the Game: Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Women in Sports Take part in a powerhouse conversation featuring three trailblazers in women’s athletics: legendary Hall of Fame coach and former Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Notre Dame, Muffet McGraw; Chief Executive of Professional Tennis and Tournament Director of the US Open at the United States Tennis Association, Stacey Allaster; and former President and COO of the Indiana Fever, Allison Barber. Hear firsthand accounts of their pioneering journeys from the sidelines and courts to the highest levels of leadership. With decades of collective experience and transformative impact, each of these talented women will share invaluable insights into the pivotal decisions that defined their remarkable paths and the exciting new roles they are now embracing beyond the games themselves. This session celebrates the enduring legacy of women who have not only revolutionized the field of women’s sports, but are actively shaping its dynamic future. Conversation led by Muffet McGraw.
Photo of Dolly Duffy at podium, introducing speaker
Photo of Charles and Jill Fischer Provost John McGreevy for an update on Notre Dame’s Strategic Framework and the bold vision guiding the University’s future. He’ll share insights into key priorities — from ethical leadership to sustainability — and expand on how these efforts shape research, education, and service.
Aeriel photo of women eating lunch on Saturday in Jordan Hall of Science Atrium.
Candid photo of women taking notes sitting in lecture hall
Candid photo of women sitting in lecture hall.
Photo of Dr. Kate Biberdorf, the dynamic force known widely as “Kate the Chemist” and Notre Dame’s inaugural Professor for the Public Understanding of Science starting an experiment
Photo of Dr. Kate Biberdorf, the dynamic force known widely as “Kate the Chemist” and Notre Dame’s inaugural Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, blowing fire into the air.
Photo of Session Reels, Deals & Recruiting: The New Playbook for College with Shelby Carroll, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Media, Brand, & Communications Fighting Irish Media, Notre Dame Athletics, and Kayla Rogers, Executive Director of RALLY.
Photo of immersion with Fired Up: Crème Brûlée with Chef Sinai Vespie in Notre Dame Bakery as attendees make dessert.
Photo of immersion with Fired Up: Crème Brûlée with Chef Sinai Vespie in Notre Dame Bakery art. Attendee takes photo with Sinai proudly displaying dessert she made.
Phot of Cindy Parseghian at podium welcoming everyone to the event
Photo displaying table decor at Sunday brunch, warm flowers and Batak printed table clothe.
Photo of cinnamon rolls at Sunday Brunch
Photo of tea cakes at Sunday Brunch
Candid photo Smith Ballroom at Sunday Brunch
Photo of floral centerpiece on table, pastel colored flowers.
Photo of women getting their food in a buffet line
Photo of Allison Kenney and Cindy Parseghian warmly smiling at camera
Candid photo of group in room milling around and talking to each other.
Erin Klau is speaking at the podium, welcoming everyone to the Sunday brunch.
Candid photo of group in room milling around and talking to each other.
Chrissy Trinter at the podium talking about the Aspiring Leader Program and clapping for this year's co-hort.
Maria Nakalunda, Aspiring Leader in 2025 speaking about her experience at the Weekend.
Macey Kerwin, Aspiring Leader in 2025, talking at the podium about her experience.
Photo of the session: The Next Generation: Leading Together Now in its third year, the Hesburgh Women of Impact Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP) has grown into a vibrant fellowship for recent Notre Dame alumnae. Join faculty sponsor Dr. Chrissy Trinter, Associate Professor of the Practice within the Alliance for Catholic Education, and the program’s energized new alumnae leadership team — comprised of Sabrina Curran ’23 (Chair), Maria Cyrul ‘20 (Education Co-Director and Secretary), Madison Kemker ‘22 (Marketing Director), and Rebekah Newman ‘17 (Marketing Co- Director) — as they unveil their compelling vision for the future, deeply rooted in the Hesburgh Women of Impact’s core mission to empower and cultivate the next wave of impactful female leaders.
The Next Generation: Leading Together Now in its third year, the Hesburgh Women of Impact Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP) has grown into a vibrant fellowship for recent Notre Dame alumnae. Join faculty sponsor Dr. Chrissy Trinter, Associate Professor of the Practice within the Alliance for Catholic Education, and the program’s energized new alumnae leadership team — comprised of Sabrina Curran ’23 (Chair), Maria Cyrul ‘20 (Education Co-Director and Secretary), Madison Kemker ‘22 (Marketing Director), and Rebekah Newman ‘17 (Marketing Co- Director) — as they unveil their compelling vision for the future, deeply rooted in the Hesburgh Women of Impact’s core mission to empower and cultivate the next wave of impactful female leaders.
Photo of a HWOI attendee asking a question.
Photo of session: Flag Bearers: At just 14 years old, Maria Fernanda Zamora ‘25 stood among thousands protesting government oppression in Nicaragua, defying violence and fear with resilience and hope. Today, as a senior at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Marketing and Global Affairs, she continues her fight for justice through advocacy, leadership, and education. While in high school she founded an English club for public elementary school students, aiming to equip them with the opportunities that English proficiency provides — better economic prospects, access to higher education and the ability to engage with a wider supply of information on the internet. In this powerful session, Maria will share her firsthand experiences standing against authoritarianism, her ongoing commitment to empowering others through education and truth, and her vision for using business as a tool for global progress. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, faith, and the enduring fight to be a force for good in this world. Moderated by Lou Nanni ‘84, MA ‘88, Vice President for University Relations.
A photo of Hesburgh Women of Impact Leadership Committee Members sitting in chairs and posing for a photo.
Photo of two Aspiring Leaders and Hesburgh Women of Impact attendee smiling warmly at the camera.
Candid photo of women talking and laughing outside at Saturday night event.
Candid photo of women talking and laughing outside at Saturday night event
Photo of Saturday night buffet
Candid photo of women talking and laughing outside at Saturday night event
A photo of four women smiling in front of stone wall.
Candid photo of women talking and laughing outside at Saturday night event
Candid photo of women talking and laughing outside at Saturday night event
Candid photo of women talking and laughing outside at Saturday night event

Meet the 2025 Featured Speakers

Stacey Allaster

Chief Executive of Professional Tennis and Tournament Director of the US Open at the United States Tennis Association (USTA); previous Chairman and CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)
Josefine Echavarria Alvarez

Josefina Echavarria Álvarez

Professor of the Practice and Director of the Peace Accords Matrix at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame
Katie Anthony

Katie Anthony '85, MBA '96

Co-founder, Anthony Travel, Hesburgh Women of Impact Leadership Committee Member
María Camila

María Camila Salamandra Arriaga '25

Colombian lawyer and Fulbright Scholar in the Master of Global Affairs program at the Keough School of Global Affairs at Notre Dame
Allison Barber

Allison Barber

Chair of the Marvella Foundation, former President and COO of the Indiana Fever
Kate Biberdorf

Dr. Kate Biberdorf, ("Kate the Chemist")

Inaugural Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of Notre Dame
Heather Christophersen

Heather Christophersen '98

Notre Dame’s Vice President for Human Resources
Linda Demo and her husband Paul

Linda Demo

Co-founder, the Melissa Cook Memorial Foundation
Ann Firth

Ann Firth '81, '84 J.D.

Vice President and Chief of Staff to Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
Mary Gallagher

Dr. Mary Gallagher

Dean and Professor of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs

Beth Garrabrant '07

Photographer and documentary film producer
Deanna Gumpf

Deanna Gumpf

Senior Director of the Southwest Team in Development, winningest coach in Notre Dame Athletics history

Michelle Joyce '99

Associate Vice President, University of Notre Dame Department of Development

Micaela Kastor '26

Current Notre Dame student-athlete pursuing a major in Film, Television, and Theatre with a minor in Sports, Media & Culture
Micki Kidder

Micki Kidder MBA '19

Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment, University of Notre Dame
Headshot of Erin Gallagher Klau with shoulder length brown hair, green sparkling eyes, and warm smile.

Erin Klau '96

Advisory Board co-chair, Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights; Hesburgh Women of Impact Leadership Committee Member
Dr. Tanya Kne

Dr. Tanya M. Kne '89

Chief Medical Officer for Risk and Post-Acute Care at Banner Health in Arizona, Hesburgh Women of Impact Leadership Committee Member

Katie Koch '02

President and Chief Executive Officer of TCW and serves as a member of the Board of Directors
Thomas Larson

Thomas Larson '25

Graduating senior of the University of Notre Dame pursuing a major in Film, Television, and Theatre and Theology
Monk Malloy

Rev. Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C.

President 1987-2005, University of Notre Dame
Katie O'Connell Marsh

Katie O'Connell Marsh '91

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated television executive and producer

Muffet McGraw

Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball
John McGreevy

John McGreevy '86

Charles and Jill Fischer Provost, University of Notre Dame
Ami McReynolds

Ami McReynolds MBA '15

Senior Vice President of Feeding America
Margaret Meserve

Margaret Meserve

Vice President and Associate Provost for Academic Space and Support, University of Notre Dame

Carly Murphy '01, '02

Senior Vice President and Head of Client Strategy, Americas at Christie’s

Lou Nanni '84

Vice President for University Relations, University of Notre Dame
Cindy Parseghian class of 1977, featured speaker

Cindy Parseghian '77

President, Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation; Trustee, University of Notre Dame; Hesburgh Women of Impact Leadership Committee Member
Sherry Phillips, featured speaker

Sherry Phillips

Chief Revenue Officer, Forbes
Anne Thompson class of 1979, featured speaker

Anne Thompson ‘79

Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent, NBC News; Trustee, University of Notre Dame; Hesburgh Women of Impact Leadership Committee
Chirssy Trinter

Chrissy Trinter

Associate Professor of Mathematics Education with the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE); Director of the Catholic School Teacher Leadership Program
Maria Fernanda Zamora

Maria Fernanda Zamora '25

Graduating senior at the University of Notre Dame, double majoring in Marketing and Global Affairs
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