Our Masterclasses

See Jane Run: How Women Politicians Matter for Young People (McKenna)

From Kamala Harris to Nikki Haley, women in public life are widely expected to inspire young people, especially girls, to follow in their footsteps. 

Hear from Professor Christina Wolbrecht, co-author of a new book, See Jane Run, as we explore how women role models enhance faith in democracy and inspire political engagement in young people. Professor Wolbrecht will be joined by Emmy Duffy ‘25,  who participated in the Notre Dame Washington Program, which offers students the opportunity to intern and study in Washington, D.C. She majors in Political Science with minors in Constitutional Studies, Journalism, Ethics & Democracy, and Italian.


The Leading Ladies of Data and AI at the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society (Jenkins Nanovic)

The Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society is honored to participate in the Hesburgh Women of Impact weekend retreat. During this immersion opportunity, Women of Impact will have the opportunity to hear from female researchers within the Institute who are conducting meaningful data science and AI research within local and global communities. The presentation will focus on the depth of research within the field of AI-driven health innovation and the educational programming at the Institute, inspiring the next generation to pursue socially responsible STEM projects and careers. Led by Michele Martin, Executive Director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society at the University of Notre Dame and Hesburgh Women of Impact member.


Working towards Mental Health Solutions for a World Deeply in Need: Immersion Experience at the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic/Shaw Center for Children and Families (Shaw Center)

Our mental health immersion experience will focus on the work of the Shaw Center for Children and Families and highlight innovative research and programming designed to help us understand and support the well-being of children and youth in our community. You will see first-hand Vagal Nerve Stimulation as an innovative means to reduce anxiety in youth at risk of self-injury, hear about research on what children with autism find motivating, and experience a session on how mothers are taught how to help their children identify, talk about, and process emotions - which leads to better self-regulation outcomes for the children.

The Wilma and Peter Veldman Family Psychology Clinic (veldmanclinic.nd.edu) is a clinical research center at the University of Notre Dame that brings together faculty experts focused on developing innovative methods for the prevention and treatment of mental health issues and on informing the practice of clinical care across the nation. Uniting the work of Notre Dame’s William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families with new research on substance use and other developing areas, the clinic fosters collaboration among experts focused on evidence-based treatments to mental health issues that can improve lives in the South Bend community and across the country. We conduct research that advances our understanding of how to support mental health, increase access to evidence-based care by providing clinical services and offer high-quality training to our clinical graduate students and providers in the community. The Clinic is scheduled to expand into a new building in the spring of 2026 in South Bend’s East Bank neighborhood

Reels, Deals & Recruiting: The New Playbook for College (Corbett) 

In today’s college sports world, it’s not just about performance on the field—it’s also about presence online. To stay competitive, universities need strong content creation teams, like Fighting Irish Media, that help tell athletes’ stories, attract top talent, and additional partners like RALLY, a lifestyle agency dedicated to creating meaningful Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities for Notre Dame student-athletes.

Join us for a conversation with Shelby Carroll, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Media, Brand, & Communications Fighting Irish Media, Notre Dame Athletics, and Kayla Rogers, Executive Director of RALLY. Along with Reese Sanders '26, Track Athlete & Social Media Influencer, who’s built a following of over 30,000 on social media. 

We’ll talk about what schools can do to support student-athletes in this new era, why creative content matters more than ever, and how the next generation of athletes redefines what it means to go pro—on and off the field.

Fired Up: Crème Brûlée with Chef Sinai Vespie (Bakery) 

Turn up the heat in this hands-on cooking session with Chef Sinai Vespie, Executive Pastry Chef at Notre Dame and a featured contestant on Food Network’s Halloween Cookie Challenge. Chef Sinai will guide you step-by-step as you create your very own crème brûlée—mixing, baking, and finishing it off with that signature caramelized sugar crust. 

Along the way, she’ll share behind-the-scenes stories from her time on national television, what inspires her in the kitchen, and how she brings artistry and bold flavor to every dish. No experience needed—just bring your sweet tooth and a sense of adventure!



Tee Time: Golf Lessons with Kyle Veltri (Golf  Course) 

Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player looking to sharpen your skills for summer, join Kyle Veltri, Notre Dame’s Assistant Golf Coach, for a fun and relaxed golf session designed for all levels. Kyle will cover the fundamentals of grip, stance, and swing mechanics, while offering personalized tips to help improve your game.  Come ready to swing, learn, and enjoy some time on the green—no pressure, all levels welcome! 


Swing into It: Softball with the Irish (Softball Field) 

Grab a bat and step up to the plate! Whether it’s your first time swinging or you’ve been hitting home runs for years, join members of the Notre Dame Softball team for a laid-back, fun session of soft toss and hitting practice. You’ll get tips from the players, a chance to sharpen your swing, and plenty of time to just enjoy the game. No gear or experience necessary—just bring your game face and a good attitude!


Walking with Grace: A Women’s Spiritual Tour of Campus 

Join Colleen Moore, Director of Formation and Theological Education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, for a reflective and inspiring walking tour of Notre Dame’s campus—seen through the lens of women’s spirituality and leadership.This guided experience will highlight sacred spaces, stories of holy women connected to those spaces. Along the way, Colleen will share insights on how women’s voices, presence, and faith shaped Our Lady’s University. 


God & The Good Life: Big Questions with Meghan Sullivan (McKenna)

What does it mean to live a good life? How do faith, reason, and purpose come together in our everyday decisions? Join Professor Meghan Sullivan, founder of Notre Dame’s renowned God & The Good Life course, for an engaging, thought-provoking session exploring life’s biggest questions. Professor Sullivan will guide you through questions that challenge and inspire—and offer a glimpse into one of Notre Dame’s most popular and talked-about courses. Come curious, and leave with new ways to think about what truly matters.

Designing Sustainability (McKenna) 

Join Dr. Arun Agrawal, a global leader in environmental governance and Notre Dame’s new Director of the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative, for a conversation about his vision for advancing sustainability across the University. Drawing from decades of research on climate resilience, conservation, and development, Dr. Agrawal will share how Notre Dame can lead efforts to care for our common home and promote just, sustainable solutions for communities around the world.


Turning Imposter Syndrome on Its (High) Heels! (McKenna) 

Why do so many women doubt their own identity, who they are at the core of their being and questioning not only their achievements but also their life journey? Why do so many women believe they must “prove” their worth, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men?In this high-impact and entertaining session participants will learn how to re-code one’s self-limiting mindset and “Turn Imposter Syndrome on Its High Heels” with these key Take-aways: 

  • Understanding how one’s family dynamic sets the stage for Imposter Syndrome.

  • How doubting one’s emotions leads to not trusting one’s self.

  • The connection between the fear of uncertainty and Imposter Syndrome.

  • Recognizing the societal & cultural factors fueling Imposter Syndrome.

  • Identifying the language of Imposter Syndrome and changing it!

  • Learning new cognitive strategies for breaking free of Imposter Syndrome.

  • How to harness the negative energy of Imposter Syndrome into your superpower!

Led by Sherry Skyler Kelly, PhD (P ’26) – Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist, and Notre Dame Parent