The best dressed woman you know is probably a Westridge alumna. Strutting through the Quad and Madeline Court, I was struck by fun blazers, patterned skirts, and golden racks of jewelry in the timeless outfits of Westridge alumnae. Though I didn’t get to talk to most of them, I walked away feeling I knew more about the women of Westridge through their confidence and creativity exemplified in their outfits—two traits likely instilled in them during their time on State Street. 

This weekend, from Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9, decades of graduating classes joined at Westridge to reconnect and reminisce on their time as Tigers. The Class of 1975, who celebrated their 50th reunion this year, met with fourth graders for a “meet and greet.” Upper School students in classes like Perspectives in Literature and Rocketry spoke about their experiences in the unique courses. Alumnae brought their families for a breakfast and Sunday of fun.

As Spyglass Editor-in-Chief, I had the honor of talking to a few of them, including leading two Q&A sessions with this year’s distinguished alumnae, 2025 Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Lena Alfi ’05 and 2025 Distinguished Young Alumna Alana Pacheco ’10.

Going into the conversations, I was incredibly nervous. Not because I hate public speaking—I actually love it—but because I didn’t want to mess up the incredible opportunity to hold an engaging and insightful conversation with these two accomplished women. 

Ms. Alfi, or Lena as I called her throughout the weekend, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Malala Fund, which works “to ensure all girls have access to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education,” per the Westridge website.

She talked about the current initiatives she is leading to support girls in Afghanistan in their pursuit of an education, despite the Taliban presence which makes it illegal. She also spoke about her time as a student, playing tennis, participating in Spanish club, and pursuing an independent study with Upper School History Teacher Mr. Bill Harrison. I learned that he was both of our advisors!

Through talking to various alumnae, it was interesting to hear how the school has changed, and how it hasn’t. Alana Pacheco was at Westridge when the Green Guerrillas club, that I am actively a part of, started. She attributes her

involvement in the club, which focuses on environmental sustainability, as the reason she pursued a career in environmental science—focused on sustainable farming practices. I also got to ask about her other involvements at Westridge, which included competing on the water polo team and crafting costumes for shows like Grease with Costume Designer Ms. Io Hawk.

Though I was initially wowed by the creative and extravagant outfits of our alumnae, I was even more impressed and inspired by their thoughts, questions, and answers. Whether it be through talking to Lena and Alana or answering a question about Spyglass in passing, I loved embracing the history of Westridge. 

Till next time—when I’ll be an alumna!