Saugus High School Hosts Inspiring ‘ASCEND’ Event for Students

On October 18, 2025, Saugus High School served as the venue for the second annual “ASCEND” event, organized by the WiSH Education Foundation in partnership with the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley and Soroptimist International of Valencia. This event aimed to empower junior high and high school students by showcasing the professional and personal journeys of women leaders in the community.

The acronym “ASCEND” stands for “Achieve, Succeed, Confidence, Empower, Nurture, Drive,” and reflects the values that the speakers shared with the attendees. Highlighting the importance of resilience and determination, the speakers illustrated how they navigated challenges and setbacks in their careers.

Keynote speaker Kelly Cude, professor and department chair of biological and environmental sciences at College of the Canyons, opened the event with insights into her own career journey. She emphasized the significance of finding one’s passion and the impact it has on personal fulfillment. Her message set a motivational tone for the day, encouraging students to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Among the speakers was Elizabeth Tarantini, a licensed social worker at Bowman High School. Tarantini shared her experience as the first person in her family to graduate from college, a milestone she achieved at California State University, Long Beach. Reflecting on her educational path, she recounted switching majors multiple times before settling on social work, inspired by a poignant experience during college.

In Tarantini’s words, “In college, I had a roommate that was pregnant… I met my very first social worker who came over to us as her support system and said, ‘What are you going to do to take care of her when she goes home?’ I was so struck by that.” Her story resonated with many students, illustrating the importance of empathy and the drive to support others, especially in moments of vulnerability.

Another inspiring speaker, Kyanna Isaacson, who is the operations director for Jersey Mike’s Subs in Santa Clarita, shared her unexpected path to success. Isaacson began her career at just 16 years old while still a junior at Saugus High School, originally aspiring to become a chef. “I was doing the culinary program at COC, then I transferred to Le Cordon Bleu,” she explained. However, after realizing the demanding hours of the culinary profession, she pivoted to managing her own franchise with Jersey Mike’s.

Isaacson reflected on her journey, stating, “I decided to drop out of school and run Jersey Mike’s… I was nominated for ‘Manager of the Year’… when I won my first franchise, I was bawling my eyes out. It was life-changing.” Today, she operates nine locations and emphasizes the importance of work-life balance.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with family. We’re traveling. I enjoy being more present,” Isaacson noted. Her transformation from a workaholic to a more balanced individual has not only improved her personal life but also enhanced her ability to lead and mentor her employees effectively.

The ASCEND event successfully highlighted the diverse trajectories of women in various fields, showcasing their achievements and the lessons learned along the way. By sharing their stories, the speakers aimed to inspire students to recognize their potential and navigate their own paths with confidence and resilience.

The collaboration between the WiSH Education Foundation, Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, and Soroptimist International of Valencia underscores the community’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. As students left the event, they carried with them valuable insights and motivation to pursue their aspirations, equipped with the knowledge that success is often a journey marked by perseverance and growth.