Lunch with many incredible women.

Brown at Salute E Vita

June seems to have flown past me, and with less than a month left until our departure I could almost taste the New England humidity I have been told about countless times. While our cohort's get together had been marked on my calendar since it was first mentioned, I suddenly remembered it the day before and I was once again reminded how short the summer truly is. Upon arriving at Salute E Vita Ristorante, a hidden gem in Richmond's Marina Bay, I saw the rest of the cohort gathered in the parking lot. Ms.Neal, Ms.Ms. Maher, and all of the girls except Erin and Esme, who couldn't make it, were there. We were escorted inside, and took our seats. I sat next to Diana, and across from Ms. Maher. We talked about how our summer had gone so far, Wendy was a part of this really cool robotics program and Ms. Maher was happy not to have to teach summer school. 

Me, Mary Tores, and Diana

The waiter arrived with drinks and appetizers, I had an Italian raspberry soda- which was incredible, and there was fried Calamari and Bruschetta to start with. I had been looking forward to spending time with the cohort before our departure, and this was a great way to do it. It was a gorgeous day outside, not too cold and not too warm, and it felt very nice and peaceful as we sat and waited for our food to arrive. Ms. Maher recognized Mary Tores who sat at a table near ours, and was a Rosie. She came to say hello and told us to visit her at the national park. She also told us about how she ran away from home and came to California. It was brilliant to meet such an incredible woman. 

My Gamberoni

We got to talk more in depth about our trip, and it's very exciting see some of the details fleshing out. Ms. Neal gave us tips about talking to the person sitting next to us on the plane, and how we will be getting around in the East Coast. Once our entrees arrived, Gamberoni, or sauteed prawns with buttered mashed potato and fresh vegetables on the side for me, it was time to dig in. After a fabulous lunch, and another one of those soda's, Ms. Neal suggested dessert. A tray of delicate looking desserts were brought out, cheesecake, tiramisu, key lime pie, and many other mouthwatering sweets. I decided on a chocolate mousse, and I was not disappointed! 

Soon it was time to leave, and I felt as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey and maybe just a tiny bit delirious as we headed down to the exit. On the way out Ms. Neal recognized the owner of the restaurant, Menbere Aklilu, and we told her about the Ivy League Connection and what we would be doing this summer. Ms. Aklilu told us how proud she was, and her kindness was extraordinary. She told us a little about herself, how she moved to America, struggled with homelessness, and overcame her obstacles. She is such a big role model, and gives back so much to the community. She also invited us to come back to Salute E Vita and join her at an event where she teaches young women table manners and etiquette. She was such an inspirational person, and I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to meet women such as her and Mary Tores, and witness Women and Leadership in the world.