Madeleine Albright pays visit to Castilleja School Madeleine Albright pays visit to Castilleja School (March 17, 2004)

When former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright visited Castilleja School recently, her talk appeared to resonate with students at the all-girls school in Palo Alto.

Senior Blythe Austin of Atherton introduced Dr. Albright, saying that as secretary of state in the Clinton administration "she achieved what no other woman in the U.S. has."

Educated at a school for girls and a women's college, Ms. Albright spoke about the many challenges she had faced, and how being a feminist had shaped her actions.

Throughout her career, she said, she has made it a priority to encourage women leaders worldwide. "There's a special place in hell for women who don't support each other," she said.

Many hands went up when Ms. Albright fielded questions. The girls had learned about her life because an anonymous donor had arranged for each of the 415 girls in the school and all faculty and staff to receive a copy of "Madam Secretary," her memoir.

Dr. Albright answered questions that ranged from the discovery of her Jewish heritage to the greatest challenges of her time as secretary of state, said Linda Rafferty, Castilleja's alumnae director. Ms. Albright discussed at length the difficult diplomatic situation in the Middle East.

Throughout her talk Ms. Albright offered advice, beginning with her motto, "Don't forget to interrupt." She also encouraged each student to always speak for herself.

She said she hoped Castilleja students would try to understand different cultures throughout the world, particularly Islam. Whenever students travel, she advised, they should represent not only themselves but also their country.

"She was an inspiration to all the girls," said Castilleja parent John Doerr, who made the assembly possible. "She rocks."

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