Judge Yew and Dr. Hathi Honored as Notre Dame’s Women of Impact

At the annual Women of Impact luncheon hosted by Notre Dame High School in San Jose, California, Judge Erica Yew and Dr. Sejal Hathi received honors on October 17, 2025. The event celebrated their significant contributions to the community, drawing an audience of nearly 400 attendees at the Signia by Hilton hotel.

A Special Connection

This year’s celebration was particularly meaningful as Yew and Hathi share a unique bond as godmother and goddaughter. Hathi, a 2009 graduate of Notre Dame, currently oversees health care and public health services for the state of Oregon. During the event, she expressed her surprise at being honored alongside Yew, recounting their relationship to the crowd.

“She’s also one of the earliest friends that my mother cherished upon arriving to this country as a young woman herself,” Hathi remarked. “To witness Judge Yew now, to honor her here, to see her stand in her own power, is to not only celebrate her but also to celebrate my childhood.” Hathi emphasized the dreams that her mother and others of their generation held for future women.

Impactful Careers

Judge Yew has made history as the first Asian American woman appointed to the Santa Clara County Superior Court, receiving her appointment on October 19, 2001. This year, she earned a Community Heroes Award from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board, acknowledging her dedication to justice and community service.

Prior to the luncheon, both women participated in an assembly at Notre Dame High School, where they engaged with students about their career trajectories and insights on justice and women’s leadership. Ashley Rae Mathis, Head of School, noted the importance of women sharing their stories, saying, “There is power in having women tell women’s stories.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Women of Impact luncheon has served as a fundraising event, supporting tuition assistance at Notre Dame High School, which is set to celebrate its 175th anniversary next year.

The event not only recognized the achievements of Judge Yew and Dr. Hathi but also highlighted the ongoing commitment to empowering women in leadership roles within the community. As both honorees continue to inspire future generations, their stories resonate deeply, showcasing the impact of mentorship and connection.