Tracy Bagli Hooper '73 is the founder of The Confidence Project and author of The NOW Hello. What to Say, What to Do in The World of Work.
She delivers keynote addresses for industry events and conferences, leads dynamic presentations for high-achieving teams around the world, and provides 1:1 advising for executives and professionals in various industries.
In the following narrative, Tracy shares the incentive for developing her business and the role Maryvale played in her life’s journey.
In 2013, two friends of mine started a women’s leadership program for new college graduates in Portland, Oregon. Knowing that I’m skilled at making connections fast, they asked if I would host an etiquette evening for the group. “Absolutely,” I said. I decided to cover the basics: how to introduce yourself, how to introduce someone else, how to start a conversation with someone you don’t know. Just a few minutes into this informal ‘training,’ it became clear – these six young women didn’t know what they didn’t know. So, I asked them, “Would you like to have a workshop with your friends to practice these skills?”
One month later, 30 young people gathered in our living room. I looked around and asked, “Why do you all think you’re here tonight?” One person raised their hand and said, “I heard this is a crash course in becoming a grown-up!” The room erupted in laughter! And I thought, “There’s a business here.”
With my background as a TV news reporter and anchor, I know how to get people talking, how to make them feel comfortable, and how to build confidence in themselves and in me. Now, I work with professionals, executives, and teams at companies who want to refine their communication skills so they can build trust, influence, and grow their company’s profitability by creating a confident company culture around them. My clients include NIKE, Microsoft, Zillow, eBay, Novo Nordisk, The Mayo Clinic, and MTV.
My experience at Maryvale significantly impacted where I am today. First, I made my best friends there. Friends are everything in high school. Even today, loyal, loving friends are one of the greatest contributors to a meaningful life.
Second, we had an incredible faculty. Sr. Catherine Virginia was a fabulous biology teacher. Even though I was a mediocre science student, she made me curious and showed me how cool biology could be. That curiosity has stayed with me.
Peggy Devall (Sr. Marion Francis) was another “10” teacher. She taught English and had a huge impact on me. As a senior, I desperately wanted to take Honors English with my super smart, hard-working friends. I wasn’t as intelligent as they were, but I begged Peggy to let me into the class.
Peggy gave me a deal: “Over the summer, read these books, write a book report on each, and if you do well, I’ll let you in.” That challenge was all the motivation I needed. With determination, inspiration, and God’s grace, I earned my spot in that class. (Ask about my favorite SAT words!)
Maryvale gave me more than an education—it gave me lifelong friends, teachers who believed in me, and the confidence to rise to a challenge. It helped shape who I am today, and I’ll always be grateful.
I was involved in many activities at Maryvale: cheerleading, stage manager for school plays, Glee Club (Choir), Student Council, and Match Maker. For the Spring Dance in my sophomore year, my sister Libby '72 and I found dates for anyone who wanted one!
One of my fondest Maryvale memories is Christmastime. The Castle was always dressed up for the season. I was in the Glee Club, and we sang on risers at the entrance of the Great Hall with the elegant stairway behind us. Our families and Maryvale friends (and a few boyfriends!) crowded into the Great Hall, even spilling into the Chapel. I remember feeling transported by the candle-lit rooms, all singing in perfect harmony to everyone I loved right there in the Great Hall. As a high school girl, I didn’t have the words to express my feelings. Today, I’d call it “being fully present.” It was magic.
Here’s my advice and what I wish I had known when I was a student at Maryvale:
- Be curious. Read books, articles, and stories from around the world—you’ll never stop learning.
- Be wise. Surround yourself with people who make you better. Remember, “You are known by the company you keep.”
- Be discerning. Fact-check everything. Asking questions makes you smarter. And the smartest people in the room ask the best questions.
- Be kind. Always speak well of others. Your words have power—use them wisely. As the late President Jimmy Carter said, “Live your life as though Christ were coming this afternoon.”
- Be respectful. Especially of your elders, they have wisdom you can’t find in books and that your girl friends don’t know.
- Be honest. With others and yourself. Remember, doubt means don’t. Follow your instincts. They always tell you the truth.
- Be aware. Know what’s happening around the world; it’s bigger than your Baltimore backyard.
- Be a saver. Even saving small amounts of money each month adds up over time and will give you freedom later.
- Be generous. With your time, talents, and money. The world needs all three from you.
- Be active. Move your body in ways that make you happy. Remember, nobody will go to the gym for you, or take that walk, or lift those weights. Just do it, girl!
- Be joyful. Find joy in the little things. Laugh a lot, and don’t forget to have fun with everyone you care about.
- Be faith-filled. Talk with God all day long and trust in God’s plan. Let your faith guide your choices.
You don’t need a title to be a leader. Start leading right where you are, and let faith guide you. You’ve got this!
With love and encouragement,
Tracy Bagli Hooper '73
