From advocating for change as a Gonzaga Prep student to championing equality as a trial attorney and community leader, Janelle Carney Boston `01 credits Prep with helping her find her voice and develop the grit that continues to guide her today.
 
My name is Janelle Carney Boston, and I graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 2001. During my time at Prep, I was a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society.

Today, I serve as the Managing Shareholder of GLP Attorneys for the Eastern Washington region. I'm an attorney who advocates for individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Championing equality is at the heart of my work. That passion led me to start a networking group called Lady Boss, which supports, connects, and empowers professional women. We have a thriving chapter in the greater Spokane and Coeur d'Alene area, and we've recently expanded with a new chapter in Vancouver, Washington.

Even after 24 years, I remain close to many people from my time at Prep. We often talk about our time at Prep. It all comes down to one word: community. Prep is unlike any other high school because it doesn’t just educate—it creates a lifelong network. Even if you didn’t know someone while you were there, there’s a shared understanding and pride that connects you as a Prep graduate.

When I graduated from Prep and went on to the University of Washington, I quickly realized how well Prep had prepared me. I felt confident—not just academically, but in my work ethic and mindset. I had already learned how to study, how to work hard, and most importantly, how to persevere. That kind of inner strength—what I now refer to as “grit”—is something I carry with me every day as a trial attorney and mentor. And it started at Prep.

The seed for my legal career was planted early. When I was just nine years old, a teacher told me I should become a lawyer. At the time, it may have been a critique of my argumentative nature—but it lit a spark. That spark grew stronger in high school when Mr. Dougherty, one of my teachers, echoed the same sentiment. After preparing and delivering a speech in his class, he asked me if I had ever considered becoming a lawyer. His belief in me made a lasting impact. That encouragement helped shape my goals, and I even wrote my senior thesis at Prep about becoming an attorney. I’ll always be grateful for his words and for his ability to see that potential in me.

Like many high school students, I probably would have said at the time that it was “okay” or even “tough.” And it was—high school is challenging in many ways: emotionally, academically, and socially. But in hindsight, I see Prep for what it truly was: a foundation. It gave me direction, discipline, and resilience. The environment was small enough that no one went unnoticed. The adults knew you, cared about you, and stepped in when it mattered. That kind of support is priceless.

I’m also grateful that Prep gave me a voice—and that my voice was heard. During my time there, there was talk of canceling Homecoming. I started a petition to keep it, and the administration listened. I also advocated for cheerleading to be open to all grade levels instead of just seniors. Although the change came after my time, the administration listened. Those moments taught me that advocacy matters, even in high school.

A co-ed Prep environment offered me the chance to grow, compete, and collaborate alongside my peers. It challenged me, empowered me, and helped shape who I am today. If I could speak directly to the young women at Prep today, I would say this: Don’t underestimate your voice or your power. Advocate for the things that matter to you, even if they seem small. Those moments will build your confidence and your leadership skills.

One of the most lasting values I carry from Prep is grit—the ability to dig deep, stay the course, and work hard through challenges. Whether in law, leadership, or life, grit has been my constant companion. There have absolutely been seasons of life when my Prep education helped me through.

Lady Boss Spokane, founded in 2020 by Janelle Carney Boston and Randi Johnson, is a professional networking organization dedicated to connecting, supporting, and collaborating with women in business. Their mission is to empower local women through community, education, and development, fostering an environment where women uplift one another.

Key aspects of the Lady Boss mission include:

• Networking & Community: Providing a regular gathering space for women to connect, share, and support each other.
• Empowerment & Growth: Offering opportunities for personal and professional development to help women reach their potential.
• Support & Collaboration: Cultivating a "women supporting women" environment where, as they believe, "incredible things happen".
• Leadership Development: Focusing on turning purpose into action and strengthening leadership skills, as shown in events like the Lady Boss Showcase.