NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told graduating seniors at Smith College on Sunday to focus on their unique purpose and power during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Pelosi, the first female speaker of the U.S. House, was part of an online commencement ceremony hosted by the private women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts.

“During this crisis and in the days, weeks and years that will follow, the world needs your leadership,” she said. “Our goal as leaders is to shorten the distance between what is inconceivable to some but inevitable to us. Because Smithies are relentless and persistent, I am confident in your ability to do so.”

Pelosi, D-Calif., said graduates would be well served by the resilience, courage and perseverance they have honed over the past four years.

“So, as you go forth, embrace the groundbreaking legacy of those who came before you,” she said. “Know your purpose. Know your power.”

This story has been updated to correct that Nancy Pelosi participated in the online commencement Sunday, not Saturday.