This Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the work of just a tiny percentage of the women leaders who serve the church and the world through their leadership in Jesuit and Ignatian ministries. These leaders shared a bit about their work and how Ignatian spirituality shapes their lives. They also offered their perspectives on ways the Jesuits can continue to improve how they welcome, empower and support women leaders.
Do you have any other Jesuit institutional connections?
I worked at Camp Ekon, a Jesuit Camp in the Muskoka area of Ontario as a teenager/young adult. I now serve on the board of the Jesuit Schools Network (JSN) and am completing my Master of Education (Jesuit Education in a Global World) at Boston College.
What does your job entail?
As vice principal of the Junior School, I help to support students and families as they begin their journey at Loyola. This support focuses on their academic life at the school, which is always connected to our mission of being men and women for and with others. I also helped to prepare Loyola for our first coed cohort in September 2023 and continue to work with our students, faculty and families in this important initiative.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I feel so blessed to work at Loyola, a place I have called my second home for the last 21 years. The best part of my job is getting to know our students, caring for each of them according to their unique gifts.
What are some of the lights and shadows you’ve experienced as a woman working in partnership with a men’s religious order?
As a woman working in partnership with a men’s religious order, it has always been just that — a true partnership. Some of the most incredible people I have met, who have helped shape the teacher and leader I am today, are the Jesuits I have met and worked with over the last 21 years.
How does Ignatian spirituality shape your approach to work?
There are many aspects of Ignatian spirituality that shape my approach to working with young people. The aspect that stands out the most is “finding God in all things” — in each and every student I am blessed to encounter. They are indeed children of God, and I see God’s light in them every day.
What’s one of your favorite quotes about leadership or the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
“Today our prime educational objective must be to form men and women-for-others; men and women who will live not for themselves but for God and his Christ; men and women who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors.” This quote by Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, has inspired me to lead by example, showing my students that being a person for and with others is what God wants for all of us.
