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.
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What does your job entail?
I serve as the director of the work for Boston College High School, a Jesuit Catholic school for 1,400 young men in grades 7-12 in Boston. My role is to steward and advance the mission. I oversee all aspects of the school’s operation and long-term financial sustainability. We have a president-principal model. We also have a Jesuit Community, so I work with the superior of the community.
I report to the Board of Trustees, and I am missioned by the provincial as the director of the work. My areas of focus: presence in the school and community; execution of the strategic plan; fundraising and stewardship; enrollment management; financial viability; board management; and oversight of the academic program with the principal. I also participate in work with the PASE office and the presidents of the USA East Province and the JSN (Jesuit Schools Network).
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love being present in the school and supporting the young men, faculty and staff in their academic and co-curricular activities. I enjoy fundraising and stewardship of relationships, creating meaningful opportunities for alumni, parents and friends to leave a legacy supporting our mission at BC High.
What is one of the challenges you’re facing right now?
Like every school, the enrollment headwinds, shrinking demographics, the competitive landscape and long-term vision financial sustainability. Mission and margin.
What are some of the lights and shadows you’ve experienced as a woman working in partnership with a men’s religious order?
Shadow: A collar opens many doors, and that is something I have faced as a non-religious woman in my various roles. I have had to be creative to find ways to model leadership with young men, whether it is as a Eucharistic minister, presenting the Call to Worship or finding another outward-facing role.
Light: As a formator, I have been able to focus on lay formation as a priority for the work at BC High, PASE, JSN and the Assistancy.
How does Ignatian spirituality shape your approach to work?
Ignatian formation guides everything I do. Our vernacular provides a framework for the work. Ad Majorem dei Gloriam, cura personalis, cura apostolica, the magis, men and women for and with others committed to a faith that does justice. The Examen and the Spiritual Exercises are at the core of my work. The “Grad at Grad” also guides us at BC High and the profile of a BC High Ignatian educator.
How could the Jesuits and the church as a whole foster women’s leadership more effectively?
I would like to see more women in leadership at the Jesuit Curia and in the Assistancy. My role as a provincial assistant was incredible, and we had women in PA roles. The diversity of opinion added so much to the collective work.
What’s one of your favorite quotes about leadership or the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” –John F. Kennedy
Anything else you’d like to add?
How can we bring women leaders in Jesuit Schools together? That would be powerful!
