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.
What does your job entail?
As the executive director of Sacred Heart Center, I lead a team of committed staff members in connecting Latino families with tools to thrive and flourish. On a daily and weekly basis, I manage staff, write grants, give presentations, support program development, do radio outreach, lead meetings and more.
In addition to my role as executive director, I also teach the Sacred Heart Center dance program for children and youth.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job are the moments of brightness that I see through people in our community every day. Whether it is a mom graduating a class, a child having fun in a safe space in our after school program, a staff person that went above and beyond because it was the right thing to do, or a volunteer who had their own life touched from volunteering, it is those bright moments that keep me going.
How does Ignatian spirituality shape your approach to work?
Ignatian spirituality threads through how we do our work. It is in our approach to accompany members of community, to consider the whole person, to take the time to discern. It is in our pledge to serve on the margins, to uplift the dignity of the community that we serve. It is how we do our work to create a safe space for the families that come to thrive and flourish at the Sacred Heart Center.
