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 received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fordham University.
What does your job entail?
As executive director, I’m responsible for overseeing all operations of Xavier Mission, including administration, finances, fundraising, program development, communications, strategic planning, etc. We have five programs providing food, clothing, life-skills training and mentoring for survivors of trauma, and financial assistance for those facing eviction and homelessness. I make sure that we’re operating those programs in the most effective and equitable way possible.
In a broader sense though, my job is really about making connections — connecting with people who are in need of assistance and then connecting them with resources; connecting with people who have financial resources and inviting them to partner with us to make an impact; connecting with people who can advance policies that will promote equity and urging them to do the right thing; and ultimately making connections between all of those different groups of people, so that they see and understand one another. It’s only in recognizing each other’s inherent humanity and dignity that we can begin to access empathy and ultimately effect change, and this happens through connecting one-on-one with each other.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Through one of our programs we provide financial assistance, primarily to individuals and families who are in imminent danger of eviction. My favorite part of my day-to-day is being able to tell someone that we can assist them, and that they won’t be evicted after all. Being present with someone as their fear turns to relief and they’re able to let go of that stress and uncertainty is intensely humbling and gratifying all at once.
I feel privileged to be able to experience those moments with people and to share in their joy. Overall, my favorite part about my work is that I can go to bed at night feeling like I’ve done something positive in the world.
What is one of the challenges you’re facing right now?
In our current state of political upheaval and daily attacks on our democracy and civil rights, the challenges are innumerable. Chief among them is preparing for the effects that new policies will have on the people we serve and on our organization itself, without the stability of the generally accepted rules of governance. It’s like trying to pack your emergency bag during a massive earthquake while the tsunami is barreling towards your house. However, I’m confident that our staff, volunteers and community at Xavier Mission will rise to meet these challenges, being nimble enough to handle whatever is thrown at us and respond accordingly, just like we did during the recession in the 80s, after Superstorm Sandy and, of course, during COVID.
I personally find it challenging trying to keep from becoming jaded, pessimistic and defeatist in the face of outright mass hostility towards women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants. Modeling love, empathy and understanding can be difficult. On most days, I think I’m successful. On the days when I’m not, I draw strength and peace from others around me, which helps to ground me and remind me of the importance of what we’re working towards.
What are some of the lights and shadows you’ve experienced as a woman working in partnership with a men’s religious order?
Being a woman, and also a mother, working in partnership with a men’s religious order for almost two decades has been both a challenge and an opportunity. There have been times when the needs of my family, and my own needs, have not been fully understood and so have not always been respected or accommodated. However, this has also created an opportunity to share my experience, advocate for my needs and educate people about the realities of being a working mother, being a woman in a leadership position, and maintaining your mental and physical health in order to avoid burnout.
It has given me the chance to help men better understand the experiences and needs of the women that they work with, minister to and engage with in various settings. Like any institution, the Jesuits are not immune to sexism, but I do believe that, in general, they are more open to learning and attaining understanding than other male-dominated establishments. I have become more comfortable over the years challenging misconceptions because I have seen in many of the Jesuits I’ve worked with a desire to learn and grow and an increasing focus on lifting up women’s voices. It gives me hope.
What’s one of your favorite quotes about leadership or the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Former Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan said, “Sometimes leadership is planting trees under who shade you’ll never sit.” That’s especially important for me to remember given the work that we do here at Xavier Mission. The immediate work of providing food, clothing and financial assistance is necessary, but the long-term goal is the eradication of poverty, hunger, homelessness and inequity. We might never see that happen but it’s imperative that we keep working towards it.
The other quote is from former General Bruce Clarke: “When things go wrong in your command, start searching for the reason in increasingly large circles around your own two feet.” I believe effective leadership of any kind, but especially servant leadership, requires an abundance of humility and the ability to admit when you’ve made a mistake. It’s not always easy but it’s absolutely imperative to being a successful leader.
