Bourgade Catholic High School, ‘13
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Glendale), ‘09

Background:
I grew up in the West Valley of Phoenix with my two sisters, Karla and Diana, and my parents, Silvia and Francisco. My parents are immigrants from Mexico City and, as such, my identity as a first generation Mexican-American is very important to me.

My time at Bourgade Catholic was a wonderfully formative time and I am deeply grateful for the transformational educators whom I encountered there– namely my dear late friend Carol Caruso, who helped my older sister and me get to college.  I chose to attend Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, IN where I studied History and Secondary Education. During my time at SMC I had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy for my sophomore year and work as a primary school educator in Kyarusozi, Uganda. This cultivated in me a passion for the Holy Cross missions and an appreciation for various cultures and histories.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s, I transitioned to graduate school at the University of Notre Dame where I earned my M.Ed and taught 4th-grade at St. Philip Neri in Indianapolis through the Alliance for Catholic Education’s (ACE) Teaching Fellows Program.

Since graduating, I have moved back to South Bend full time to serve as Pastoral Supervisor for the ACE Teaching Fellows program and as a Program Coordinator for the English as a New Language program.

What impact did Catholic schools have on you?  
Catholic Schools have formed me into the woman, life-long learner, community member and leader that I am today. I came to learn the gospel values through my service learning experiences at Bourgade Catholic; recognized my passion for Catholic Social teaching and diversity during my time at Saint Mary’s; and, most recently, my experience of the ACE and Notre Dame community have engendered a spirit of servant leadership and communal accompaniment.

Accomplishments:

  • Having the privilege of knowing and serving 54 fourth graders and their families at St. Philip Neri School in Indianapolis.
  • Being a first-generation college graduate.

Future plans:
Not certain yet, but I see myself working to serve children and their families– especially those who are often forgotten or neglected by society. I want to dedicate myself to building up God’s church on earth and to live in mission with those around me.