Alumnae Making a Difference

The mission of Notre Dame School is to provide a challenging curriculum for talented young women, preparing them for college and for lives of leadership and service. ND students are motivated to strengthen themselves in the classroom, in their spiritual lives, and in their commitment to helping others. The ND mission does not stop at graduation. The thousands of ND alumnae include women who have gone out to make their mark in the world in medicine, business, technology, and so many other fields. Here we highlight three alumnae who have taken what they learned Chez Nous and have bettered the world through their work for faith, justice, and service to their communities.

Suzanne Drucker Robotham ’68 at Confirmation check-in

Suzanne Drucker Robotham grew to love Notre Dame Medical College of Virginia. After so much, she never wanted to leave! In her large she graduated in 1981, she and family of seven children, all four of her sisters her husband moved to the attended Notre Dame. One of her good friends was Dr. Boston area. She joined a local Virginia O’Brien, S.U. (now President of Notre Dame School), dental practice, where she reand they commuted on the subway each day to ND with mained for eleven years while fellow classmates from the same neighborhood in Queens. raising their three children. When

Suzanne thrived at ND because of the her son began to strugsense of camaraderie and friendship so ap- gle with learning issues, parent on the 79th Street campus. The Chez “I am living she left her job to focus full Nous spirit was as alive then as it is now, and she has happy memories of her classmates today what was time on her children’s education and care. With her youngest going off to college, and teachers who influenced her life in so taught to me Suzanne took some time to reflect on what many ways. Suzanne was an excellent student, with math being her favorite subject. at Notre Dame!” her next chapter of life should entail. She felt she was called to a more spiritual ministry, Her teacher Sr. Catherine Keating, S.U., (aka and began looking for ways to do so. She Mother William) inspired her love of math, researched information about religious especially Geometry. She was also very involved in school programs available at Boston College, and at age 57, was life, and was a member of the Glee Club and Drama Club accepted to Boston College’s School of Theology and as well as the Yearbook Committee. Ministry. In 2010, she earned her Masters in Pastoral Ministry,

After graduation, she attended the College of Mt. and quickly began utilizing her pastoral skills. For three St. Vincent for two years. The competence and skills she years, she worked at an underserved parish in Roxbury, honed in mathematics at ND prompted her to declare Massachusetts, as part of the Ignatian Volunteer Program math as her major in college. During her junior year, she in Boston. Her abilities and dedication became apparent to participated in a visiting students program at the State Church leaders, and she was asked to join the Archdiocesan University of NY at Buffalo where she ended up staying Pastoral Planning Committee, a group of religious and lay to finish her degree. people who were strategizing on new initiatives to bolster

After graduation, she was quickly hired in a computer and reignite the faithful. Suzanne stated that at times it programming position. Her qualifications in math and was challenging because she was one of very few women computer technology were strong, and women in that on that committee. “I’m not afraid to speak my mind, and field were scarce. Although she enjoyed the work (and ND taught me to tell it like it is!” Her voice was heard, and met her future husband on the job) she realized this was the end result was the committee’s Disciples in Mission not a rewarding career for her. She felt that there was Plan, the pastoral plan formally promulgated by Cardinal more she was called to do. With many health profession- Sean O’Malley in 2012 for the Archdiocese of Boston. The als in her family, she began to look at those fields. She goals of this plan were to link parishes together under one ultimately decided on dentistry, and was accepted to the pastor and one staff to better utilize their resources. They 11

Top left and bottom right: Assisting in socially distant outdoor Mass; Top Right: Spearheading Parish Italian Dinner; Bottom Left: Facilitating at Women’s Retreat

work to nurture faith communities with a culture of wel- life. Many years after she moved to the Boston area, she coming, engaging faith formation for both children and discovered that one of her former teachers, Sr. Mary Walsh, adults, vibrant worship and active ministries of outreach, SU, (aka Mother Kieran), was living and working in the evangelization and social justice. nearby town of Arlington. Suzanne was overjoyed to be

Currently, Suzanne is Pastoral Associate and Ministry reunited with her, calling her one of the biggest blessings Manager for not one, but two parishes in in her life. They were able to reconnect the Archdiocese of Boston. She aspires to be a beacon of light for the members of “My goal is to ‘feed’ and had many happy times together. Their friendship continued until Sister’s these parishes, who are desperately search- people so that their death in 2008. ing for answers in a suffering world. As a Suzanne gives Notre Dame credit for Certified Pastoral Associate, Suzanne has lives have meaning giving her a foundation in faith and a taken on considerable responsibilities within these parishes, and ministry leadand joy. The work I am passion to inspire others. It was Chez Nous where she learned to find God in ers report to her instead of the pastor. doing now is directly all things, and to always search for meanHer direct approach and forthright nature have allowed her to gain momentum linked to my time at ND.” ing in life. During these recent months of intense suffering and sorrow, her mission with her various initiatives. is more critical than ever. Her life’s path

At 69 years of age, she stays committed to these initia- has been a circuitous one, with each chapter being fulfilltives, including Baptismal Prep, RCIA, and Faith Formation. ing and rewarding. She feels happiest in what she is doing She has even added a Bible Study group because so many now, and knows that this is where she is called to be. parishioners were searching for a greater understanding “My goal is to ‘feed’ people so that their lives have of scripture to help guide them in such tumultuous times. meaning and joy. The work I am doing now is directly When the COVID pandemic hit, she moved her study linked to my time at ND.” groups to Zoom. Suzanne is a blessing to her faith, her work, her family,

It was not just spirituality and confidence that she and to her alma mater, and Notre Dame is fortunate to acquired at ND. Experiences and influences from Chez have her in the Chez Nous sisterhood. Nous have woven their way throughout all of Suzanne’s

Valentina Morales ’95 with The Fedcap Group directors

Notre Dame School’s goal is to provide a well- was a key mentor in her rounded education, grounded in faith and strong life. In addition to being values, enabling graduates to go out and shape a an English instructor at the changing world. It is this mission that motivated Valentina time, he also was a faculty Morales ’95, to attend ND, and it is the school’s values that member and playwright-inhave shaped her entire life and incredible career. residence at NYU. He had written

Valentina says choosing Notre Dame was one of the a play about the life of novelist Jack best decisions she ever made. “The first word that comes Kerouac and had Valentina audition for the lead role, to mind when I think of ND is GRATITUDE”, she stated. which she landed. As a result, during her junior year at “I was challenged to be bold in my Notre Dame, she took the stage at thinking which helped me find my “Notre Dame is like a NYU for this performance. Through place in the world.” She loved school and did incredibly beacon for me. It always this exposure, she subsequently received a grant from Kerouac’s estate well academically. It is there that she gives me comfort to know to study acting at Oxford. Valentina had developed the ability to think critically. never been out of the country before, At ND, critical thinking was expected that it’s there. It served and stated that it was an important to be utilized not only in every course, me so well in my years chapter in her life, not only because but in students’ daily lives as well. Mr. of the experience, but because there Joseph Rapaglia’s classes were particu- there, and I know it were people in her life at ND who belarly powerful for Valentina. With Mr. Rapaglia she sharpened her analytical continues to do so lieved in her and opened doors for her. The confidence she developed at skills, learning how to ‘push back and for others.” Notre Dame motivated her to be involved talk back’ in a strategic way. The discus- outside of the classroom as well. In her sions that took place there were outstanding, as were years there, she was Student Council President, a member those led by Sr. Sarah Ryan, PBVM, a teacher, supervisor of the Spanish Language Honor Society, and a participant and mentor. Sr. Sarah’s quiet yet incredibly informed and in the ND Choir with Sr. Patricia Bruck, SU. She also helped impactful presence is something Valentina has always plan Masses and coordinate special liturgies. sought to achieve. Valentina credits the school’s close-knit community for

Valentina is grateful to Ms. Christine Clark, a phenomenal strengthening her confidence, giving her the courage to Latin teacher, who helped her understand history, language speak out and support others in need. The school’s emphasis and leadership—“Amor omnia vincit.” She credits Ms. Alicia on being a family (Chez Nous) gave young women the Harrington for honing her Spanish language skills, pivotal stability and the ability to carry on, even when things in her future academic and professional achievements. were challenging. Friendships that she made there have Valentina has developed social service and advocacy remained strong. To this day, she continues to support her programs in Spanish. Ms. Anne Crosson and Mr. Ted Chez Nous sisters. She works closely with fellow alumnae, Povinelli were also impactful, while Dr. James Mirrione and hires Notre Dame graduates as interns. This year she 13

Valentina with her team: Laura Fettig, Borinken Mitchell ’19, and Alicia Williams Alicia Williams, Edward Arsenault, Wildcat’s ED, and Christine McMahon, ED of The Fedcap Group, Laura Fettig, Dana Rand

will work with two ND alumnae, Ericka Echavarria ’94 and Island. She left the firm to join the Mental Hygiene Legal Gisela Jasmine Gomez ’02. She still keeps in contact with Service, where she worked in defense of persons with many of her classmates and met one of her very best significant mental health needs and neurodevelopmental friends at ND, Ayanna Cohen ’95, whom she considers disabilities. a sister. She is Godmother to Ayanna’s son, Amani. Her professional goal has always been to stand in defense

During her senior year, her counselors recognized the of the beautiful people and communities too often disenabilities that Valentina had and encouraged her to apply franchised—communities like her own. Her professional to the top-tier schools. Her dedication and focus paid off, experiences and personal convictions led her to her as Valentina graduated from Wellesley College Phi Beta current role. Kappa and Summa Cum Laude. In 2017, Valentina joined Fedcap as the Senior Director

She thought she wanted a career in music, but after of Justice Initiatives. In this role, she creates programming a brief stint at Sony in their Business Affairs Department, and advocates for those affected by the criminal legal she realized that music industry was fraught with significant system, focusing on women, persons with mental health problems. Trying to figure out next steps, she returned needs, and individuals of various physical abilities. In this to Notre Dame and taught Religion, including classes in position, she’s drawn from all corners of her past experiSocial Justice and Moral and Ethical Decision Making. ences to craft reform strategies that address the needs of

It was during this second tenure at ND vulnerable populations. Valentina takes when she discerned her future plans. The The confidence she pride in what she is accomplishing while conversations about faith, justice, and equity that she had with the students made developed at Notre Dame recognizing the tremendous power of those she serves—primarily resilient her realize she could make a difference as motivated her to be women who teach and inspire her every a lawyer. After attending Columbia Law School, Valentina received a fellowship involved outside of day. Together they are making a difference. On top of all the professional and started working for the Neighborhood the classroom as well. achievements she has had, Valentina Defender Service of Harlem, a holistic, is a powerhouse single mom, and takes community-based public defender. There she created a the most pride in the raising of her 13-year old son, Benin, practice specifically to serve Spanish-language speakers and 11-year-old daughter, Cecilia (a future ND graduate?) who were not receiving the same quality of representation Valentina credits her years at ND for giving her the as others. foundation for her successful career of social justice and

Her bilingual abilities and legal knowledge continued advocacy. “Notre Dame is like a beacon for me. It always to serve her well, and she was successful in many cases. gives me comfort to know that it’s there. It served me so Her reputation as a strong attorney led her to a job with well in my years there, and I know continues to do so for an international law firm where she joined a team of others. I have hired interns from ND. When I see Notre lawyers representing Venezuela in arbitrations at the Dame’s name on an applicant’s resume, I know that this World Bank and the International Chamber of Commerce. person will be a change-maker!” In this position, Valentina maintained a robust pro bono Valentina Morales ’95 has certainly been a ‘changepractice. Her representation of an incarcerated mother maker’ in her own career, and Notre Dame is proud to took her to the highest court in New York State where her have her as an alumna. victory solidified lasting change for mothers at Rikers

Carlina Rivera ’02 attends rally with NYSNA

Carlina Rivera knew early on in her life that she flourished academically. “I wanted to do more for her community. Raised by loved my experience there. a single mom who emigrated from Puerto Rico, It struck me how prepared Carlina grew up in Section 8 Housing in the Lower East I was when I went into colSide, where many families struggled to make ends meet. lege, much more than my She was aware that her mom and so many others in her other college friends. I am neighborhood had to work tirelessly to provide for their indebted.” She discovered her families, but they always made time to help each other love of literature and writing at the as well. It is not surprising then, that Carlina is now a school. She remembers being so excited with ND’s extenNew York City Council Member for the 2nd District, sive required reading, especially books written by people which includes her old neighborhood, of color. This passion was cultivated by where her goal is to effect positive “I would not be the wonderful teachers such as Ms. Jean change for her constituents. Halloran. “I always wanted to write and

Councilwoman Rivera would be the person I am today be a writer whether for a newspaper or first to tell you that her years at Notre Dame were pivotal in directing her without the education magazine. But I also just loved reading fiction. Ms. Halloran always had an career towards a path of service to others. I received at Notre Dame extensive book list to choose from.” Carlina It was Chez Nous where she discovered the strength of community; the imporand the teachers also sings the praises of Ms. Jackie Brilliant. “She said I was a true writer. She was tance of friendship; a passion for writing; who encouraged doing a hundred things at a time, and and an understanding of effective communication. These are all components and supported me.” I was always so impressed with her.” Councilwoman Rivera realizes now that of Carlina’s work ethic, and much of that these women were early role models began at Notre Dame. and their lessons have helped her as a council member.

Carlina attended St. Joseph’s, her local Catholic Church Carlina gives credit to all her teachers for inspiring her, and parish school. When it came time to look at high motivating her, and giving her practical advice that schools, her mother wanted her to look at only Catholic continues to serve her well in her political career today. and all-girls schools. “I was looking for camaraderie. One experience that illustrates the faculty’s support I played sports. What really sold me was actually visiting vividly resonates with Carlina even today. During her the school and seeing it in action. It was the staff and senior year, she was asked to deliver a special speech faculty at ND that really drew me in, in terms of the whole to the Catholic Lawyers Guild at their annual meeting experience. I just knew those were the conversations at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. She was overwhelmed by the I wanted to be a part of! Thankfully, I was accepted and prospect, but Sr. Mary Dolan, SU, then President of Notre supported through a scholarship.” Dame, helped her edit the speech. It was a daunting task,

Carlina was a dedicated student and immediately and Carlina felt intimidated. It was already an incredibly

stressful time for Carlina and all of her classmates. The attacks in need, and helped organize volunteers to provide food, of 9/11 had just occurred, causing angst and fear on a water, and emergency services to the communities daily basis. In addition, the school planned to move, around her. She saw clearly during this crisis that those in which added some uncertainty to Carlina’s life. The final government could really impact the outcome of people’s stressor was on the actual day of her speech; the streets well-being, and decided to enter politics. In 2015 she bewere closed off due to terrorist threats, making it nearly came Legislative Director for NYC Councilwoman Rosie impossible to get to her destination. Thanks to the support Mendez. In that role, she oversaw legislative requests and of her school and classmates who came to root her on, served as liaison to the Community Board, which dealt she was prepared for all of these challenges. “Sr. Mary with issues from local community groups. These incredible not only gave me some great advice on how to write and experiences served her well when she ran for City Council deliver a speech, she also helped me prepare, practice, office in 2017. She won her seat with an impressive 82% and even travelled with me, guiding me through all of the of the votes. closed off streets to get to the event! It turned into one of Since taking office, Carlina has made an impact on her the most profound moments for me giving that speech. I district and on the city. As Chair of the Council’s Committee wanted to ‘land it’, and having the support of my teachers on Hospitals, Carlina has fought tirelessly for access and friends there to help me through to better healthcare for all New Yorkers. allowed me to do so!” “The ND girls are so She continues to focus on the neighHer love of writing and passion for community service were nurtured at impressive, not only with borhoods she came from, and even recently helped fund a new nurse’s Notre Dame and shaped her years at their knowledge base, station at Bellevue Hospital, where Marist College. Carlina majored in journalism and immediately became but how they present she was born! The recent COVID crisis has made this committee even more engaged in school life. “That all came themselves with confidence critical, and she is spearheading ways from ND. The school consistently emphasized that the city was our and courage.” to enhance safety protocols and to solidify guidelines going forward. classroom. They always got us out into She has also fought for the affordthe surrounding communities to expose us, to focus us ability and livability of New York City by championing on the needs in front of us. As a result, I feel that I am issues around affordable housing, small business survival, always in service.” She received a Bachelor of Arts degree transportation, and quality of life issues. In addition to in Journalism from Marist in 2006. tackling these tough legislative issues, she has taken

Carlina maintains that the values and lessons she a stand for gender equity as the former Co-Chair of the learned at ND remained with her throughout her college Women’s Caucus by sponsoring legislation on sexual career. The discussions of social justice issues that harassment and the gender wage gap. permeated her ND classes continued to inspire her She expressed that one of the major obstacles she to find ways to make a difference. faces each and every day is being a woman of color in the

As a result, after graduating from Marist in 2006, Carlina political arena, where the majority of leaders are white decided to focus her career path on service to others. She men. “As a woman of color, it is incredibly difficult to be worked for several years in both educational and legal heard and taken seriously. People will find opportunities services before she was appointed Director of Programs to discredit you.” Her advice to her Chez Nous sisters and and Services at Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES) in to her team is to always be prepared for any situation, any 2011. GOLES is a neighborhood housing and preservation meeting, and any interaction. She consistently does her organization that has served the Lower East Side of homework on any issue she is dealing with, and comes Manhattan since 1977. armed with facts. She stated that this pressure actually

Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was a pivotal moment in her puts her at an advantage. “I feel I am much more thoughtlife. “We lost fellow New Yorkers during the storm and we ful in my approach because I have studied each issue suffered serious loss in terms of housing and economic from all angles and have a strategy to approach every challenges.” Again, she was dedicated to supporting those one holistically."

Attending celebration to announce new LES affordable housing initiative

Chairing Committee on Hospitals' hearing Participating in census march & rally in Sunset Park

Carlina credits her years at ND for preparing for these challenges. She has never forgotten the gift of the education she received at Notre Dame, and supports the school’s mission. She has returned to her alma mater for the school’s Career Day. The political path she has chosen has been an inspiration to current students and fellow alumnae. On her visit, she was impressed with all of the new initiatives that ND is undertaking, and left eager to do what she can to support future ND graduates. “When I came back, I had just finished my campaign. It was wonderful to be there. I actually found a number of interns from that visit. The ND girls are so impressive, not only with their knowledge base, but how they present themselves with confidence and courage.” With Carlina’s advocacy and support, the ND Summer Camp received essential funding to continue this important program that helps middle school girls build a strong academic foundation to set them on the right path for high school.

Her political priorities these days are dealing with the economic and social issues stemming from the pandemic and the fight against racial injustice. Carlina is an optimist, but maintains a necessary realism. Again, she credits ND for teaching her early on the need for a pragmatic and thoughtful approach to all situations. As far as her prediction for NYC? “We are going to get through this. We are NYC. We are a strong and resilient place. This is where people come to live to be themselves and live authentically. We have a long way to go. This has challenged us to look at new approaches as to how we study and how we work. But this is a great opportunity to reevaluate our healthcare and transportation systems; to find new ways to support our small businesses; and to create new initiatives to strengthen our local communities. It will take some time but we will come out of it reinvigorated and better than ever.”

So far, Councilwoman Rivera has secured millions of dollars for her district to improve services, programs, housing, schools, and cultural institutions.

Despite her hectic career, she still finds time to connect with her husband of five years, Jamie Rogers, and her two beloved pets. She still lives in the Lower East Side, where she was raised, and she still counts on her mom for guidance. “Mom is still here and she is a great barometer. She continues to be even-tempered, democratic, and understanding. I use her as a sounding board.” She also gives ND the credit for her work ethic and values-driven determination to effect positive change, advocating for social justice in her district. “I would not be the person I am today without the education I received at Notre Dame and the teachers who encouraged and supported me”.

Notre Dame is grateful for Councilwoman Rivera’s words of praise for the school and for her ongoing support. Chez Nous is proud that she is carrying Anne de Xainctonge’s light forward, making a difference in her community and the world.