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Mission Spark: Words of Advice from NDP Alumnae on Living the Mission Each Day
Lindsey Shannon Windsor ’08
Alumnae Board President and Speech Pathologist
"Remember that living out God’s intention for you is a lifelong journey. You are not supposed to have it all figured out right now. Trust that God is with you every step of the way, and keep your eyes, ears, and heart open for opportunities to answer His call."
Sydney Peterson Fortmann ’10
Attorney and Trustee Associate
"NDP taught me that we have the privilege, responsibility, and opportunity to serve others, particularly those in our own community. Today, my career as an attorney affords me space to contribute to the pursuit of justice, but our family’s small business, [of which a portion of each sale is donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland,] allows me to love tenderly and walk humbly with God—specifically among those within the Down Syndrome community in Maryland. NDP instilled in me the core belief that no achievement is quite so great as using your own gifts, abilities, and resources to contribute to the lives of others, particularly those in need—a belief which continues to drive me each and every day."
Amy Salazar Alfriend ’80
Notre Dame Prep WIN Program Coordinator
"Throughout my 12 years at NDP, followed by my college years and nursing career, the mission has guided my life to answer God’s call to care for others through service, to always seek spiritual growth, and to pursue the practice of justice for those in need. It’s so inspiring to once again be walking the NDP halls and living the mission in the spirit of the SSND, side by side with the faculty, staff, and student body. Collectively, we truly live the mission every day through campus ministry; service programs to address poverty, medical or educational needs, and homelessness; and advocacy work for the poor and marginalized of society."
Lauren C. Yap ’09
Pediatric Dentist
"It was at NDP where I first learned what it truly means to serve, to lead with love, and to stand with those who are voiceless. That foundation shaped my path, guiding me not only to dentistry but also to a deeper commitment: to be an advocate for children, including victims of vulnerable populations, and to bring healing where it’s most needed—gently, justly, and humbly."
Michele Shores Sawicki ’80
Pharmacist
"My involvement in the Christian Community Awareness Program for four years at Notre Dame Prep provided me with a firm foundation for social awareness in my life. As an adult, I am privileged to be a member of the nonprofit Gathering Point Giving Circle. Our group’s shared spirit for volunteering created our mission to support, with respect and kindness, women and children in our community. I hope all young women will recognize and pursue the opportunities NDP offers to help and serve others."
Lisa Petit ’98
Pediatrician
"My experience at NDP gave me the leadership, compassion, and confidence to thrive as a pediatrician, business owner, and strong woman in a maledominated field. The mission rooted in Micah 6:8 continues to inspire me to advocate for my patients, many of whom are among the most vulnerable in our society. NDP taught me that strength and humility are not opposites—they are the foundation of meaningful service. To the young women coming up now: Study the Bible. Let it be your compass, and trust the still, small voice of God to guide, comfort, and embolden you."
Charlotte Carozza Archer ’58
Former Educator
"Having received an excellent education from the SSND, I was inspired to become an elementary school teacher and to give back. I was certified and volunteered weekly in the Baltimore Dyslexia Tutoring Program. As more women joined the work force, I saw a need for after-school childcare, and in 1985, I founded the program at the School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, the first in the diocese.
I am a member of the Christ Child Society, an organization that is driven by faith, love, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need."
Diane Dippold MacIntosh ’58, Ph.D.
Professor
As part of Library Week 2025, literature professor Diane Dippold MacIntosh, Ph.D., ’58 met for a roundtable talk with college-bound graduating seniors from Upper Level Humanities classes.
As a graduate student in English at the University of Maryland College Park, Dr. MacIntosh's dissertation on an African American writer placed her in the new field of minority literature. Also, when she graduated in 1971 only 3% of those awarded the Ph.D. in the U.S. were women, and the median age for both men and women was 34. She was 29. In that same year, she was appointed first Head of the African American Collection at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. Her visit was a wonderful opportunity to learn from her experiences and be inspired by her trailblazing journey.
“I am here today because I once wore saddle shoes like you,” said Dr. MacIntosh. “I want to share with you what you can expect once you leave here and go on to college or university."
After Pratt, Dr. MacIntosh continued her career teaching British and American literature as a faculty member of Johns Hopkins University, Oberlin College, and the University of Maryland. During her visit she offered insights into her career as well as stories about what it was like to attend NDP in the 1950s.
Dr. MacIntosh fielded students' questions on a variety of topics, from her choice of college major (English) to her favorite NDP tradition (Gym Meet) to her most inspiring teacher (Sr. Maura Eichner, English Department Head at her undergraduate alma mater, the College of Notre Dame of Maryland). Her conversation with the students was part living history exercise and part life lessons.
As Abbey Diffendall '25 summed up: "Dr. MacIntosh shared her invaluable experiences and gave us advice as we continue through our time at NDP and beyond.”
Dr. MacIntosh’s commitment to education and literature is reflected in her generous support of NDP. In 2007 she founded and funded the Margot and Diane Dippold Women's Collection at NDP. Then in 2009, she and her husband, Houston MacIntosh, M.D., established the Drs. Houston and Diane Dippold MacIntosh Reading Room, creating a beautiful home in the school library for this special collection.
Also in 2007, Dr. MacIntosh and her husband funded a multi-year lecture series which featured guest authors including Pulitzer-winner Geraldine Brooks, Lisa See, and Ann Patchett, among others. The series enabled students to engage one-on-one with these authors and featured free, public evening lectures that consistently met with at-capacity audiences.
