Academy At the
Women’s Leadership Symposium
L to R: Mayor Deborah Sutherland of Bay Village, Maddie Szaller J’09, Idaliz Baez J’09, Mayor Pamela Bobst of Rocky River and Mayor Eileen Ann Birt Patton J’72 of Fairview Park.
Saint Joseph Academy held its first annual Women’s Leadership Symposium—an expansion of the Career Day from previous years. Barbara J. Danforth, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer of YWCA of Greater Cleveland, began the symposium by delivering a charismatic keynote address. Mayors Pamela E. Bobst of Rocky River, Eileen Ann Birt Patton J’72 of Fairview Park, and Deborah L. Sutherland of Bay Village, participated in two interactive panel discussions on public service with the students, moderated by Idaliz Baez J’09, Theresa Lohn J’08, Paige Pierce J’08, and Madie Szaller J’09.
During each of the sessions, these women spoke about the rewards and challenges of their careers, the importance of higher education, and how students can cultivate their talents to become passionate and influential leaders for the 21st century. Kayla Milligan J’09 attended a session with Maria Gigante J’93, an award-winning, independent filmmaker living in New York City: “It was amazing to listen to Ms. Gigante! She’s so young, yet she has accomplished so much in an industry that’s really difficult to succeed in, especially for women.”
Jacklyn J. Chisholm, Ph.D., Vice President of Planning and Institutional Relations at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and Sherri A. Crahen, Ph.D., Dean of Students at John Carroll University, spoke to the seniors about what to expect at college next year. Forty-four local women, half of whom are Saint Joseph Academy or Nazareth Academy alumnae and members of the Congregation of St. Joseph, graciously volunteered their time as guest speakers. Mary Ann Fischer J’66, Saint Joseph Academy’s Alumnae Director, remarked that the symposium was “a wonderful opportunity for our current students to learn from and experience the accomplishments of our alumnae.” 4
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
Kelly Mikovich Webb J’87 and Keynote Speaker Barbara J. Danforth, Esq,
Saint Joseph Academy’s 2008–2009 Women’s Leadership Symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2008. If you are interested in participating as a guest speaker at this event, please contact Becky Goeda McNulty J’96, Career Shadowing Coordinator, at 216-251-6788 ext. 255 or bmcnulty@ sja1890.org.
Women’s Leadership Symposium Speakers Maureen McCafferty Arbeznik J’69 Principal Lakewood Catholic Academy Susan Haas Barnhart J’71 Teacher Urban Community School Nancy Benacci Director of Equity Research KeyBank Capital Markets Rebecca Dessoffy Bennett, Esq. J’91 Attorney & Partner Frantz Ward LLP Debbie Berry Vice President of Planning & Real Estate Development, University Circle, Inc. Hon. Pamela E. Bobst Mayor City of Rocky River Rosemary Breehl President Breehl, Traynor & Zehe Patricia Buckhold N’70 Chief Operations Officer Cleveland Sight Center Jacklyn J. Chisholm, Ph.D. Vice President of Planning & Institutional Relations Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum Sherri A. Crahen, Ph.D. Dean of Students John Carroll University Christine Crompton Manager of Nursing Operations & Student Resources Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Fairview Hospital Barbara Cygan Manager of Clinical Credentialing & Training Medical Mutual of Ohio Barbara J. Danforth, Esq. President & Chief Executive Officer YWCA of Greater Cleveland Beth Dessoffy J’88 Media Supervisor Wyse Advertising Amy Nash English J’87 Sergeant Junction City Police Department Sarah English, Esq. J’98 Associate Attorney John J. Ready & Associates Susan Fuehrer Chief Operating Officer Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Maria Gigante J’93 Resident & Freelance Filmmaker Gigante Films Jacqueline Goodin, CSJ Clinical Social Worker River’s Edge Nancy Adler Kearns J’77 Glass Etching Artist Jackie Krieger County Director & 4-H Educator The Ohio State University Extension Summit County Noreen Kyle Community Outreach Specialist Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office