Women's Leadership Luncheon 2025 Honorees
Celebrating Our 2025 Honorees
The Women’s Leadership Luncheons celebrate women leaders who are making an impact on our world. Several of our sponsors have named women who they wish to honor for their leadership within their community. Others have named sisters who have impacted their lives. You can read about all of these women honorees and their achievements and positive impacts below. Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible.
Women Honorees
Honoree
Sister Janice Fennewald, SSND
Transportation Coordinator
School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province
On behalf of Jim Butler Auto Group, we are pleased to honor Sister Janice Fennewald.
To know Sister Janice is to know love, peace and God’s grace. Her commitment to Christ and his children along with her undeniable sacrifices are to say the least, exemplary. She brings laughter and joy to all around her.
With all our love, we thank you, Sister Janice. You are a beautiful light in our lives.
Honoree
Kadi Montez
Mercy
Kadi Montez is passionate about women in STEM with a wealth of diverse experiences and leadership in that field. Kadi started her career in health care as a physical therapist before shifting to clinical informatics, and then to health care strategy and hospital administration where she led teams in aggressive growth and advancement of critical services to the community. She currently serves as vice president of business transformation for Mercy’s technology division where she is focused on maximizing the benefit of technology solutions in clinical and administrative settings. Kadi earned a master’s in health administration and health informatics and defended her doctoral thesis in higher education administration on the integration of informatics into clinical degree programs. She has influenced the next generation of caregivers by serving as a clinical instructor in health informatics and clinical decision support at local universities. Kadi is a well-rounded, respected, thoughtful and accomplished leader who emphasizes practical and quality focused approaches while leading with integrity, heart and humor.
Honoree
Claire Rudelic
Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager
Midwest BankCentre
We would like to nominate Claire Rudelic for the SSND Women’s Leadership Award. Claire goes above and beyond to create an exceptional experience for our clients, ensuring their expectations aren’t just met — they’re exceeded. Her servant leadership lifts those around her, strengthening both team morale and performance. Thanks to her dedication and expertise, a key client relationship has doubled, and she has consistently surpassed goals every year at the Bank. Claire is not only a trusted partner to our clients but also a valued colleague and positive force in our community.
Honoree
Jamie Pollard
School Counselor
Notre Dame High School
Jamie Pollard is a school counselor at Notre Dame High School. She has served 28 years in public, private, and residential schools in suburban, rural, and international environments, working with PreK-College students in traditional, special, and alternative education. She has been at Notre Dame High School since 2017 and has been an integral member of the faculty. Jamie works to ensure that the students at Notre Dame High School are supported socially and emotionally while also being an invaluable resource for the college admissions process and college scholarship process. Jamie is dedicated to her students and her school. She spends countless hours working behind the scenes to ensure that her students are given the best opportunities and have the support they need to succeed in high school and life thereafter. Her commitment to her faith is inspiring to her students and her colleagues. Notre Dame High School is proud to recognize Mrs. Jamie Pollard for being a woman of professional, grace, and dedication.
Jamie truly embodies the mission of Notre Dame High School of being a confident, compassionate Christian woman leader, and we are thrilled to recognize the contributions she has made to the school. Congratulations, Jamie!
Honoree
Maureen J. Mueller
Anonymous sponsor
Maureen, born on March 23, 1949, exemplified a life of service, family, and dedication. She had a 36-year career at IBM, earning recognition for her technical sales support, which benefited her customers that included many of the area’s major corporations. Her career spanned multiple roles, from marketing support to advisory positions, and she was celebrated for her excellence, achieving membership in IBM’s prestigious “Golden Circle.” Outside of work, Maureen was a devoted wife, aunt, and daughter, always prioritizing family. She had a loving partnership with her husband Martin, married in 1980, and was a selfless and supportive member of her extended family.
Raised in Milwaukee, Maureen's early life was influenced by the School Sisters of St. Francis, who shaped her values of service and responsibility. She attended Holy Angels Academy and later St. Norbert College and the University of Wisconsin, where she earned a degree in history and psychology. Maureen was an avid traveler, backpacking across Europe in 1971, and had a strong sense of independence from a young age. She was known for her practical approach to life, including frugality and generosity, often contributing to Catholic organizations. Maureen's legacy is one of hard work, selflessness, and a deep commitment to her family and community.
Honoree
Mrs. Lydia Torrez
President of St. Cecilia School, Dallas
Advisory member Catholic Housing Initiative
Lydia Torrez is the mother of three sons and seven grandchildren. She has been a force in Catholic Education in Dallas, a Cub scout master for ten years, an advocate for Justice issues in the Dallas area, and many other activities. Lydia has also been a founding member and now advisor for CHI for over twenty years. Her commitment to the Church and the community is broad in scope and deep in leadership.
Lydia has over 40 years of experience as an educator working for DISD and the Dallas Diocesan Catholic Schools. As Principal of St. Cecilia and now President, she has raised the profile of the school, advocating for students to reach their full potential and become the individuals God intended them to be.
During the past two years, Lydia has organized and participated in two pilgrimages to Spain to walk the Camino. As development director at Bishop Dunne for 18 years, she accompanied summer mission trips for students to Honduras and successfully managed many campaigns for the academic improvement and physical plant updates of the school.
She is the recipient of various awards: Cub Master of the Year for St. Cecilia Parish, Alumni of the Year for St. Cecilia Catholic School, Educator of the Year for the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, Educator of the Year for Dallas Pro-Life, Person of the Year for the Notre Dame Club of Dallas, and the recipient of the Voyager Award from Bishop Dunne Catholic School for her contribution to education.
Lydia is a woman leader who has impacted her Church, school and the broader community with her talents and commitment to community building. We are pleased to honor her today!
Honoree
Jessica Horning
Chief Financial Officer
Milwaukee Catholic Home
Jessica Horning has served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Milwaukee Catholic home since January 2023. Since taking over this prestigious position, Jessica and her team have made a significant impact on the financial stability and efficiency of the organization. Before becoming CFO of Milwaukee Catholic Home, Jessica has over 20 years’ experience in nonprofit financial leadership, including Jewish Family Services, the YMCA, The Greater Milwaukee Foundation and The Medical College of Wisconsin. She also has experience serving as an auditor with Baker Tilly. Jessica completed her Bachelor of Business Administration—Accounting from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee in 2005 and attained her Certified Public Accounting licensure in 2009. She is active in serving on the WICPA Educational Foundation Board of Directors and other committees and task forces benefiting the accounting profession, as well as a board member of the school communities in which her children attend. Jessica and her husband Will live in Greenfield, Wisconsin with their three children.
Honoree
Amy Caruano-Yzermans, Ph.D.
Genome Marker Design Lead
Bayer Crop Science
We honor Dr. Amy Caruano-Yzermans, Genome Marker Design lead in the Crop Science Division at Bayer and 20+ year resident of Saint Louis.
An accomplished scientist, Amy consistently creates business value through technical advances that improve crop performance. In addition to her technical contributions, Amy is recognized as a strong leader in Bayer, always prioritizing and ensuring the well-being of her team, peers, and colleagues. Amy ensures that those around her grow and develop as scientists and as individuals. Amy is a passionate champion of inclusion, equity and diversity and has contributed as a leader and participant for many of Bayer's Culture and Business Resource Groups that support professional development of individuals from historically underserved communities.
Honoree
Cheryl Brosig, Ph.D.
Pediatric psychologist
Children’s Wisconsin
Cheryl Brosig Soto, Ph.D., has been with Children’s Wisconsin since 1997. At heart, she’s a licensed clinical psychologist, with extensive experience working with children affected by chronic illness, particularly congenital heart disease. Across her 26-year career, her influence and leadership have grown. In addition to serving as a pediatric psychologist at Children’s, she is also section chief of Pediatric Psychology and Developmental Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Brosig was the driving force behind the Herma Heart Institute Developmental Follow-up Program, which is the first program of its kind in the country that routinely follows children with congenital heart disease to ensure they are meeting key milestones. She also plays a critical role in Children’s efforts to improve access to mental health care, specifically working to integrate psychologists into all medical specialty clinics.
As an educator, Dr. Brosig was honored with an Excellence in Professionalism Award. More importantly, she is a tremendous teacher because she has never let go of her passion to continue learning. She is constantly challenging her students and herself to provide patients with the best care possible.
Dr. Brosig received her undergraduate degree at Marquette University, Milwaukee, and her doctorate in clinical psychology at Loyola University of Chicago.
Honoree
Heather Brilliant
CEO and President
Diamond Hill
Heather Brilliant is Chief Executive Officer and President of Diamond Hill, an independent active asset management firm in Columbus, Ohio.
Heather’s leadership sets the tone for the firm’s culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Heather is incredibly passionate about this topic, not only within Diamond Hill, but she’s a strong advocate for creating diverse and inclusive cultures across the investment management industry.
Heather understands that changes in diversity and demographics do not happen overnight, but she remains committed, knowing that cognitive diversity is a business imperative for success. Through partnerships with Rock the Street Wall Street, SEO and Jopwell, Heather is ensuring the firm is considering diverse candidates at all levels, starting with industry education in high school.
At the community level, Heather has made an initial pledge of $1 million over the next five years to organizations that support anti-racism efforts, diversity and inclusion. She is committed to a future where Diamond Hillis reflective of the communities they serve.
Heather has received numerous awards, including “CEO of the Year” by WealthManagement.com and the Markets Media Women in Finance Award in 2022.
Honoree
Jerri Hoffmann
Hoffmann Family of Companies
Jerri Hoffmann is a philanthropist, businesswoman, mother of three and grandmother to 12. Jerri sits on the Board of Directors of the Naples Downtown Business Improvement District, is a member of the Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board of Directors and was Chairwoman of the 2017 spring gala. She is the past president of the Children’s Home and Aid Society Women’s Board of Directors, where she spearheaded a campaign to raise $10 million to build the Jerri Hoffmann Children’s Home and Aid Center. Jerri also sits on the Board of Directors of the Ragdale (Center for Artists). She has chaired fundraising galas for numerous charity functions, serves on the Sustaining Leadership Council of the Naples Botanical Garden and is a trustee of the Naples Children’s Education Foundation. Jerri is the founder of The Augusta Clothing Company, a boutique with hand-selected collection of clothing and accessories based in Augusta, Missouri, which recently raised money for Central Missouri Honor Flight, a non-profit organization in support of America's veterans. She is truly an inspiration to all.
Honoree
Amy Lovell
Founder
REDgen
For her tireless, compassionate work in the greater Milwaukee community around mental health and addressing the growing issue of trauma, please consider this an enthusiastic nomination of Amy Lovell for recognition at the School Sisters of Notre Dame Women’s Leadership Luncheon.
Amy is the founder and a current founding board member of REDgen, a nonprofit organization consisting of school and university educators, parents, community members, interfaith leaders and health professionals who are committed to working together across systems to promote balance and resiliency in the lives of our youth and families. The group’s hope is to develop a new generation of resilient young people with a healthy understanding of what success means.
Amy and Mike Lovell set the vision for and launched SWIM — Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee — which was formed to increase strategic partnerships between local service providers addressing generational trauma in Milwaukee. Through a collaborative, multidisciplinary model, its mission is to build a trauma-responsive community that heals trauma and promotes resilience.
Strong in her Catholic faith, Amy is generous and kind, and her warmth is genuine and magnetic. Perhaps more importantly, she isn’t afraid to be vulnerable as she lives her life in the service of others.
Honoree
Gina Spang
Founder & Principal
Spang Strategies, LLC
Gina Spang has 25+ years of experience in the construction industry. Her solid background in both public and private sector provides a unique perspective and approach to her work.
Early in her career, Gina was usually the only female on the construction site or woman in the room. Spang was the first, and to date only, female to serve in the position of Director of Facilities and Maintenance Services for Milwaukee Public Schools. During her tenure, she prioritized projects and directed resources focused on sustainability, green infrastructure, energy conservation, facility modernization and projects that fostered public and private partnerships.
Gina recently launched Spang Strategies, LLC to represent owners as an objective third party to provide guidance on construction projects that they are contemplating or assistance on projects that are currently underway.
Gina is a 2021 Women in Construction Honoree, a 2018 Milwaukee Business Journal’s Woman of Influence, a past recipient of the YWCA Outstanding Woman of Achievement Award and the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award. Gina currently serves on the following boards: Alverno Board of Trustees, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Historic Third Ward Association and the Waukesha YMCA.
Gina credits her parents for her ability to succeed in engineering and construction. “The fact that I was a female, never came up in the conversation when we discussed college or careers. They focused on what I enjoyed (math and science) and said – ok – that sounds great.”
Spang earned her master of business administration from Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Honoree
Lauren Hess
Vice President
Wintrust Commercial Banking
Lauren is a loyal employee of the bank having started her career at Wintrust out of college and earning her way to become the head of Treasury Management for the state of Wisconsin territory at the bank. Lauren is a passionate board member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) having a close family member affected by the disease. She also dedicates her time as a Committee Member of the Waukesha County Business Alliance. Lauren's glowing personality, positive energy and drive to do good for others are just a few reasons that make her an invaluable asset to our community.
Sister Rose Ann Bacak †
Honored by Jack and Georgie Gibbs
The Bacak family was a prominent family in St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Alice, Texas, in the 1950’s. I went to school with the Bacak children at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School, staffed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame at that time. Rose Ann was two years ahead of me in school, and her brothers, James and Hank, were before and after me. I remember Rose Ann was an excellent student, a very pretty girl, and active in church. Her sister, Barbara, was several years younger and the baby of the family, and also a very pretty girl, and favorite with the sisters.
Sister Gail Buckman
Honored by St. Gabriel ~ Women at the Well
On the 90th Anniversary of St. Gabriel the Archangel School, we want to honor Sister Gail Buckman, who retired in 2024 after having served as band director for 27 years. Sister Gail, always smiling, could be found not only in the band room, but also on the playground and as a crossing guard greeting the students. Sister Gail was the last of the 147 SSND educators who taught at St. Gabriel over 9 decades. St. Gabriel owes a debt of gratitude to the School Sisters of Notre Dame who devoted their lives to helping generations of students reach their potential, both academically and by guiding their faith lives.
Sister Carol Jean Dust
Honored by Patti Brock and Rae Ann Keilty
“In all may God be our goal and end, our highest good, in Whom we find all that makes us content and truly happy”. Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger
For 60 plus years Sister Carol Jean Dust, SSND (Dusty), has been one of our closest friends and we have witnessed her live this quote lovingly, faithfully and consistently. This has been true whether her ministry called her to be an elementary or secondary teacher, a Missionary to Honduras, or a coordinator of religious education. In addition to serving as General Council member or serving the Central Pacific Province as Chairperson of the SSND Ministry Commission or serving on the Vocations Team for North America… God, and God alone has been Dusty’s goal.
Dusty has touched many lives, from near and far! How blessed we are to know her as a sister in community, as a family member, as a friend, or as a former student. She challenges us to be faith-filled, hope-filled and love-filled PEOPLE.
Thank you, Dear Dusty!
Sister Ruth Emke
Honored by Mary Emke
Ruth knew her calling at a very young age. (I have to admit to the joy of having my own room when she joined the sisters at the age of 14.) Her service to God and others has taken her to many places around the globe. She taught young minds from Los Angeles to Sierra Leone, West Africa. Her passion, though, is ministry which she has managed to do, in small ways and large, wherever she’s been. Through it all, she has remained grounded in faith and family. As her then very young niece, upon hearing her called “Sister Ruth”, chimed, “She’s just Ruthie!” So proud to be her sister.
Sister Alene Faul †
Honored by The Pawlowicz Sisters: Stephanie Vergara, Madonna Emht and Geralyn Gossett
Some memories of the loveable, unforgettable Sister Alene Faul ~
Her sense of joy peppered with an adorable dash of impishness;
Her unself-conscious great big belly-shaking laugh;
Her persistent yet gentle push for students to have the courage to think and act outside the box;
Her uncanny sense of our innate abilities & encouragement to try new things (think debate team);
Her boundless love of theater & drama; noteworthy was her ability to include a student’s personal talent into a production (think roller skaters, baton twirlers);
Her love of language and her continual desire to learn, e.g. off she went to get her doctorate, coif & wimple blowing in the wind no doubt;
Her community outreach - not only was she involved with adult learning, but courageously introducing new topics, e.g. the Silva Mind Control Method at Blow School!
What a gal!
Sister Patricia Gravemann
Honored by Joan C. Harris
In honor of my dear cousin who generates happiness in the spiritual experience of living every day with love, grace, and gratitude. She is very inspiring to all around her!
Sister Jo Donna Grimes †
Honored by Peter M. Rohrich III, PMR Law
The flame may go out, but the light stays bright forever. On December 29, 2007, Sister Jo Donna Grimes answered our Lord's call, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to honor her life and legacy. No matter what age we are, we all have memories of a favorite teacher or school administrator who impacted our lives in a positive way. Sister Jo Donna was that for me. While attending St. Martin of Tours grade school, I had the opportunity to learn many life lessons from Sister Jo Donna who was the acting principal.
I am fully aware that some of these life lessons came as I treaded hot water and while I am certain tested her patience at times. Sister Jo Donna was always willing to give me and other students a second chance, and as I recall, sometimes a third, fourth or fifth chance. While demonstrating keen leadership skills, her compassion for inspiring others, especially the children she taught, created an environment for kids to grow, learn and flourish under her leadership.
Today I am proud to say that Sister Jo Donna made me a better person and left the world a treasured place for students like me and the countless lives she touched.
Sister Kathryn Hoener †
Honored by Dr. Margaret Sullivan, PhD
Someone we’ll always treasure in our hearts.
Sister Clarea Hotze †
Honored by Jack and Georgie Gibbs
Sister Clarea taught 7th and 8th grade at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School in Alice, Texas, in the last 1950’s. I attended her classes in 1953-54 and 1954-55. She was a very inspirational teacher and expected the best from her students. She was a joyful and cheerful person, but a strict disciplinarian. She gave me the love of learning and the mastery of good study habits that carried me easily through public high school, college and later in life. Aside from my parents, Sister Clarea was the first major influence on my life.
Sister Rosemary Hufker †
Honored by Gerry Hufker
In memory of my big sister who meant so much to the family and to the SSND. We are grateful for all the work that she has done.
Sister Dolores Shea †
Honored by Jean Buchana, SSND Associate
Sister Dolores was my mentor in guiding me as I studied to be a School Sisters of Notre Dame associate. She was always gentle and kind. We remained friends while she lived at Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, and at The Sarah Community, Bridgton, Missouri. I miss her.
Sister Karl Mary Winkelmann
Honored by Marty Hoormann Campbell, Rosary High School, Class of 1970
Many times, in my life, I have found myself saying that I was raised by the SSNDs. I had the privilege of having them as my teachers in both grade school and high school. Although many of the sisters influenced various facets of who I became, only one in particular do I consider to be a pillar of my life.
Sister Karl Mary Winkelmann, SSND, significantly contributed to my foundation of beliefs and played a major role in my life choices.
At Rosary High School, Sister Karl Mary was not only my freshman homeroom teacher, but my Latin teacher as well. I was blessed again in my junior year to have her as my Theology teacher, maybe called Religion in high school. In senior year she was assigned as my guidance counselor. She utilized each of these opportunities to teach all of us, by word and example, how to live by our faith as kind, caring, and thoughtful individuals. Because of her gift of listening and insight, she helped guide me to a very fulfilling career as a physical therapist which I knew nothing about before her advice and encouragement. I believe that it is because of Sister Karl Mary that I was so happy in my chosen career.
I would not be the person I am without the great influence and example of Gospel living that I have received from her. Thank you, Sister Karl Mary, not only for your life-long friendship, but especially for teaching me faith in action. I will be forever grateful.
Sister Margaret Berghold
Honored by Bruce Meredith and Mary Niederehe
Sister Margaret is my aunt, and it is difficult to imagine a better aunt. She is thoughtful, kind and so much fun. Recently, Sister Margaret celebrated her 100th birthday and our whole family was able to describe how Sister Margaret’s intellect, kindness and good humor had enriched our lives. We were able to hear how Sister Margaret’s teaching, tutoring and compassion had done so for others. Today we celebrate, as Jesus did, the peacemakers and Sister Margaret is truly a peacemaker. Her smile is given to all. She holds no grudges, always seeks to include, never exclude. She is passionate about teaching and education because she believes the more people understand about the world and each other, the more they would love both God and their neighbors.
Sister Barb Geers
Honored by The Honorable Andrew J. Gleeson
We all hold the memories of our Catholic grade school education dear. Mine are at Holy Angels school in East St. Louis, Illinois and began in the classroom of Sister Barb Geers, who I knew as Sister Marie Rosairre at the time. Sister Barb encouraged us to master reading and we excitedly accessed the SRAs that were in the back of that first-floor classroom. I love reading and words to this day. She was a kind but firm teacher who loved the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals. That makes the year 1967 happy and memorable for she and I and for the 1967 World Champion Cardinals.
Thank you, Sister Barb, as your contribution to my life that year has literally lasted a lifetime.
Sister Patricia Gravemann
Honored by Joan C. Harris
In honor of my dear cousin for her dedication and extra efforts to support the SSND retired sisters. She is always uplifting!
Sister Linda Jansen
Honored by Jack and Georgie Gibbs
In honor of Sister Linda Jansen and her 62 years of service with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. My wife and I traveled from Texas to attend the signature event in 2019 at the Motherhouse and Sister Linda hosted us for several days. She took us to visit the grave of Sister Clarea Hotze, who taught me in Alice, Texas. She also took us to The Sarah Community to visit Sister Mary Helen Hotze, Sister Clarea’s sister. Since that visit, Sister Linda has kept us informed about SSND activity through her continued contact with us.
Sister Mary Carla Koestner †
Honored by Catherine Weide
Sister Carla had a huge impact on my life. I took private piano lessons from her from 2nd grade until college. She also taught me to play the organ in church. Through those years, she and the rest of the sisters were a place of refuge, encouragement and love. She helped me be a strong person and confident in myself. I moved on to college and found a wonderful man to marry. My husband and I lived most of our life on the East Coast and then Florida. On our summer trips to Iowa, we would often stop in Burlington and then St. Louis to see her. At first she was disappointed that my husband was not Catholic, and he was not converting. But after several trips to St. Louis, she told me that he has been, and is, a good husband and father. He cares so much about me to go out of his way to visit a convent on our vacation.
Sister Grace Marie Mueller
Honored by Loyce Williams
I have known dear Sister Grace for many years. She was a lay teacher at the Academy of Notre Dame in Belleville, Illinois, when I was a student in the early to mid-fifties. The parishioners at St. Luke Parish in Belleville were blessed with her presence from 1991 to 2014. It is difficult to put into words how she was always there in good and bad times for each individual. She encouraged everyone, regardless of age, color, background or situation. She supported the Inner Faith Council, those living with AIDs and HIV, The Homeless Coalition, the parents of gay and lesbian children and more. She saw possibilities for growth and spiritual development for everyone, including me. It’s a blessing and an honor to know Sister Grace Mueller.
Sister Geraldine Neier
Honored by Mary Frey
As a child I remember Sister Geraldine attending our family reunions. My cousins and I were always in awe of her. She wore a habit, taught school, played the organ for mass and she was fun to be around. I had an extra privilege as Sister Geraldine was the flower girl in my mother and father’s wedding.
Later, when Sister Geraldine was in Africa, my mother (always a great letter writer-she knew cursive) corresponded with her. Mom always looked forward to her letters. Mom and Sister Geraldine’s brother Carl shared the letters and adventures in Africa. They always prayed for her safe return. God must have heard their prayers, as she was able to escape a very unsafe situation and return home.
I am happy to say Sister Geraldine is a relative of mine and I am privileged to honor her today.
Sister Frances Padberg †
Honored by Rabbi Susan Talve
I would like to honor Sister Frances of blessed memory who inspired many to live and laugh and love more fiercely as she worked for justice as a peacemaker. She was a religious woman of deep faith and a friend.
Sister Dorothy Venhaus †
Honored by Sister Barbara Neist, SSND, Mary Pancella and Claudia Wright
In honor of Sister Dorothy Venhaus, who enriched the lives of many as a music educator and organist both here and for many years in Japan.
Sister Celly Ann Amparano †
Honored by Claudia Wright
In memory of Sister Celly Ann Amparano who brought joy not only to the SSND community, but the Wright, Neist, Pancella, Moeser and Marton families. We all have happy holiday memories with Celly.
Sister Mary Albert Belker †
Honored by Mary and Leroy F. Ortmeyer, M.D., K.M.
I first knew Sister Albert when she was retired and living in the Motherhouse. We had many conversations and I was impressed with her insight to world affairs and her faith. She came to know my mother when they shared a nursing home room. In spite of increasing difficulties with health, she never lost her optimism and her desire to care for other people. I feel that because of my association with her, I was a better doctor and a better person.
Sister Jan Berberich
Honored by Michelle Russo Steeg, NDHS ‘01
I have chosen to honor Sister Jan because of the role she has played in my life. I met Sister Jan nearly 25 years ago and my favorite experience with her was going on a service trip to Honduras. What was so amazing about that trip was that I really got to understand who Sister Jan is as a person. That person is strong, intelligent, and compassionate with unwavering faith. Those are the qualities she then taught to me over the next three years and years after. Sister Jan is an inspiration to me, and I am delighted to be able to call her a friend now.
Sister M. Richtrudis Brauhauser †
Honored by Mary and Leroy F. Ortmeyer, M.D., K.M.
Sister Richtrudis and I met on Tuesdays for many years while I was in practice to care for nuns who found it difficult to come to my office. She was always cheerful and very helpful to me when we met in the infirmary. We grew to be great friends and worked well together. I could see her great love for God and her fellow sisters and will always respect and cherish her memory. She was the perfect example of a Notre Dame sister.
Sister Mary Benilda Dix
Honored by Betty Mutza
I met Sister Benilda through my husband, Jerry. Sister was Jerry’s high school English teacher back in the 1950’s. She and I developed a mutual friendship over the years. We never accomplished any great achievements or won any awards, but she taught me about kindness and compassion. She always had time to listen. She cared! I thank her for the gifts she shared with me.
Sister Leonette Juengst
Honored by Tom Juengst
In honor of my dear sister, Sister Leonette.
Sister Urban Maureen Molitor
Honored by The Honorable Andrew J. Gleeson
I first met Sister Urban as a grade schooler at Holy Angels in East St. Louis, Il. She was in community with an exemplary group of educators that I was blessed to have been taught by and spiritually led.
These were turbulent times in the East St. Louis community and the year 1972 was a particularly traumatic time in my own life. Sister Urban was always a calming and positive presence at Holy Angels.
Fast forward 30 years or so, I became reacquainted with Sister as I sought to support and affirm the SSND mission that I so greatly benefited from and appreciated.
Sister Urban remains a positive presence in my life as she periodically writes words of inspiration as I grapple with the challenges of my work and life. Her message to me, “sometimes only in God’s grace will you find the answer. Pray and seek it!” Thank you, Sister Urban Maureen Molitor.
Sister Mary Gilda Sturino
Honored by David Barnes
Throughout my life, Aunt Mary (Sister Gilda) has been a role model of devotion, caring and understanding while being a constant source of inspiration and good humor!
Sister John Ann Zettelmaier
Honored by the Family of Sisters Ara Coeli, Melmarie, and Marie Gabriel
Sister John Ann has been a wonderful, caring, humble friend to the Stoll family for countless years. Sister has the happiest disposition of anyone I know. She can always find the positive in any situation she faces. Her contagious laugh goes hand in hand with her wonderful sense of humor. She prefers to not be in the limelight but still be right in the mix of all that is going on in life. Sister John Ann is truly a humble servant of God and a model for all women. Our family LOVES her and feel she is the 4th aunt of our family. I am blessed to have known her most of my life and honored to have her as my close friend.
Sister Celly Ann Amparano †
Honored by Claudia Wright
In memory of Sister Celly Ann Amparano who brought joy not only to the SSND community, but the Wright, Neist, Pancella, Moeser and Marton families. We all have happy holiday memories with Celly.
Honoree
Julia Dodd
Vice President
Lockton Dunning Benefits Associates
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in law, healthcare, risk management, and business development, Julia Dodd is known for her intelligence and partnership within the Dallas community and beyond. Ms. Dodd currently serves as Vice President for Lockton Dunning Benefits.
Prior to her role at Lockton, Ms. Dodd was a former healthcare law section head and partner at a major Dallas law firm, headed Dodd and Associates, and served on the team for the Coalition for Affordable and Reliable Healthcare. There, she led the grassroots effort for both state and federal tort reform, including passing tort reform that resulted in a 90% decrease in medical malpractice litigation in Texas.
Rooted in the humble values she learned growing up in a small country community, Ms. Dodd leads by example, from small town to big city. She is the co-founder of Women in the Know, a C-suite women’s networking group dedicated to bringing awareness and action for local Dallas community charities and needs. Ms. Dodd also previously served on the board of AVANCE, a national organization working to serve families in need. Advocacy for those in need is the cornerstone of her professional and personal goals.
Honoree
Heather Indelicato
Senior Vice President, Deposit Operations
Midwest BankCentre
Midwest BankCentre would like to honor Heather Indelicato for the amazing leadership she has provided at our community bank and throughout the community.
Heather Indelicato is Senior Vice President of the Deposit Operations team. She was promoted to this role as a stretch opportunity. Her job was to be a changemaker: to take a team who was well entrenched in their routine to think differently, to be more creative, effective, and efficient in their work.
It takes time to build the kind of trust needed to make a wholesale change. As it turned out, Heather was just six months in her new role when the pandemic hit, and everyone was forced to work remotely-a first for everyone on her team.
Heather relied on her communication and leadership skills to orchestrate a complete paradigm shift. She collaborated with IT to ensure the hardware and security were in place and trained her entire team so they would feel confident in processing critical customer transactions from their new offices, which were now on their dining room tables or in a spare bedroom at their homes.
Heather led her 25-person team through this traumatic change while also caring for her family, including two young children. Because of her leadership, Midwest BankCentre did not miss a beat.
Honoree
Katie Grant
Vice President of Clinical Integration
Milwaukee Catholic Home
Katie Grant, Vice President of Clinical Integration, has served in a leadership role in a long-term care for over 25 years. Katie has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is a Registered Nurse and is also certified as a CPR instructor through American Red Cross and a Community Based Residential Facility Trainer though the State of Wisconsin. Since Katie came to Milwaukee Catholic Home, she has implemented Electronic Medical Records and guided the organization on their Quality Assurance Performance Improvement journey. Katie also serves as a Clinical Consultant, providing support to interdisciplinary clinical teams at MCH, School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) and other senior communities. She serves on the Board of Directors for Our Lady of the Angels Convent. She has tirelessly led the nursing team of SSND Elm Grove throughout the past four years with unimaginable clinical challenges related to the pandemic and the changing, reduced work force in long-term care. Katie is currently working to develop a CNA Training and Certification Course to be offered through Milwaukee Catholic Home Management Services. She successfully has transitioned staff and residents to the beautiful new Trinity Woods Community. Her knowledge, energy and giving spirit exemplifies servant leadership.