"When I reflect on my time at Holy Child and the person it helped me become, two words stand out: confidence and curiosity. I arrived as a shy ninth grader, especially hesitant to speak up in academic settings. In Holy Child’s close-knit classrooms, where participation was expected and encouraged, I gradually found my voice. What once felt intimidating became empowering. That confidence has stayed with me, from navigating large engineering lectures in college to presenting to my company’s CEO.

Holy Child also deepened my intellectual curiosity. It taught me not just to learn, but to challenge assumptions and think critically about the world around me. Through the EAD program in particular, I learned to lead with curiosity as a tool for innovation and real-world problem-solving. That mindset continues to shape my career, pushing me to ask “why” and “how” in pursuit of meaningful impact.

Though my time as a Holy Child student has ended, my gratitude and commitment remain. Whether returning to campus to speak with EAD students or serving on the Alumnae Board, I am eager to give back to the community that empowers young women to grow into confident, curious leaders."

"My years at Holy Child taught me that leadership is rooted not in authority, but in service. This lesson was exemplified to me in small moments: teachers who believed in me, friends and classmates who uplifted one another, and a community that showed compassion in ways that both felt ordinary and extraordinary. Those experiences taught me early on that love, joy, and courage are choices that we make intentionally.

During Advent, we are encouraged to slow down and reflect on finding grace and hope in unexpected places. As I reflect on my own work now as a scientist, mentor, and alumna, I often return to the Holy Child value of “actions, not words.” I’ve come to see that true leadership begins with kindness, listening with intention, and uplifting others around you.

Holy Child formed my belief that every act of compassion is a form of leadership. Sometimes that simply means choosing patience, showing up with a smile, or having a willingness to help when no one is watching. It is this definition of leadership that continues to guide me throughout my career and faith journey."

"To me, leadership means having the confidence to keep going when things don’t go your way, and the awareness to look out for the people around you. You never know how a kind word, a moment of encouragement, or simply being seen can change something for someone. Holy Child planted those seeds early. HC was a place where I was genuinely supported in trying things, whether running for student body president, joining stage crew, or stepping into anything else that felt uncertain. The confidence I gained in those formative years has carried me through college, law school, and life in general. Resilience and care for others are at the core of my leadership philosophy, and I am grateful Holy Child gave me that foundation before I even knew I needed it."

"I was honored to attend Ring Day 2026 to "ring" my niece, Xia. My initial reaction was disbelief that she was already a junior, quickly followed by stifled tears and the hope that she and I would return to ring my daughter Charlie (in 2037!). Xia is intelligent, artistic, beautiful, and thoughtful. When I suggested she apply to and attend Holy Child, I knew she would thrive, and she has. Watching her class, I was impressed by their confidence and the clear sense of camaraderie and support they have for one another. The ceremony brought back memories from my own time at Holy Child. Truthfully, I have lived a lot of life since graduating in 2006. In my career as a young police officer and in my subsequent years as a supervisor, I have seen and experienced so much that I sometimes struggle to remember the years before. However, Ring Day reminded me of why this school is so special. It brought back the jokes, the costumes, and the laughter shared with classmates, as well as the lasting lessons from teachers like Mrs. Ricci, who found room for God and love in every lesson. It reminded me that I've taken all of that with me into my personal and professional life.

My wish for Xia is that she, too, looks back fondly on this time, finds lifelong value in these experiences, and sees God and love in it all. We are so proud of her. Thanks, Holy Child!"

"Leadership to me has always been about being part of a team or a group – you can’t be a leader of one! Leadership is about evaluating different perspectives so that the whole group benefits. My experience leading the Alumnae Board was such a positive example of that. During my time as President, the Board included alumnae from different generations and life experiences, each bringing a unique perspective on how we could help lead the School into the future and make it as impactful for current and future students as it was for us.

As a student at Holy Child, I had many moments when I felt like a leader. However, I think what is most impactful about the atmosphere at Holy Child is that everyone has the opportunity to be a leader, and everyone is empowered to lead in some capacity. There aren’t many environments that foster leadership to that extent. Advocating for yourself and advocating for those around you who do not feel as empowered to do so are incredibly valuable lessons I’ve taken from my time at Holy Child."

"As a student of Holy Child, I experienced the most influential and pivotal four years of my life. Holy Child enriched my academic and spiritual life far beyond these walls. Holy Child instilled in me the belief that God and service to others must come first, and that music ministry is still a vital part of my life.

In my career as an orchestral, chamber, studio, and commercial artist, it has been a privilege to share the state with so many artists, dancers, composers, creative innovators and thinkers. I also enjoy being a member of St. Mary’s Grand Contemporary Ensemble, serving the community of the Lower East Side. I was also a member of the Church of the Holy Trinity on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The power of God, the power of the Church, and the power of Music Ministry have helped me remember the importance of being willing to confide in each other, comfort each other, and be there for each other through good times and difficult ones. Over the years since graduation, Holy Child has remained my pillar of strength."