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Member Spotlight

Lisa Helene Donovan from Sisters of Notre Dame

Lisa Helen Donovan
Director of Communications
Sisters of Notre Dame
Thousand Oaks, California 

How long have you worked for the Sisters of Notre Dame? Since March 2006.

What is the mission of your congregation? Proclaiming God's Goodness and Provident Care. In California, this means bringing Hope within a diverse society.

List the major ministries in which your congregation is engaged: Our province has teachers, nurses and parish ministers. We sponsor four schools and provide staff at other Catholic schools as well as at the archdiocese where one sister serves as Vicar of Women Religious and another works in the marriage tribunal. We have also partnered with CAST to provide the only shelter completely dedicated to women who have been victims of human trafficking. CAST provides the professional social services support, and one of our sisters provides night support and models normal life through her life as a resident of the shelter. 

What do you find most rewarding about your work? There's always something unexpected in my day -- and always something new to do or learn. The sisters tell great stories about the old days or their latest adventures on the computer. Since I originated this position, I have a lot of freedom to define my job. I represent the sisters at various meetings and am the key coordinator of the human trafficking awareness campaign, which I find really rewarding because I know it is making a direct impact here in California. Also, it's great fun having the sisters support my relationship with my boyfriend - they adore him!

What is most challenging about your position? We are a small province and it's still difficult to keep track of the sisters and their various ministries. I'm about 10 years younger than the youngest sister and have a different perspective of the world -- and computers. Personal relationships are the key to my success, but even after three years there's still an adjustment being made by the sisters to my work. Some are very welcoming and remind me that I have a ministry too; others need more TLC.

How long have you been a member of NCNWR? 2 years

What aspects of your NCNWR membership are you most appreciative of? The resources and relationships are very helpful and have helped me build a sense of professionalism.

Personal Information

Education: B.S. Radio/Video/Photo, Bradley University

Volunteer: Board Member, L.A. Voice (faith based community organizing group affiliated with PICO)

Past Member Spotlights:

Debbi Della Porta. Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community READ MORE >

Ann Marie Slavin, OSF. Sisters of St Francis of Philadelphia READ MORE >

Lisa Helene Donovan. Sisters of Notre Dame READ MORE >

Pamela Brookens. Sisters of St Francis of the Holy Family READ MORE >

Teri Bockstahler. Sisters of Notre Dame, Toledo Province READ MORE >

Louise Koselak. Sisters of the Holy Cross READ MORE >

Jane Comeau. Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration READ MORE >

Tricia Buxton. Sinsinawa Dominicans READ MORE >

Kim Cavallero. Society of the Holy Child Jesus - American Province READ MORE >

Russ Mancl. Holy Cross Sisters READ MORE >

Jill Ackerman. Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation READ MORE >