2 minute read
TEAM MEMBERS
BRING A COMBINED 81 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE TO THE YOUNG WOMEN OF DSHA.
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Cynthia Blaze
Advertisement
At DSHA, the Director of DEI develops and oversees all DEI programming in a manner consistent with Catholic Social Teaching, and with an intentional emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging, unity, and sisterhood among all Dashers while celebrating our unique differences, experiences, and perspectives.
Education:
BA in Religious Studies, Cardinal Stritch University
MA in Pastoral Formation, St. Francis Seminary
Master Catechist Certification, Xavier University, New Orleans
Professional & Ministerial Experience:
Central City Catholic Parishes of Milwaukee | Parish Director, RCIA Coordinator, and Leader of Mission & Ministry Programming
Marquette University High School | Theology Faculty MUHS Diversity Office Advisor, and Moderator for the PRIDE (Personal Responsibility, Improvement, Development, and Enhancement) Homeroom, predominantly serving Black students
Brother Booker Ash Lay Ministry | Theology Professor
Archdiocese of Milwaukee | Black Catholic Ministry Commission Member
Q: What is your favorite thing about serving at an all-girls school?
A: I get girls—their emotion, their passion, their sisterhood. This feels like a really good fit. Friendship in high school is super important. Girls especially need really good friends with the same interests and concerns. We thrivewhen people understand who we are. It forms intimate bonds that last forever. I feel that in my faith journey God has been preparing me for this role and has ordered my steps. I feel so supported, valued, and appreciated, and I’m confident in who I am and why I’m here. I’m grateful to have arrived at DSHA and in this all-girls environment.
Q: What do you value or appreciate most about the Salvatorian mission?
A: The Sisters of the Divine Savior are very collaborative. From the beginning, the ordained collaborated with the lay. That interests me very much. When I work with students, we always focus on how we collaborate in unity. I love working with students on being both leaders and participants. I’m inspired by the founder of the Salvatorians, Blessed Francis Jordan, who always spoke of the importance of working together.
Q: What is your hope for our students as it relates to your role as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
A: The mission of our school is to be the goodness and kindness of Jesus. We live in a manner that puts our faith in the forefront of our lives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not commands but a calling. I want to help DSHA become a place where every graduate knows the strength and bravery of walking independently together, with God as our guide. Where every girl is able to find her voice within our community. I would like for our girls to look to this office as inclusive for all—not just for students of color, but anyone with a concern that I could advocate for. And when they walk across the stage at graduation, that the sisterhood is real—that each girl felt like she belonged and grew and learned a lot. My big word for the year is “belonging”. We all—every one of us—facilitate the sense of belonging.
Get to know CYNTHIA BLAZE
Favorite experience with students at DSHA? | “One day I was helping two students work on college applications— there was a very lengthy area for them to share their experience with DEI and they were stressed. We talked through how to connect the dots of their experiences and understanding of what DEI is and being comfortable in it. I believe it was a formative and helpful conversation for them and I’m grateful they saw me as a resource.”
Family | A large family including three daughters who attended DSHA, 11 grandchildren, four of whom currently attend DSHA.
Parishioner | St. Sebastian in Milwaukee
Hobbies | Sewing, listening to music, taking her grandchildren to $5 movie night and dinner; and reading anything by James Patterson, Brene Brown, “or anything recommended by Oprah!”
Item of note | Blaze is the recipient of the Nathaniel Gillon Award by Marquette University High School.
