2022 Distinguished Alumnae

Flintridge Sacred Heart recognizes distinguished alumnae for outstanding achievements in their adult lives. Our alumnae are fortunate to be among a community flled with strong leaders and innovative minds that have positively impacted the world.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD JOANNE DIAZ SO ‘04

INTERNAL MEDICINE AT NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER SAN DIEGO

Joanne Diaz So ‘04 knows what it means to be successful while remaining true to herself, her family and her faith. She was selected to become a part of the 1% of 1% of the nation by entering the United States Naval Academy. After graduating with a major in chemistry she entered the Medical Corps (a rigorous selection process to commission 15 Naval Ofcers a year to become doctors upon graduation) and has been practicing a career in Internal Medicine at Naval Medical Center San Diego. More importantly, So has been supporting the health and care of active duty sailors, retired veterans, and their families. In recognition of her exemplary work, diligence, commitment, and honor of her professional career and conduct, So was awarded Junior Ofcer of the Year in 2017, as well as Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and the National Defense Service Medal. She was recently promoted to Lieutenant Commander. However, no amount of awards can express how she saves lives, counsels families, mentors others, and loves her family and God.

So credits the success of her career, her true calling, with the faith her parents and grandparents endowed her with and the same faith that Flintridge Sacred Heart helped fourish and catch fre.

SERVICE TO FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART AWARD ANNETTE RICCHIAZZI ‘90

IGNITING THE TOLOG SPIRIT

For Annette Ricchiazzi ‘90, dedication to the spirit of Veritas did not end with her graduation. Even when her daughters left Flintridge Sacred Heart, she never stopped advocating for the school and its continued success. When she talks about Flintridge Sacred Heart, people can’t help but feel her enthusiasm and excitement for this institution. She truly represents the school’s Dominican values.

Beyond embodying the Tolog spirit, Ricchiazzi answered the call to leadership. She served as Alumnae Association president for three years at a time when the association was not as strong. Through Ricchiazzi’s leadership along with Sister Carolyn McCormack, O.P. and Paula Mayes Orlandini ‘71, the association has come back stronger and more profound. She later served while a Tolog parent as a Parent Ambassador and President of Friends of the Arts. Drawing from her professional experience with educational institutions and non-proft organizations, she has been invaluable in helping the school thrive no matter what her role or responsibilities.

In her address to the class of 2012 she said that her connection to Flintridge Sacred Heart has been “truly a constant, never-fading source of light.” Ricchiazzi has kept that light burning bright within her and continues to ignite the spark in others as well.

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY CARLA SUAREZ-CAPDET ‘98

CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALUD Y CARIÑO

Carla Suarez-Capdet ‘98 dedicated her life to helping others, especially children, who could not advocate for themselves. Her passion was working for children with special needs and advocating for them in the LAUSD schools. She worked closely with Speak UP, an organization of parents advocating for equitable public education, and was recognized with the Parent of the Year Award in 2021.

Suarez-Capdet’s passion for her activism stemmed from her son Jordi, who was diagnosed with Autism. She became his biggest advocate and supporter going back to school to pursue a degree in Child Development with a focus in Special Education. She then focused her efforts not only on ensuring that her son’s needs were met, but those of kids like him. She attended and spoke at countless school board meetings and was truly a force in special needs advocacy groups. She was deeply passionate and not afraid to speak her truth.

Her life embodied what it means to be a graduate of Flintridge Sacred Heart. Carla leaves a profound legacy of service that will live on within the hearts of everyone she met, and especially in her three boys.

A scholarship fund was established in her honor during the Alumnae Reunion Ceremony in April of 2022.

RISING STAR ELIZABETH ROJAS ‘13

CONNECTING COMMUNITY THROUGH GERONTOLOGY

Elizabeth Rojas ‘13, spent time since graduating from Flintridge Sacred Heart working at the National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA) and various other local hospitals, such as Huntington Hospital, Cedars-Sinai, and USC Caruso Catholic Center. The NCEA is where Elizabeth fell in love with helping people and decided to spend her life dedicated to “pay it forward” to the elderly. She attended USC for her undergrad and completed a degree in Bachelor of Science in Lifespan Health. Due to her exceptional community service during her time as an undergraduate, Elizabeth was honored by the school with an award called the “Order of Troy.” From there, she has continued on to attend the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. During her schooling, Elizabeth was given the opportunity to study abroad in Tel Aviv and worked at local hospitals with her professors. Her actions and goals has shown that not only has she made contributions to her family and local community but her global community.

Elizabeth Rojas is already a leader. Her goal for the future is one that would have her serving her community. She has already given speeches at USC about gerontology and her passionate connection to it. Her story has already been told on The Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s Facebook Page. Elizabeth is also the Graduate Student Representative for USC Student Gerontology Association. She will continue moving forward and setting an example that the rest of our Flintridge Sacred Heart community will be proud of.