Leader in Service—Diana C. Phiri '16

Hometown: Chicago

Student Life @ LA: African American Youth Group (AAYG), Diversity Club, Campus Ministry, Kairos leader, summer 2015 immersion trip to Milwaukee, Refugee One volunteer

Occupation: Registered nurse at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab College: University of St Francis, BS in nursing

Tell us about the work you do.

I am currently working as a rehabilitation nurse. My job is to provide patients with care during a time when they are not able to provide for themselves My days vary, but mainly consist of providing medications for patients and attending to their activities of daily living while working around their therapy schedules I believe the impact of my job is meeting the needs of others at a moment in their lives where they can't do it on their own. I hope to bring encouragement to them as they adjust to their new normal and to be a light in a difficult time.

Why were you drawn to this line of work?

I wanted a career that allowed me to express care for others I knew in choosing a career I needed a motivating factor that was always going to matter to me and that was service. I also enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and hearing their stories and nursing provides all of that. It is a job that keeps me engaged mentally, physically and emotionally I get to empathize with all parts of my own and other people's humanity on a daily basis I believe this keeps me humble and centered with God and the calling He has placed on all of our lives

Diana with then-President Rev. Patrick E Mc Grath, SJ

How did your time at Loyola prepare you for your current role?

Loyola Academy taught me about servant leadership. As a student, serving others was incorporated in our daily lives through service trips or volunteer sites, and I began to understand the importance of finding time to serve daily This was the first time that I recognized the perspective of service as leadership I learned that impact can also be made by serving others in this way.

Who at Loyola influenced or inspired you?

Mrs Bennett, Mr McNulty, Mr Minestra, Mr & Mrs Gregg, Ms Bea, Mrs Whelan, Mr Mitchell, Ms Thiegs, and so many more If it weren't for the multitude of staff and faculty who were the most supportive, encouraging, and engaging, my Loyola experience would've been completely different.

At the end of the day, what makes you most proud?

What makes me the most proud is that I am not the same today as I was yesterday I have come so far in spite of the obstacles placed in my way and by the grace of God I have been able to overcome them and achieve things that I once didn't believe were possible for me

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?

My go-to mantra comes from Ephesians 3:20: "All glory to God, with His power at work within us, that he is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can think or imagine "

Web exclusive: Diana was featured in our Ramble 2022 video in the spring Visit goramblers.org/leadersinservice to watch Diana discuss the impact of Loyola's faculty and staff on her Rambler journey