A particular gift of the feminine genius is to nurture life, to care for the other. Although all women are called to nurture life in all vocations and professions, this specialty is designed for women who serve in direct roles caring for the human person. Those in the medical field, such as doctors and nurses, and other healing fields, such as counselors, life-coaches, and psychiatrists, as well as those who serve as primary caregivers of children or the elderly will be supported in this group. Mentors who have made caring for the human person their life’s work will serve to inspire and further equip the young leaders who share this calling and will particularly guide them to participate in the Church’s rich tradition of social teaching and ethics.
Alumnae
Videos
Blog Posts
On Mission in the Rio Grande Valley
When I heard Sr. Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, speak at the 2016 GIVEN Forum, I felt compelled to help her mission close to the US-Mexico border but I had no idea how or why. I prayed and waited for God to make a way.
Hearts of Joy International
Iattended the GIVEN Forum in 2016 and it absolutely changed my life in so many amazing ways. It taught me many valuable skills and helped me to grow in my faith as beloved daughter of God.
The Love of My Mother
The day is over now, with all its cares and worries. I stand in front of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and slowly lay my head against her chest. I imagine her arms encircling me. Wrapped within her mantle, I can almost hear the slow beating of her heart. Here, I know that I am loved. Without a need for words, I allow her to hold me at the end of this day, her love my place of refuge. “Am I not here, I who am your Mother?” she gently asks, “Could there be anything else you need?”
Recovering a Lost Vocation
Pentecostal experience. These are the two words I use to describe my GIVEN experience. For over a year, I had longed and prayed for something like GIVEN to help discern my lost vocation. Before GIVEN, I was studying international relations and was presented with the opportunity to work for the Long Beach Mayor’s Office. My passion and drive to bring about peace surfaced all the more as I assisted with the city’s international trade. Three months into my internship, I was invited to the United Nations Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. My dream at that time was to work for the United Nations, so this opportunity was a dream come true.
Women, Rise Up! Catholic Female Leaders in Action
During Women’s History Month, we are all more keenly aware of the impact of women leaders upon society. Especially on March 8th, media outlets and all of our favorite Instagram accounts were proudly promoting women’s accomplishments and sharing stories of heroines. But does Women’s History Month include Catholic female leaders? Sometimes, yes! Last week, CNN released the headline that Colorado will replace Columbus Day with Cabrini Day, the first paid holiday recognizing a woman in the US. I was thrilled to see this Catholic religious sister, known as the patron saint of immigrants, being recognized by secular outlets!
Being Receptive in a Tumultuous Time
“As I reflected on the Given Forum 2019, the word ‘receptive’ had been planted on my heart. I had uncertainty about whether I was magnifying my gifts in my current life as a high school history teacher and coach at an all-girls Catholic school outside of Washington D.C. I loved the school, my students, and my coworkers, but I still felt a sense of restlessness in the silence. I was ready and receptive–with arms stretched out– to use my gifts to glorify God and to follow wherever He was leading me."
Advocacy Doesn’t End at the Ballot Box
It’s been 100 years since women earned the right to vote, 56 years since that right was extended to all women in our society. But the divisiveness and animosity of recent election cycles have left many feeling jaded, depressed, unheard, frustrated, and just plain over it. Can you relate?
Embracing Your Femininity in Leadership: Q&A with Meghan Cokeley
During our first annual International Women’s Day Panel, you submitted so many excellent questions to our panel that we weren’t able to answer them all. So, we asked professional women from our GIVEN network to respond to them through our Blog! In this post (1 of 3) Meghan Cokeley, Director of the Office for the New Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, shares her thoughts on what inspires her, what keeps her grounded and how we can discern God’s will for our lives.
Embracing Your Gifts: Q&A with Rachel Bulman
During our first annual International Women’s Day Panel, you submitted so many excellent questions to our panel that we weren’t able to answer them all. So, we asked professional women from our GIVEN network to respond to them through our Blog! In this post (2 of 3) Rachel Bulman shares her thoughts on the importance of using her gifts, the most important woman in her life, and hearing her vocational call.
Embracing Your Single Years: Q&A with Beth Leverich
During our first annual International Women’s Day Panel, you submitted so many excellent questions to our panel that we weren’t able to answer them all. So, we asked professional women from our GIVEN network to respond to them through our Blog! In this post ( 3 of 3) Beth Leverich shares her thoughts on motivation in a period of waiting, prayer, and more!
Veterans: Giving Back to Those Who Gave So Much
Have you ever wondered how to show your support for the veterans in your life? The people that fought for our freedoms often go under-appreciated once their service days are behind them. But, it shouldn’t be that way as these heroes need us now just as much as we needed them then. In today’s GIVEN blog, we touch on a few ways to help those who have served us in the front lines.
What is Entrustment?
Miscarrying my first baby has really colored my view of life. It challenged me to reexamine my life and the gift of life itself. I began reflecting and wondering why...
6 Expenses to Watch Out for When Changing Careers
Perhaps you’re changing careers for a more lucrative salary – but taking on a new job often comes with unexpected hidden expenses. As a woman in the workforce, you want to get ahead, yet you don’t want to be caught off guard by surprise expenses as you advance in your new job. Consider the following tips when you’re changing careers.
Caitlin Desmé
Location: Fort Myers, FL Job Title: Learning & Development Manager Organization: Executive Services, Gartner Education: Ave Maria University Degree: Politics Caitlin Desmé, [...]
Nnemka Nwajiaku
Location: Charlotte, NC Job Title: Clinical Research Coordinator Education: University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy Degree: Bachelor of Science Nnemka Nwajiaku, [...]
Ellen Holloway
Location: Fremont, CA Job Title: Stay-at-Home Mom and Business Owner Organization: Vines in Full Bloom Education: UC Davis, undergrad | Pontifex University, MSA [...]
“Love is the Cure:” Serving Pregnant Women as a Christian Woman
You did it to Me: serving pregnant women as a Christian woman By Ellen Witter, GIVEN '22 When I reflect on my [...]
Angelina Heyse
Location: Conshohocken, PA Job Title: Registered Nurse Organization: Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA Education: Bucknell University, Villanova University Degree: BA, Biology and [...]
Annie Schuler
Location: Lockport, NY Job Title: Senior Manager, Digital Marketing Education: Franciscan University of Steubenville Degree: Bachelor of Science, Biology Annie (Babcock) Schuler, [...]
Melissa Tablada
Location: Miami, FL Job Title: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Creighton Fertility Care Practitioner Organization: Melissa Grace Therapy & Coaching & Fertility Care [...]
