Catalyst 2010

Catalyst 2010: Mini-Retreat Brings Students and Community Women Together

Five Saint Mary’s students and five community women recently participated in a weekend of learning, sharing and discovery as they participated in the first Mini-Catalyst Trip. Sponsored by the Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership (CWIL), the trips in the past have been a week in length. The weekend event this March gave students the chance to stay closer to Saint Mary’s, and the opportunity to learn more about the surrounding community and the women who live here. “I signed up for the trip because I wanted to gain more experience with diverse populations,” says social work major Angela Hollar ’11. “I expected to the trip to push me to think critically and articulate my feelings—even when I felt uncomfortable.”

Professor and Associate Director of CWIL Mana Derakhshani says the trips were initially “designed to provide a space for students and community women to have important and profound conversations about leadership in general and intercultural leadership in particular.” More focused conversations and workshops on diversity, race, power, and privilege were added later.

This year’s mini-trip focused on leadership, culture, and the history of the local community with participants visiting the Near Westside neighborhood in South Bend, Ind., and the Underground Railroad in Battle Creek, Mich. “Standing at the grave site of Sojourner Truth had a profound impact on me,” says Angela. “Exploring the town in which she lived and learning more about her experience as a remarkable leader and catalyst for change was very inspirational.”

Psychology major Kristin Hepburn ’12 says the trip to the Near Westside neighborhood was one of the most memorable experiences for her. “It was nice to learn about the rich history of the area,” says Kristin. “I now plan to become more involved in the community and spread some of the knowledge I have gained.”

In addition to visiting local sites, students had the opportunity to engage in conversations with local women. “I met wonderful women from the community, and I got the opportunity to get to know some other students better,” says Angela. “My personal definition of the word ‘leader’ has expanded thanks to the insight and honesty of my fellow group members.”