On Confidence, Community, and Finding Her Calling

MAGGIE MCNABB
Religious Studies and Spanish, minor in Social Work 
Current Role: Theology Teacher and Campus Minister, Cheverus High School 

 

Growing up in Chicago, Maggie McNabb didn’t know too much about Saint Mary’s College. But one campus visit changed everything. Today, Maggie is living in Portland, Maine, teaching while pursuing her master’s degree through Boston College’s Urban Catholic Teacher Corps, and carrying Saint Mary’s values into classrooms and communities far beyond campus.

In this Q&A, Maggie reflects on finding her voice, the power of sisterhood, and how Saint Mary’s prepared her to lead with confidence, empathy, and purpose.

What first drew you to Saint Mary’s, and when did you know it was the right fit?
I didn’t come from a Saint Mary’s or Notre Dame family at all. I actually got a random marketing email from Saint Mary’s when I was a junior in high school, and something about it intrigued me. I started looking into the school and was really drawn to the sense of community.

So on the same day that I toured Notre Dame, I decided to tour Saint Mary’s too. From the moment I stepped on campus, I just knew it was where I wanted to end up. I could tell that I had found a genuine sisterhood. It was small, people seemed comfortable with one another, and it just really felt like home.

You, like many other Saint Mary’s students and alumnae, mention sisterhood. What did that look like in practice as a student?
You felt it at social events and even just in the dining hall, but the most beautiful part was that, in classes, you weren’t competing with each other. Across the board, everyone genuinely wanted one another to succeed. It created a collaborative environment where we lifted each other up, supported one another, and were really there for each other.

I never felt like I had to prove myself or be better than the women around me. Instead, I felt like I could work with them—and together, we all improved and flourished.

Tell us about your academic journey and how it led to your current path.
I had Professor Gower for my first required theology course, and I loved it. She took the time to meet with us one-on-one, and eventually she encouraged me to explore theology more deeply because she could see how passionate I was.

That affirmation meant a lot. I ended up double-majoring in theology and Spanish, with a minor in social work. Spanish was always important to me—I’d studied it for years—and I was able to study abroad in Seville, which was an incredible experience.

During my senior year, I applied to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, something I’d been preparing for through my work with Saint Mary’s Center for Faith, Action, and Ministry. I felt supported by my professors and supervisors and genuinely prepared for ministry and leadership roles. I was placed in Portland to work in campus ministry at a high school, loved it, and stayed on.

Now, I’m earning my master’s in education through Boston College’s Urban Catholic Teacher Corps while teaching full-time. To credit my Saint Mary’s education, I was very prepared professionally—not just in terms of knowledge, but in the skills that help me advocate for myself and succeed in a workplace.

How did Saint Mary’s help you find your voice and grow into a leader?
In high school, I barely spoke in class. My grades were fine, but I was unsure of myself and my voice. At Saint Mary’s, that completely changed.

The sisterhood creates a space where it’s safe to speak up, try new ideas, and take risks—because you know your peers want you to succeed. That support made it easier to raise my hand, share my thoughts, and trust myself.

Beyond peers, the faculty and staff truly notice your gifts and help you develop them. That combination is powerful, and I don’t think it would’ve happened anywhere else.

What advice would you give to prospective students—and their parents—considering Saint Mary’s?
You never know where Saint Mary’s is going to take you—and that’s a hopeful thing. Saint Mary’s opens doors, but it also empowers you to open doors for yourself.

Any education is what you make of it, but I think Saint Mary’s in particular does a really, really good job of preparing women to succeed in the world, to make a space for themselves wherever they find themselves.

What is a memory from your time at Saint Mary’s that still makes you smile?
One of my favorite parts of my experience was being in the Notre Dame marching band, thanks to our tri-campus community. I spent a lot of time over at Notre Dame and made great friends through the band, but I always loved coming back “home” to Saint Mary’s at the end of the day.

After football games, we’d go get chicken nuggets, pile into someone’s room, and just spend time together. Those little traditions—those drives back to campus—are some of my favorite memories. It was like an immediate family within the larger sisterhood.
 

You were co-valedictorian. What was that experience like?

Honestly, it was never something I was striving for. That kind of competition just isn’t part of Saint Mary’s culture. When I found out, I was overwhelmed by how supportive everyone was.

Then when I gave the speech at commencement, it was so special to look out at my fellow graduates and know that they were all cheering me on—and I was so happy for them as well. We were all truly celebrating together. It wasn’t even about me; it was about us.

Connect with Maggie

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QUICK TAKES

Favorite dining hall meal: Anything at Sunday brunch or burger night on Tuesdays

Favorite tradition: The Rings!

Favorite class: “Does God Care When Women Suffer?”