Ministry for Social Transformation Program Concludes Second Year

By LISA KNOX

In its sophomore year, the Ministry for Social Transformation (MST) program at Saint Mary’s College supports students discerning their vocations as leaders, carrying forth the legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The program takes place over the course of a single academic year, offering participating undergraduate students of all faith backgrounds an avenue to draw upon Catholic and Christian traditions. The program includes mentorship with a Sister of the Holy Cross, leadership placements, and retreats.

“Through this partnership, we support students as they discern their vocations as leaders of social transformation who carry forth the legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Cross,” said Nicole Labadie, director of the Center for Faith, Action, and Ministry.

This year’s cohort consisted of nine students, who recently celebrated their involvement at the  Saint Mary’s Symposium on April 30. The two-hour celebration included lunch, thoughtful conversation with program attendees, and personal reflections from each participant. 

We asked each participant to share their biggest takeaway from the program. 

“This program offered me a good space to call myself out on certain things. I’ve allowed myself the space to pause, recharge, and take the time to find stillness.”
Ryann Clapper ’26, Religious Studies and Theology

“Through our personal encounters with God, we learn in the every day how we can use what we learn.” 
Jillian Conroy ’27, Communications, Public Relations and Advertising 
SOHC Mentor: Sister Judy Hallock, CSC

“I’ve learned that true transformation must be grounded in prayer. Action without reflection is like eating without digesting.”
Sofia Dahl-Santoro ’27, Biology
SOHC Mentor: Sister Verónica Fajardo, CSC

“As a Ministry Assistant, I began to notice a shared longing among students—a desire to find community, to feel at home here at Saint Mary’s. Taking time to reflect, I discerned how I could respond not just with advice, but with presence and vulnerability. MST has taught me to be a vessel of God’s love. Through reflection, discernment, and response, I have learned that the love I receive - from family, the community, and God is meant to be shared. Sharing God’s love became the very foundation of the community I continuously build at Saint Mary’s.”
Mikaila Esteban ’27, Nursing Science
SOHC Mentor: Sister Helene Sharp, CSC

“My identity as a researcher has been cultivated in the place of discovery promised by the sisters, and I am able to root them all in faith through the MST program.”
Nora McNabb ’27, Social Work and Political Science
SOHC Mentor: Sister Adria Conners, CSC 

“Vocation will look different for everyone. By getting a Ph.D. in Material Science and furthering my education, I can help others. I will follow the sisters’ example of responding to the needs of the times.”
Aria Meyer ’27, Physics and Electrical Engineering (ND)
SOHC Mentor: Sister Maryanne O'Neill

“This program has shaped how I see leadership. It’s about responding to God’s invitation. I’ve learned that discernment isn’t clear or comfortable. It’s not a single decision, but a lifelong process. God’s timeline isn’t mine.”
Ivory Munoz ’26, Political Science
SOHC Mentor: Sister Helene Sharp, CSC

“I now think about how I can create a domino effect to create a better world in my everyday life.”
Jocelin Raygoza ’28, Social Work and Psychology
SOHC Mentor: Sister Verónica Fajardo, CSC 

“The small, quiet things really matter: things that won’t necessarily land on your resume, but will be in your heart forever.”
Alexandra Valadez ’28, Mathematics and Computer Science
SOHC Mentor: Sister Maryanne O’Neill, CSC

May 9, 2026