Creating a Generational Impact with Erin McDermott Stanek, DSHA '04

12/14/2023

2022-23 Annual Report

Erin McDermott Stanek, DSHA ’04, has been giving back to DSHA for nineteen years. As a second-generation student, with two young future Dashers, she believes strongly in the mission of the school to develop young women of faith, heart, and intellect. She invests financially in the school as well as volunteering her time. Stanek has been a member of the DSHA Alumnae Board since 2016 and volunteered as an Administrative Assistant for the Annual Fund in 2020. Stanek is currently the Private Asset Management Research Manager at Baird, with a BS in Business Administration and an MSA in Accounting from Marquette University.

Q: What was your experience like at DSHA?

A: It is challenging to put into words. I had a great experience, and I look back on my years at DSHA very fondly. If I had to describe it, it really just gave me the safe space to explore friendships, sports, service activities, and allowed me to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life.

Q: How did the all-girls environment of the school impact you? Why do you think this environment is important for young women?

A: You can’t separate the all-girls environment from DSHA. Without it, DSHA cannot be the excellent school that it is. Being a high school student, and specifically being that age, can be extremely difficult. The all-girls environment is unique and allows girls to focus on themselves and take the time to learn who they are, the things that are important to them, their interests, and what they might want to do in the future.

Q: How were you impacted by DSHA’s Catholic identity?

A: Looking back, I dabbled in a lot of different activities but was most actively involved with the Pastoral Ministry Council (now Campus Ministry). I helped organize bi-weekly food drives with other students and participated in every retreat available to me. I was so involved in that space because I wanted to give back to the school and the Milwaukee community through service.

In relation to service, the Catholic identity at DSHA is a defining factor of the school. It was grounding to start each day with prayer, view Catholic symbols in the classrooms, and be given the opportunity to discuss faith throughout the school day. That Catholic identity is an integral component in developing and forming the whole person.

Q: What were the most important skills you learned at DSHA that you still use today?

A: Critical thinking, confidence, and communication. It is funny now that I say these skills aloud because two of them are included in the five qualities of a DSHA graduate.

Q: What compels you to give both your time and your financial support to DSHA?

A: I am forever grateful for the experiences I had at DSHA and I am aware that there were individuals before me who gave their time, talent, and treasure to ensure the experience was positive for me. Now, I want to be part of giving that back to current and future students.

Q: You have two young daughters you hope will attend DSHA in the future. Do you find them to be a source of motivation for giving back to the school?

A: I do. One big motivator for me to give back is my own positive experience and making sure other students have the same opportunities I was given. My daughters have already been involved at DSHA through Summer Cool and frequenting the theatre productions, but my hopes for them to attend the school are enhanced by what I, and others, are willing to contribute today. I could easily wait until they are students, but I recognize that what happens between now and then is going to impact their experience just as much. It is important that I am involved now to ensure they are given the same opportunities.

Q: Your parents (Chris Oldam McDermott, DSHA ’76, and 2021-2023 DSHA Board Chair John McDermott) have been long-time donors and volunteers to DSHA. What influence does their generosity have on you?

A: My parents have always led with their actions. Growing up, and through today, I have watched them give generously to the causes and organizations that are important to them. It was so ingrained in our familial unit that I knew if I was able to give back one day that I would. In addition to this, I’ve always personally thought that we all have gifts to give—whether time, treasure, or talent—and all are equally important.

Q: Why did you want to join the Alumnae Board at DSHA?

A: I think DSHA has an amazing network of alumnae and graduates, and being on the board allows me to meet them and stay current on what is going on with the school. It also gives me exposure to engage with them through various events and avenues I would not have had otherwise.

Q: What impresses you the most about DSHA today?

A: The focus on students as young women and developing them into individuals of faith, heart, and intellect. The school has adapted, grown, and changed since I’ve attended but the focus through all of that has been to improve the experience for each and every student. Ultimately, it is impressive that DSHA is providing an environment for young women to grow into their best possible selves.

Q: What are your hopes for DSHA in the future?

A: I hope that the school continues to focus on providing young women with the opportunities they need to grow academically, in faith, and as a whole person.

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