“Belonging is voice,” she says. “Every student needs to feel that she is heard and that we are listening, that we care.”

Stepping into this role, Cynthia brought more than two decades of educational experience to DSHA, along with a deep commitment to ensuring that every student is treated with dignity and respect. Grounded in the Catholic belief that each person is created in the image and likeness of God, her work focused on creating a culture where students felt seen, valued, and empowered to share their perspectives, advocate for themselves and others, and contribute meaningfully to the life of the school.

That work came to life in moments both large and small. From student-led presentations to faculty that built trust and understanding, to a reimagined Freshman Orientation addressing language and respect, Cynthia helped create spaces where difficult conversations could happen and where growth could follow.

Her approach was deeply personal. “In my opinion, all of these roles are the roles of a mother,” she reflects. “I treat them like they are my daughters. I want them to succeed.”

That meant advocating fiercely when needed, but also learning to step back. At DSHA, Cynthia discovered the power of student-led leadership, especially female students, is about allowing young women to shape the work themselves.

“They know what they need,” she says. “I’ve learned to guide rather than control—and to watch them shine.”

What she leaves behind is not just programming, but transformation. Today, diversity, equity, and inclusion touches every part of the DSHA experience, rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

“We work hard to serve every child,” she says. “Their success is a communal effort.”

In that spirit, Cynthia’s legacy lives on in every student who found her voice, and in a community committed to ensuring that every girl finds her place.