- What is your name and title within your organization? Mary Donaghy, Associate Director of Education, Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB).
- What do you love about your organization and the work that it does? I love that even though we are a relatively large organization (with close to 5,000 staff serving almost 50,000 students), we still have a family type feel where everyone is accessible. I love that we are a high achieving school board with a focus on academic excellence, wellbeing, deep learning and building community in a faith-centered environment.
- Why are you a member of the OCYI Steering Committee? I have always enjoyed working with community partners to serve the students and families in the Ottawa community. I think the work that is done by OCYI and its many partners makes a significant positive impact in the lives of the most vulnerable children and youth, who we also support in our schools. It is important for everyone to work together to use the limited resources in the best way we can. I think OCYI has a huge role to play in this goal and I am excited about being part of the Steering Committee. In particular, I have an interest and a passion for improving the awareness and treatment of mental illness, de-stigmatizing mental illness and helping to improve the mental health of individual children and youth. OCYI does a lot of work in this area.
- What would you like to accomplish as Co-chair of the OCYI Steering Committee? I hope to help OCYI continue to be a leader in the Ottawa community and help move us forward in the work we do.
- Why do you think that the OCYI is important? It is important to coordinate all the support for children and youth in Ottawa and surrounding areas.
- Did you or your family ever benefit from community organizations when you were a child or youth? For my family, community sport organizations played a big role. My own children benefited from the exercise, learning to work in a team, etc. and I enjoyed volunteering in these organizations. In addition, in my professional life, I have certainly seen the benefits of community organizations for many of our students, especially marginalized or underserved students.
- What is your hope for children and youth in Ottawa? My hope is that each child and youth live their best life possible and fulfill their dreams in a healthy and safe environment.
This story is part of the Summer 2024 Ovation. This story is also available in French.