Marianne came to Mary Ward Center in August of 2014. She was born and raised in South Chicago and has worked in her community for 30 years. She began as the Director of Religious Education, then as a Community Schools Coordinator and most recently as Administrator of Mary Ward Center. She is a graduate of DePaul University, wife and mom of 2 adult children. Marianne loves being able to serve the people in her community, and being one of an amazing team of staff and volunteers at Mary Ward Center who strive each day to empower students and help families by connecting them to needed resources. One of Marianne’s favorite Mary Ward quotes is, “Women in time to come will do much”. It is a favorite because she said that she sees and experiences this every day at Mary Ward Center.

My name is Concepcion Rosas and I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico. I immigrated to the United States in 1995, with my husband to start our family and in search of a better future for all of us. I attended classes at a local college to learn English, and learned about MWC from a friend. My decision to become a student at Mary Ward Center continues to offer many new opportunities for me. With Sister Mary as my teacher, I was able to understand and comprehend English on a different level. Thanks to Sr. Mary’s guidance, she invited me to join the staff of MWC. My role at MWC has grown immensely. I now teach Rosetta Stone classes, assist with the Mujeres de Luz, women’s spirituality group and register all new students who to have found MWC. Through of variety of classes and the building of relationship we continue to inspire, encourage and support all of our students, who like me are searching for a better future.

Eileen Barton has spent her life on the Southside of Chicago and presently lives in Hyde Park. She is the mother of two and grandmother of three. Her association with the IBVMs began when she attended Loretto High School and has continued over the years. For 35 years, Eileen taught English in the Chicago Public Schools—great preparation for her tutoring activities at Mary Ward Center.

My name is Paula Moya-Zuñiga. I was born and raised in Chicago. I come from first generation Mexican-American heritage. I graduated from Chicago State University with a B.A. in Spanish Communications and a minor in Radio and Television. My husband and I have raised our three children also in Chicago. I have worked in the 10th Ward Community in various positions, including the Hegewisch Community Committee for nearly ten years. We provided afterschool care to working parents, culinary classes to young chefs, LIHEAP, (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and a variety of senior programs. I was also part of the Mexican Community Committee where I was an ESL instructor giving adults the opportunity to learn English. I’ve worked as an Election Official at the Super Site for the past eight years. This job gave me the opportunity to meet different residents from the entire City of Chicago and I had the good fortune of meeting President and First Lady, Michelle Obama. Last but not least, I would just like to say thank you again for giving me this great opportunity to be a part of this MWC family. I hope to give back to Mary Ward Center with the skills and knowledge I have acquired through my past experiences.