Mission Week began powerfully at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School as students, faculty, and staff gathered to refocus their hearts and minds on the Sisters of Mercy’s Critical Concerns. This year’s global focus—women—set the tone for a week dedicated to honoring the strength, dignity, and resilience of women across the world.
To open the week, the Gwynedd community welcomed Pennsylvania State Senator Maria Collett, who shared her journey as a woman serving in political leadership. Senator Collett currently leads the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus as Chair, a role to which she was elected in 2024. In this position, she guides meetings, shapes legislative strategy, and keeps members informed on committee developments. She also serves as Minority Chair of the Aging & Youth Committee and participates in both the PA Women’s Health Caucus and the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, advocating for vulnerable communities across the Commonwealth.
Yet her résumé only tells part of her story.
Before entering public office, Senator Collett served as a Level One trauma nurse, caring for patients in moments of life-threatening crisis. She later became a lawyer representing children in Camden facing abuse and neglect. Throughout her career—whether in hospital rooms, courtrooms, or the Senate chamber—her work has centered on protecting those whose voices are too often unheard.
Speaking to students, she reflected not only on her professional accomplishments but also on the challenges she has faced. As the daughter of an immigrant and an immigrant herself, she described how her background has shaped her values, deepened her empathy, and strengthened her commitment to justice.
Her central message to Gwynedd students was clear: know your beliefs and stand firmly in them. In a world where voices and opinions constantly compete for attention, she encouraged students not to lose themselves under pressure. Success, she explained, comes from preparation, focus, and the courage to remain rooted in one’s values. Most importantly, she emphasized the importance of leading with compassion—especially a compassion grounded in faith.
The call to action did not end with the assembly.
Following the keynote address, Gwynedd’s Global Connections Scholars began visiting freshman advisories to lead seminar sessions highlighting women who have fought against violence and injustice. Through thoughtful presentations and discussion, the scholars explored stories of women who endured profound hardship yet chose nonviolence, advocacy, and service in response.
Rather than allowing tragedy to define them, these women transformed their suffering into purpose. Their responses promoted healing instead of harm, change instead of bitterness. By sharing these narratives, the scholars demonstrated how resilience rooted in mercy can have a global impact.
This initiative is the culmination of a year-long junior project led by Ellie Markman, Kate McMahon, Hailey Arnold, Molly Pinheiro, and Simret DeJesus. Through research, collaboration, and leadership, they brought Mission Week’s theme directly into the classrooms, ensuring that reflection moved beyond inspiration and into education.
As Mission Week continues, today’s kickoff serves as a reminder of what it means to be a Mercy woman: grounded in faith, committed to justice, and courageous in conviction. Whether in the halls of government, hospital corridors, courtrooms, or classrooms, the call remains the same—know who you are, stand in your beliefs, and lead with compassion.
