Honoring the History and Legacy of Women: Catholic Charities CEO and UIW Alumna Visits UIW

On Friday, March 27, the University of the Incarnate Word's (UIW) Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability (ECCLS) was welcomed the new CEO of Catholic Charities, UIW alumna, Ada Saenz, BA '03, to the Broadway campus. Saenz, was on campus to deliver a lecture to the campus community. Her visit, held in recognition of Women's History Month, welcomed Saenz to share her inspiring journey and enduring legacy of service.

"We are delighted today to have Ada Saenz here with us," expressed Rebecca Salazar, ECCLS assistant director. "She currently is serving as the Catholic Charities President and CEO, leading five nonprofit organizations under that umbrella and more than 40 programs serving those that are in need. Driven by a deep commitment to service rooted in faith, she works to ensure that individuals and families facing hardship are met with compassion, opportunity and hope."

Students, faculty, administers and Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) gathered in the Mabee Library's Special Collections Room, looking forward to learning more about Saenz and hearing the wisdom she had to share.

As a daughter of a UIW alumna, Saenz is proud to be an Incarnate Word legacy. She recalled how her mother was supported by her Incarnate Word community as a young mother in her academic journey, leading to her receiving her Bachelor's in Nuclear Medicine. That support was extending beyond her mother's graduation, as CCVI Sisters helped her find a job right after receiving her degree.

Saenz noted that upon her return to UIW, she felt that the University remained an environment that fosters dignity and respect for all who the institution serves. She added that UIW is a place that instills these values into its graduates, molding students who will share that positivity in all their future pursuits.

"My first real job was on the UIW Broadway campus," said Saenz. "I worked in TRiO - Student Support Services as a tutor and mentor. A little later, I fell in love with working with first-generation college students and students with disabilities. I have a true belief and understanding that there is so much potential in every single individual, if they're just given the support, resources and nurturing that every person needs to reach that potential that's within them."

As a student, Saenz earned her bachelor's in psychology from UIW and later a Master's in Community Mental Health Counseling from UTSA, now UT San Antonio.

Since completing her education, Saenz has been dedicated to serving others, including Girls Inc. of San Antonio, which provides "mentorship, pro-girl environments and evidence-based programming that respond to the challenges girls face and support their success in school, work and life" (girlsincsa.org).

"I worked with girls, from six to 18 years old, and I helped girls understand that they belong at all tables where decisions are being made," shared Saenz. "That's something that also came from my strong mother and from the CCVI Sisters. Women can do amazing things and have done amazing things - look at UIW! My work with Girls Inc. was centered around helping girls find their voice, confidence and helping people understand that women leaders bring something very special and valuable to the decision-making process."

She later worked with other organizations supporting San Antonio's youth including the Children's Shelter and the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, leading her to her present position as the President and CEO of Catholic Charities of San Antonio.

"I really feel as if this is God's plan for my life," shared Sanez proudly. "There were some really difficult days where I doubted myself, but I learned so much from all of those difficult situations. Now, I know that God was putting me through those trials and tribulations to prepare me for this next step. I encourage everybody to believe in yourself fully, to pray and surround yourself with supportive, positive and uplifting people, because there's a lot of us in the world."

Additionally, Saenz encouraged attendees to get involved in the nonprofit sector, whether professionally or as a volunteer. Noting that there's a lot of need in the world, she believes that every act of kindness from good hearted people helps to relieve need and instill positivity.

Saenz's visit reflected UIW's Mission of educating concerned and enlightened citizens, celebrating the impact women have within local and broader worlds and unified within the Incarnate Word family.