One of the benefits of belonging to the wider Network of Sacred Heart Schools is a deep sense of community. The opportunity to connect with colleagues across the U.S. and in Canada is powerful and also offers opportunities for professional development. Fourth Class teacher Mrs. Alli Alarcon recently graduated from the Aspiring Leaders program and shares her experience.
I am deeply honored to have graduated from the Network of Sacred Heart Schools’ Aspiring Leaders Program. Over the past two years, this experience has invited me into meaningful reflection about what it truly means to lead — within our school community and beyond.
The Aspiring Leaders Program is a two-year formation experience designed to support and develop emerging leaders within Sacred Heart education. Participants meet monthly over Zoom in small mentor groups, allowing for consistent reflection, guidance, and meaningful conversation. Every other month, we gathered virtually as a full group to share insights and grow together as a larger community. In addition to these regular virtual meetings, we connected in person at three key gatherings held in New Orleans, Florissant, and Miami to deepen relationships and bring the experience to life in a more personal and collaborative way.
Throughout the program, we explored themes that continue to shape my leadership philosophy: How can small, intentional actions create meaningful change? Where am I willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of growth? How do we lead with both courage and vulnerability? And how do we approach difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and integrity? These questions challenged me not only professionally, but personally, and have strengthened my commitment to thoughtful, mission-centered leadership.
A particularly impactful part of this journey was being paired with a mentor from another Sacred Heart school. I had the privilege of working with Amy Pacula from our sister school, 91st Street in New York City. Amy’s wisdom, generosity, and steady guidance have been invaluable, from sharing innovative academic ideas to offering perspective during complex situations. Her mentorship has profoundly influenced my growth as an educator and emerging leader.
I am deeply grateful as well to the individuals who thoughtfully designed and facilitated this program. The relationships formed and the Network cultivated across Sacred Heart schools are truly remarkable. This experience has affirmed my belief that leadership is not about position, but about presence, purpose, and the courage to continue growing.
As we were told when we were first selected for this journey, “You have been chosen to a kind of apostleship: a mission that is great, noble and divine.” I now understand those words more fully, not as a destination achieved, but as a calling that continues.
