A proud alumna reflects on her journey, shares career insights, and her vision for the future of Neumann Goretti.
By Mariam Diallo
Joining Neumann Goretti this year as the Director of Institutional Development, Ms. Kane brings a rich legacy as a 2008 alumna and part of a multigenerational NG family. Her grandmother was the first lay teacher at the school, teaching gym, softball, and world cultures. Her parents, sister, and aunts also attended, making Neumann Goretti an essential part of her “academic DNA.” An artistically inclined student, Ms. Kane joined nearly every club, overcoming her shyness and shaping her communication skills. She became Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook, a writer for the school newspaper (then called The Crown), president of the Art Club, VP of the National Honor Society, an officer in the Pro-Life Club, a member of the Community Service Corps, and a ministry representative. Her favorite experience was working on the Yearbook, where she learned design skills in Adobe and Photoshop.
Transitioning from High School to College
Ms. Kane’s transition to college was smooth, aided by a full-ride scholarship to Temple University, where she studied history. The values and habits she built at Neumann Goretti stayed with her, providing a strong foundation for success. During the pandemic, she pursued grad school in Art Direction, and even now, she recalls lessons from her high school art teacher, Ms. Barrett, whose advice to “never tickle the page when drawing” continues to shape her approach to her work.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Ms. Kane emphasizes the power of connection: “Talk to everyone and make as many connections as you can. It doesn’t have to be people in your field, but always introduce yourself.” Her approach to career growth focuses on developing genuine connections over profit, aiming to constantly improve. She advises building strong communication skills, recommending Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. She’s learned the importance of asking others about their lives and motivations, saying, “You’ll never learn anything by only talking about yourself.”
Challenges in Fundraising
Ms. Kane finds her role in fundraising both challenging and rewarding, with economic factors playing a big part. “Fundraising relies heavily on the economy,” she explains. She cites the unexpected surge in donations during COVID-19, as people came together to help students and communities in need.
Advice for High School Students
To students at Neumann Goretti, Ms. Kane offers one key piece of advice: “Say yes to everything.” She encourages students to join clubs and explore new activities, emphasizing that each experience offers valuable skills for the future.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Neumann Goretti
Ms. Kane’s primary goal is to renovate the school’s auditorium, creating a space for school masses, assemblies, guest speakers, and community events. She envisions a venue with an orchestra pit capable of hosting enriching events for both students and the wider community.
We are thrilled to have her join our community!