Sr. Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM was invited to be the guest speaker at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon event, “Get to Know a CEO,” held at the LMay Eatery in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 3, 2011.Sr. Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM was invited to be the guest speaker at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon event, “Get to Know a CEO,” held at the LMay Eatery in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 3, 2011.
“As president of a congregation of sisters, being a 'CEO' is being sister,” Mary Ann explained to the group. She recalls that this feeling of sisterhood began at the family table of her childhood, where she learned that everyone had something worthwhile to share with others around the table. She credits her “BVM sisterhood” with experiences that have helped her to learn from her students and from people she has met around the world.
“I experience the relational power of sisterhood in our civic community,” she said, “and together we make a difference.” She noted the collaborative accomplishments of area sisters, from housing for homeless women and children to educational centers for the community; from pastoral care in local hospitals to a presence in elementary, secondary and college level schools.
“Our BVM community life is defined by the hallmarks of sisterhood: constant attempts at care and inclusion, mutuality and reciprocity. This is the spirit that inspires all I am and do,” Mary Ann shared. "As sister to and with a community of laity here in Dubuque, I and all of us women religious experience what it is like to work collaboratively to make our city a welcoming one for all . . . to work side by side with the people of Dubuque in an array of volunteer projects and events."
Local business leaders; Clarke University President Joanne Burrows, SC; and representatives from area women’s religious congregations were among the Chamber guests for the luncheon.