Sidelights
DSC Names New Executive Director
The Executive Committee of the Dominican Sisters Conference (DSC) announced its selection of Xiomara Mendez Hernandez, OP, as its new executive director in December. She will take the place of Mary Ellen O’Grady, OP, who completes just under three years of excellent service to the DSC. A Dominican Sister of Adrian for 14 years, Xiomara has extensive experience with the first core team of the 55 and under cohort Dominican Women Afire! She served two years as board president of Giving Voice, a peer led organization that creates spaces for younger women religious to give voice to their hopes, dreams, and challenges in religious life. “I am delighted that the DSC will be led by such a passionate and committed Dominican woman as Xiomara, who brings a younger new perspective to our conference,” said DSC President Anne Lythgoe, OP. “Xiomara possesses a deeply reflective spirit, intelligence, and most importantly, the collaborative style of relating that draws out the best in others. I sense we are about to move into a transformative time in the history of the DSC.” Xiomara currently serves as the interim manager of the spiritual care department of Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She has participated in the Collaborative Leadership Development Program and the Gamaliel National Leadership Program on community organizing, among other similar programs. She holds a master’s degree from CTU in pastoral studies. Xiomara comes to the role with cultural and international sensitivity and faith in the transformational power of inclusion and diversity.