With a career spanning three decades dedicated to girls’ education, Dr. Laura Hotchkiss has become a transformative force in shaping the future of female leadership. As the Head of School at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, her work has a direct and profound impact on the inspiration and empowerment for young women.

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Nominated by Lisa D’Orazio, Colleague

“Dr. Laura Hotchkiss has been the Head of School at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova, PA, since July 2021. In her three short years, she has worked tirelessly to create programming, space, personnel, and structure directly supporting the mental health and well-being of every student. She instituted the ND Cares initiative in 2022, and through that program, has increased the number of support services staff and provided space and time directly supporting the physical and mental health of the Notre Dame community. She has dedicated her entire 30-year career to support the education of girls, encouraging young women to lead and serve the world with honor and integrity.”

A Passion Rooted in Personal Experience

As a graduate of a girls’ school herself, Dr. Hotchkiss’s passion for empowering young women is deeply personal. “I am passionate about lifting up girls, helping them find their purpose, and guiding them to use their voice to make a difference,” she shares. This passion, combined with her love for mathematics, set her on a path to expand opportunities for girls in STEM fields.

Her journey from math major at UCLA to Head of School at Notre Dame de Namur is a testament to her dedication to girls’ education. “When the position at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur became available, I was energized by the opportunity and the people,” Dr. Hotchkiss recalls. “I was thrilled to find a place well aligned with my core values and my Catholic faith.”

Innovative Leadership for Student Well-being

Since taking the helm at Notre Dame de Namur in 2021, Dr. Hotchkiss has made significant strides in supporting the holistic development of students. “She has worked tirelessly to create programming, space, personnel, and structure directly supporting the mental health and well-being of every student,” Lisa D’Orazio notes.

One of Dr. Hotchkiss’s most notable achievements is the establishment of the ND Cares initiative in 2022. This program, born from a conversation with a dedicated alumna donor, focuses on the well-being of students. “All of our programs, classes, and workshops are guided by our strategic plan designed in partnership with the JED Foundation along with other school partners,” Dr. Hotchkiss explains. “We attend to the heart, mind, body, and spirit of our girls so that they are well and can be their best selves.”

Championing Gender Equality Through Education

Dr. Hotchkiss’s vision for empowering women isn’t limited to the classroom. She firmly believes in the power of girls’ schools to improve gender equality. “The beauty of working in a girls’ school is that we model this every day through our commitment to being a community of sisters, where each person is seen, heard and valued, where belonging matters, and where girls lead and do everything,” she states.

Her approach emphasizes the importance of women supporting each other. “Women need to be cheerleaders for one another, supporters in the workplace and at home, and resources for growth and learning,” Dr. Hotchkiss asserts. This philosophy is woven into the fabric of Notre Dame de Namur’s culture, preparing students to be compassionate and passionate leaders.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Throughout her meaningful and lengthy career, Dr. Hotchkiss has remained committed to supporting the education of girls, encouraging young women to lead and serve the world with honor and integrity. Her work at Notre Dame de Namur is a continuation of this lifelong mission, creating an environment where girls are empowered to become “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

Through her innovative leadership, commitment to student well-being, and unwavering belief in the potential of young women, she is shaping a generation of leaders who will undoubtedly make significant contributions to their communities and the world at large.

As she continues to guide the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur into the future, Dr. Hotchkiss remains a shining example of how dedicated educators can transform lives and pave the way for a more equitable and empowered society.