AnnMaura Connolly (Santa Ana '86) speaks at Washington, D.C., event

Inside the walls of Casa AnnMaura Connolly spoke at Celebrate Jesuit Volunteers on November 17, 2010 at St. Francis Monastery in Washington, D.C. AnnMaura Connolly was a Jesuit Volunteer in Santa Ana, California, in 1986 at St. Anselm's Immigrant and Refugee Community Center. She helped to lead a counseling program for refugees from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

She joined City Year, Inc. in 2000 and in 2010, she was named Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President. As CSO, AnnMaura directs City Year's public policy, public affairs and communications work, manages relationships with leaders and partners, and oversees City Year's international work. In addition, AnnMaura serves as President of Voices for National Service, a coalition of service organizations that work together to advance citizen service policy.

AnnMaura holds a bachelor's in political science from the College of the Holy Cross. She serves on the Advisory Board for the Eli J. Segal Citizen Leadership Program at Brandeis University, the Board of Directors of My Good Deed, and the Steering Committee for the Civic Mission of Schools.

Listen to AnnMaura's remarks (mp3 / 11:44)

"That was when I began to realize... the potential for the country and the world if we could find a way to engage every young person in a transformational service experience. For the last 25 years I have been incredibly lucky to have the chance to work towards the idea that a year of service should be the common expectation and common experience of every young person in our country and around the world."

"So whether it's here in the US or in other countries or contexts, I've learned that service is the most powerful way that we can build bridges with each other, develop deep and lasting bonds with each other, and realize our common humanity."

"The ripples that have been generated by JVC have transformed the lives of millions, both those who have served and those they've served. But it needs to grow, so that together we can build a more peaceful and just world, for my son and for future generations."

Photo by Jennifer Cogswell