Notre Dame Academy may have changed over the years, but one thing always remains the same: the memories and lifelong bonds our alumnae share with NDA and one another.
Virtual Book Club – Zoom
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Alumnae Spring Open House
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'75, '80, '85, '90, '95, '00, '05, '10, '15, '20
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This award honors an alumna who has answered the call of Christian service. This is a woman who recognizes and demonstrates use of her God-given gifts of time, talent, or treasure through exemplary gospel service on a local, national, or international scale.
This award recognizes achievement of an exceptional nature in any field or vocation. An alumna’s achievements reflect the excellence and values inherent in the mission of Notre Dame Academy and demonstrate a benefit to the larger community.
For a complete list of NDA Alumnae Hall of Fame inductees, click here.
Amanda (Kurt) Kato ‘04, entrepreneur and community advocate, has dedicated her life to helping thousands in northwest Ohio. With an upbeat and loving attitude, she empowers others to achieve long-term results and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Amanda opened her first fitness studio – CbK Boutique Fitness – to help all women meet their wellness goals. Fitness was only one aspect of Amanda’s approach; her vision was to help her clients with mindset: that no matter what you look like, the courage to be the best version of yourself and the affirming words you say to yourself matter the most. Amanda’s vision was rooted in what she learned at NDA.
Through community outreach and fundraising events, Amanda has helped women who face the same problems, regardless of their backgrounds: breast cancer, stroke, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, hunger, obesity, and negative body image. She has been involved in causes that directly affect our community, including Justice for Sierah, No Kid Hungry, Victory Center, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Zest, Boys and Girls Club of Toledo, Acoustics for Autism, the Toledo Humane Society, United Way, and The Arts Commission.
Amanda’s commitment and leadership were recently recognized when she was honored with the YWCA's Women on the Rise Award, highlighting her influence and contributions to both business and community service.
When transitioning from fitness to assist her husband, Kengo, Amanda took on the role of Director of Operations at Kengo Sushi and Yakitori, where she became a driving force behind the restaurant's growth. Together, they went from one restaurant to three establishments, with a fourth opening soon.
Deeply committed to the revitalization of Downtown Toledo, Amanda eagerly embraces every opportunity to serve her community, proving her unwavering dedication to transforming lives.
Kristina (Kerscher) Keneally ’87 is a respected Australian leader with a distinguished career that spans politics, media, non-profits, and sports.
Kristina attended the University of Dayton, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and her master’s in Religious Studies. In 1994, she moved to Australia where she joined the Australian Labour Party. A few years later, she was elected to the Parliament of New South Wales – Australia’s largest state.
In 2009, Kristina was elected as the 42nd Premier (Governor) of New South Wales – the first woman to hold this office. Kristina also served as a Senator in the Australian Parliament. She served as Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in the Senate and as Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration.
In addition to her parliamentary service, Kristina led Basketball Australia, overseeing the Olympic and Paralympic teams, as well as the Australian NBL and WNBL leagues. She also anchored political and news shows on Sky News Australia.
As a female leader, Kristina often speaks about her time at NDA and how attending an all-girls school shaped her – including the opportunity to excel at academics and athletics, and to be inspired by women leaders. “My experiences on NDA’s soccer and basketball teams helped me learn to work with others to achieve a shared goal, to compete ferociously, and to accept victory and loss graciously,” she shares.
Today, Kristina is CEO of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, one of Australia’s largest and most trusted charities. Kristina and her husband, Ben, live in Sydney and are the parents of two grown sons and a daughter, Caroline, who was stillborn. Kristina was Patron of Stillbirth Foundation Australia for many years and is well-known for her advocacy to reduce stillbirth in Australia.
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When you think back to your high school days, was there a teacher who guided you in the direction of the career you pursued? NDA offers you the chance to provide that kind of inspiration – by mentoring an NDA student through the Eagle Network.
Why volunteer as a mentor? Your insights as an NDA alumna are extraordinarily valuable to current students. As a mentor, you’ll share what you have learned with our future leaders. You may even find yourself reflecting on your own career and inspired by your student’s enthusiasm! Mentors are asked to commit to at least two interactions per month with their student for 12 months or more. Please sign up here.
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