McCormack + Kristel is pleased to announce that the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (SMA) has appointed Carla Cooper and A.T. Ortiz as Co-Directors for the Anti-Racism Office. The Co-Directors will support the Sisters’ efforts to address the reality of racism in themselves, their Institute, their Church, and in our world.
Carla Cooper, a native of Mozambique who grew up in South Africa, joins Mercy after 30 years serving in NGOs, corporate, and non-profit organizations. Her most recent experience was as head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the United Nations World Food Program. In Carla’s own words, “I have found that lasting progress is achieved when organizations combine education, accountability, compassion and courage to create environments where all individuals can contribute and thrive.”
A.T. Ortiz grew up in New Mexico but now lives in Philadelphia. She has 25 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, and pastoral care. Her most recent position was dean for Equity, Inclusion & Community Life at Bryn Mawr College, where she provided strategic vision and led institution-wide efforts to cultivate equity and inclusion. A.T., in speaking about this new position, said, “This opportunity connects with the vocational thread that has shaped my life: integrating faith, justice, ongoing formation, and institutional change in service of a more just and compassionate world.”
The Co-Directors of the Anti-Racism Office will provide education, direction, and guidance to dismantle racism and promote racial justice within the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy.
Congratulations, A.T. and Carla!