Sister Betty Smigla, SP

Where/when were you born?

I was born in Chicago, and I’m always 39.

Where do you live now?

River Grove, Illinois

Schools attended and degrees received:

Other certifications: elementary ed., learning disabilities, K-12 administration

“I still study my Spanish — those verbs in the subjunctive — I feel our people deserve the BEST!”

When did you enter the Sisters of Providence?

1957

Jobs and titles you’ve held, dates in those positions:

  • Advocate for immigrants/victims/prisoners, Taller de San Jose and Kolbe House, Chicago, 2009-present
  • Substitute teacher, Chicago Public Schools, 2007-2009
  • Principal, St. Agnes of Bohemia, Chicago 2005-2007
  • Principal, St. Mark School, Chicago, 1991-2004
  • Principal, St. Roman School, Chicago, 1986-1991
  • Asst. Principal/jr high math teacher, St. Sylvester, Chicago, 1983-1986
  • Teacher, St. Sylvester Chicago, 1976-1983
  • Teacher, Peru, South America, 1970-1976
  • Teacher, Annunziata, St. Louis, MO, 1965-1969
  • Teacher, St. Clement, Lansdowne, MD, 1961-1965

“I’ve worked in a reform school in Peru, Covenant House in New York, with orphans in Bolivia and now with the great people of Little Village. Am I blessed or what??”

Other board positions/memberships/awards:

  • Principal of the year for the NCEA-a 7 state area, 1995
  • Included in a book published by UCLA on making a school work in the inner city

Hobbies:

Cooking fun and new recipes. It’s good therapy.

Favorite Quote:

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” I try to live peace each day: in my heart and with all I meet!”

Someday I hope…

“to win the Lottery, to have baskets of money and be able to share $100 bills with all the great people behind the scenes — bus boy, clerks, delivery people, etc. etc.”