Christina Lacagnina

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President & CEO
Our Lady of Mercy

Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is the only college preparatory, faith-based private school in Rochester exclusively for young women of all incomes, races and faith affiliations in grades 6-12. Mercy, founded through the vision of Catherine McAuley and the ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, builds life-changing competence, confidence and compassion that prepare and inspire young women to achieve the highest level of success in college, in career and in the community.

Academics. Sisterhood. Support. These are just a few of the many reasons why Mercy was voted Rochester’s Best Private School by the Rochester Business Journal Reader Rankings Poll three years in a row. Earning this top spot year after year confirms what we’ve known for nearly 97 years: Mercy’s collaborative, all-girl, compassionate environment transforms young women into confident leaders who are fully capable of playing an active role in the world around them.

Why is it important to set women up for success early in life and how can we do this here in Rochester?

Research suggests that girls’ confidence drops 30% between ages 8 and 14. It’s imperative to instill confidence during girls’ formative years and teach them leadership, courage, self-advocacy, self-respect and strength early on, so by the time they are in their teenage years these skills are engrained. At Mercy, this is a primary focus — students learn these skills and have opportunities to put them into practice. As a graduate of an all-girls faith-based high school, I know firsthand that embracing educational community resources like Mercy is a fantastic way to set our young women up for success. Mercy’s Spring Open House is 6-8 p.m. March 27. Join us to learn more and set the young women in your life on the best path to their greatest achievements.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Leadership comes in many forms — it isn’t just designated by an executive title or reserved for later in life. Lead by example and with empathy, active listening, and prioritizing service and giving back. There’s success in failure — that’s often when we find valuable lessons and teachable moments, so try things and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Mentorship is so important to women in the workforce these days. Do you mentor other women through a specific program? Or did you have a mentor that was inspirational to you?

I had the pleasure of working alongside Naomi Silver, president, CEO and COO, Rochester Red Wings. She was a tremendous mentor who I admire and greatly respect. As a woman leading in the male-dominated field of Minor League Baseball, she taught me tremendous business acumen, and I admired her intention of lifting up other women and regularly celebrating them for their victories.

Over the past two years, what as a woman have you learned regarding work/life balance?

I have an 8-year-old daughter who is growing up quickly. It’s important to me to demonstrate that women can do whatever they put their minds to and be a present mother, prioritizing family and work steadily. I’ve learned that organization is key, and it takes a village.

What is one quote or phrase you refer to when you need inspiration?

“No work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women.” —Sisters of Mercy Foundress Catherine McAuley