By Angy Hanon:
This summer, we’re excited to introduce Grace Sherban, one of our Catholic Community Connection 2025 Fellows, a recent graduate from John Carroll University who served as a Communications and Marketing Intern with the Sisters of Charity Health System in downtown Cleveland.
Grace graduated in May 2025 with a double major in Communications with a concentration in Digital Media and English with a concentration in Professional Writing. With a passion for mission-driven work, she brought her talents to a meaningful placement supporting the Sisters’ many ministries.
She first discovered the fellowship through John Carroll’s job platform, Handshake, and applied after seeing the communications position posted by Catholic Community Connection. “What drew me to the fellowship was that it was something meaningful,” she said. A quick turnaround with interviews confirmed her decision, especially after engaging conversations with both her site supervisor, Mary Rose Sullivan and Marian Rubin, President of Catholic Community Connection.
As a Communications Intern, Grace edited web pages, proofread brochures and internal materials, and even wrote for the system-wide newsletter. She paid careful attention to grammar, style, and consistency, strengthening her writing and editorial skills. “It was exciting to work on materials that had purpose and mission,” she said. She also took on larger projects like compiling a rebranding cost spreadsheet and designing a recruitment brochure for “Promise,” a ministry focused on ending generational poverty in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood.
One of the biggest learning moments came through working in a professional nonprofit environment. “Being in a room with people who’ve done this work for 20-plus years was humbling and inspiring,” she shared. “It taught me how to serve. Not just what it means, but how to do it with the right heart and mindset.”
One big influence was her supervisor, Mary Rose. “She’s everything you’d want in a supervisor: knowledgeable, flexible, and really understanding. She invited me to meetings, valued my feedback, and created space for growth.” In one meeting about donor engagement, Grace contributed an idea based on her experience as Editor-in-Chief of her college newspaper. The idea was well-received and it was implemented.
Looking ahead, Grace hopes to carry this experience with her into whatever field she enters. “I want to stay curious about the systems we work in, always keep a heart for service, and remain open to having my heart and mind changed.”
Recent Comments