Women’s History Month Q&A with Carolyn Anderson

Carolyn Anderson is in her 5th year as an AP Literature, American Literature, speech, and debate teacher at Central Catholic High School. Carolyn graduated from DePaul University with a double major in English and Secondary Education. She is currently finishing up her master’s degree from Lourdes University in Educational Leadership. Carolyn is expected to complete her degree in August. She has two children, including a daughter who is a junior at CCHS.


What advice would you give to women in your respective field?
My advice would be to find a great mentor who can nurture your potential. I have grown tremendously as a person in the past two years, because of a mentor who saw leadership potential in me, that I didn't even see in myself.


Tell us about a woman you look up to & why.
I look up to Stephanie Lenkey, the principal at All Saints Catholic School. Stephanie is an incredible role model and friend. She is out there making a difference every day, and I admire her so much.


If you could pick any historical female to have dinner with, who would it be and why?
I would want to have dinner with Jackie Kennedy Onassis. She had a birds-eye view of history being made, and I would love to hear her perspective. She also had incredible style so I would hope to go shopping together after dinner.


What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women's History Month came about just as I was graduating high school and entering college, so to me, it's always been a time to reflect on adulthood and my role as a woman in adult settings--college, grad school, the workplace, and the family.


What do you appreciate most about Central Catholic High School?
Our Irish family means so much to me. I love how we support each other and have each other's backs.