Between September 30 and October 2, the Congregation of Holy Cross brought together its leaders for a Leadership Meeting designed to align strategic guidelines through the lens of organizational culture. More than a set of rules or predefined concepts, the discussions emphasized that culture reflects the true way of being Santa Cruz, expressed daily in management practices and the everyday activities of schools and social service units. The meeting reinforced a strong sense of shared responsibility, affirming that the success of the institution’s mission depends on the mutual commitment of leaders and their teams.
The event featured thought-provoking reflections from distinguished guest speakers, including historian and philosopher Leandro Karnal and actress Denise Fraga, who enriched discussions on leadership, human relationships, and the direction of contemporary society. The program also included a substantial series of technical presentations focused on improving management practices and introducing the institution’s various units, allowing different areas of operation to share their practices and identities. Another highlight was the distinctive and insightful presentation by Geani Moller Cavallaro, the organization’s Executive Director, who explored key elements that make leadership a shared experience of care and growth.
Throughout the meeting, Santa Cruz educators were encouraged to balance the tradition of institutional values with the innovation needed to respond to emerging social and educational demands. Understanding culture as a living, ongoing process made clear the importance of preserving the essence of educating minds and hearts while acknowledging today’s complex challenges. With sustainability across generations as a central value, the meeting emphasized that present-day decisions must ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution, allowing the Santa Cruz legacy to continue growing stronger and transforming lives for generations to come.
The meeting formally concluded with words of encouragement and gratitude from Brother Ronaldo Almeida, Superior of the District of Brazil and President of the Congregation. A Eucharistic celebration followed, expressing the participants’ faith and hope in the One who is the true Lord of the work of Santa Cruz.
Commitment to the future and fidelity to our identity were defining themes of the most recent Leadership Meeting. The event brought together the institution’s leaders to reflect, discuss, and align strategic guidelines through the lens of institutional culture. More than a set of rules, culture expresses the true way of being Santa Cruz, reflected daily in attitudes, decisions, and the organizational climate.
The Santa Cruz Way of Being: Shared Responsibility
The central foundation explored throughout the meeting was the concept of shared responsibility. At Santa Cruz, management is not a one-way process; the success of our mission depends on the mutual commitment of leaders and their teams. Every manager plays a crucial role as a guardian and advocate of this culture, fostering spaces for dialogue, active listening, and collective decision-making.
Preserving Our Essence Amid Challenges
Discussing institutional culture also required a realistic assessment of the current landscape. The meeting’s central theme was preserving our essence — an unwavering commitment to Educating minds and hearts — while acknowledging the complex challenges facing education today.
Leaders were challenged to find a balance between the tradition of our values and the flexibility needed to respond to new social, technological, and pedagogical demands. Recognizing challenges does not mean retreating; it means preparing the institution to overcome them with resilience and innovation.
Sustainability Across Generations as a Core Value
Shaping our culture today means paving the way for the decades ahead. For this reason, long-term sustainability was embraced as a core value of the meeting. Discussions emphasized that present-day decisions must support the institution’s long-term sustainability, ensuring that the Santa Cruz legacy continues to transform lives and develop responsible, conscious citizens for generations to come.
The closing moments of the meeting reinforced a sense of unity and shared purpose. With its culture strengthened and its commitment to shared responsibility reaffirmed, Santa Cruz’s leadership team renews its commitment to leading by example, keeping alive the spirit of an education that transforms minds and embraces hearts.
