Questions for Ms. Blaine

By : Kavya Chacko '26 and Catherine Polatidis '26

This past month, editors of the Chez Nous Times had the opportunity to interview Ms. Blaine, the new president of Notre Dame. During the interview, we asked about her career path, her goals for ND, and her vision for the school’s future, including how she plans to strengthen community life and support student growth across the school.

Ms. Blaine attended Fordham University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies. She later went on to receive a master’s degree in History and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. However, her passion for education began long before college. From a young age, she loved learning and often took on teaching roles at home as an older sister to her three younger brothers.

That early interest continued to grow through her experiences as a summer camp counselor, and later during her time at Fordham, where she began volunteering at a Catholic school. These experiences helped shape her commitment to education, especially within Catholic schooling, and ultimately guided her into her career path.

Ms. Blaine spent almost a decade at Notre Dame teaching social studies. Now, as she returns to Chez Nous in a new leadership role, we asked her about some of ND’s greatest strengths.

She described Notre Dame as a “kaleidoscope of all that’s best about NYC,” emphasizing how the school reflects the energy, diversity, and richness of the city itself. She also shared that it often feels like “the world is in the walls of ND,” pointing to the wide range of perspectives, experiences, and opportunities that come together within the school community.

Ms. Blaine highlighted that one of ND’s defining strengths is how it allows girls to shine and be fully themselves. She emphasized that this sense of authenticity and confidence is central to the school’s identity. She also spoke about the constant opportunities for growth at Notre Dame, noting that the school encourages students to develop their voices and expand their potential. At the same time, she stressed the importance of making sure others know who ND is, describing the school as “small but mighty.”

Notre Dame is entering a period of transition with Ms. Blaine stepping into leadership. We asked how she plans to guide this shift while ensuring students, faculty, and parents feel supported throughout the process.

Ms. Blaine emphasized the importance of relationships, especially sisterhood, as the foundation of the community. She expressed excitement about getting to know students, teachers, colleagues, and parents, and sharing her commitment to the Notre Dame community. One of her main goals is to remain highly visible during this transition, whether in the halls or at school events. She hopes these “moments of encounter” will strengthen connections and help the community continue to feel supported and thrive.

Ms. Blaine brings extensive experience from previous schools and educational leadership roles. Drawing from those experiences, she plans to reflect on what Notre Dame

specifically needs in order to grow and strengthen as a community. She shared that each of her former schools came with its own challenges, which have stayed with her and shaped her approach throughout her career. With this background, she hopes her time at ND will help her actively shape the kind of environment she wants to build. She is especially looking forward to fostering a sense of mutual care between teachers and students, where support and connection go both ways.

When thinking about improvements she may bring to ND, Ms. Blaine was especially thoughtful. She noted that with any new school, there is always room to grow, but emphasized that she does not want to make sweeping changes immediately. Instead, her approach is rooted in listening. Before making any decisions, she plans to hear from students, faculty, and the broader community to better understand their perspectives and ideas for improvement. 

She also acknowledged that she “stands on very tall shoulders,” referencing Sr. Virginia as a close colleague and friend. Because of this, her priority is to honor that legacy by listening and learning first, before making any changes. 

As Notre Dame begins this new chapter, Ms. Blaine’s vision centers on connection, reflection, and care. With a deep respect for the school’s history and community, she hopes to build on its strengths while taking the time to truly listen. Her leadership approach signals a transition grounded not in immediate change, but in understanding, ensuring that ND continues to be a place where every voice is valued and every student feels seen.

Edited by : Catherine Grace Polatidis '26, Valentina Cauchi '28 and Ms. Brilliant

Fair Use Disclaimer   

The images and contents in this article are under Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.