CABRINI MISSION FOUNDATION

Cabrini Profiles - Barbara Costantino


Barbara Costantino

Barbara Costantino was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and educated in the public school system. In September 1969, she married John, a third year student at Fordham Law School School. In 1974 their son Jonathon was born followed by their daughter Stephanie in 1977. When Jonathon began first grade at St. Patrick’s School, in Bay Ridge, Barbara’s active volunteer service started and did not end until her children graduated from high school. While her children attended St. Patrick’s, she served ably on a number of fundraising committees. Starting in 1985, when her children attended St. Anselm’s School, she served on both the Parent’s Guild Board, Youth Activities Board and chaired many fundraising events and activities. She also served as President of the Mothers’ Club. From 1988 to 1992 while her son attended Regis High School, she was elected Secretary of the Parents’ Club and co-chaired the Annual Auction and Christmas Boutique. Barbara also served as President of the Mothers’ Club at the Fontbonne Hall Academy.

Barbara has served as a board member of the Friends of Channel 13, and she is currently a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. She is involved, along with her husband John, with many charitable institutions including Gregorian University Foundation, Fordham University and Fordham Law School, and the Neuroscience Institute at the Scripps. Last year, Barbara and John graciously agreed to host a Cabrini Mission Foundation fundraiser/reception for Swaziland at their home on Manhattan’s East Side.

When did you first become involved with the Board of Trustees of Cabrini Mission Foundation? John and I attended the Annual Gala & Awards as the guests of CMF Board member Patrick Dunleavy. We met two wonderful members of his family, his wife, Sheryl and his father, Tom.. I then met Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC and that was the beginning of a thoroughly enjoyable friendship. Through her, we became acquainted with the work of Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters. We found it a very comfortable relationship, and were particularly interested in their work with children and elders.

What motivated you to join the Board? John and I met Sr. Lucille through Patrick Dunleavy. Sr. Lucille, then President of Cabrini Mission Foundation, had recently sponsored Patrick’s wife in a marathon to raise money for CMF. John was/is deeply involved supporting Fordham Law School and undergraduate programs and regrettably had to decline the offer to join the Board. Patrick knew of my volunteer efforts with other organizations and invited me to consider serving as a member of Cabrini Mission Foundation’s Board of Trustees. It was a wonderful experience meeting Sr. Diane Dalle Molle and Dr. Michael Mullen at a Swaziland event. They both made a great “first impression” on me. The “clincher” was meeting and getting to know Sr. Bernadette, and I have thoroughly enjoyed that relationship. After giving it considerable thought, I agreed to join. My interest is in fund raising and my experience at the Foundation has been most rewarding.

What are some of the challenges you see facing the Foundation? We need to increase the size and diversity of the Board. We need to attract members with the influence and connections that will allow us to pursue the vision and mission of Mother Cabrini. We generally need to strengthen our network of connections and volunteer leaders.

Where do you see Cabrini Mission Foundation in five years? I am hopeful that we can tell the wonderful story of Mother Cabrini to ever larger audiences. The work of the Missionary Sisters is truly inspirational. I would hope that the Foundation will be able to dramatically increase the amount of funding for our ministries and institutions.

Close Window