Carolyn Woo grew up in Hong Kong, a city of refugees who had fled from the communist government in China. She completed her early education at a school run by the Maryknoll Sisters and became proficient in English. Making her first big unknown move with God’s help, she came to the United States and enrolled at Purdue University. Wasting no time, Carolyn earned several degrees including her doctorate in business at Purdue, became a professor, and was appointed as an academic administrator. Making her second big unknown move with God’s help she became the highly successful dean of the Mendoza School of Business at Notre Dame University. Her latest big move with God’s help was when Catholic Relief Services (CRS) offered her the position of CEO and President of the global humanitarian arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Her book “Working for a Better World” is an account not only of Dr. Woo's own life, but of the ongoing critical work of CRS in meeting the needs of the poor, the traumatized, and the needy throughout the world. From typhoon-flattened cities in the Philippines to earthquake-devastated Haiti, CRS is there in over 100 countries.
She visited Sacred Heart on Wednesday, October 10 to share the story of her success and ongoing relationship with the Catholic faith.