Notre Dame celebrated 10 years of Walk the Walk Week activities and events this past January. The week was inspired by the life, work, and legacy of the late Martin Luther King Jr., with the opportunity to focus on the values and mission of Notre Dame. And now we ask: How do we continue to build a Beloved Community here on campus? How do we continue to focus on these values and mission? “What’s Your Next Step?”

Nydia Morales-Soto has worked at Notre Dame for 13 years, the last two years as the assistant director for research and partnerships at the Eck Institute for Global Health. She is the chair of Somos ND, a year-long recognition of the over 160 years of Hispanic and Latino contributions to Notre Dame. She is also the president of Adelante ND: Latinx Staff and Faculty Association, an employee resource group.

Morales-Soto considers her next step to be recommitting to a step she has already taken—building bridges and making connections, something she sees as critical to the work she does overall.

“I truly believe that everyone needs to be part of these conversations so that we can all understand (and believe in) why this is so important.”

“It comes from seeing people— as people—and believing that understanding and kindness go a long way,” Morales-Soto said. “If we approach it that way, regardless of the work we’re doing at the University, whether it’s with staff, faculty, students, alumni, or community partners, if we do that, we can really make the greatest positive impact through the work we do.”

Morales-Soto believes identifying one’s next step takes time and energy. “You have to be intentional about taking time to think and process. Reflect on where your strengths are, or maybe where your challenges are, right? This can come from feedback that makes you think, ‘I should probably spend a little more time thinking about this.’ I think those are great areas for growth.”

Both Somos ND and Adelante ND facilitate building bridges and making connections, which are so important to Morales-Soto. “If you are someone who wants to learn more about the Latino/Hispanic community, loves the culture, wants to practice active listening, or just wants to connect and be part of those conversations, this space is open for everyone. Bring your best.

I truly believe that everyone needs to be part of these conversations so that we can all understand (and believe in) why this is so important.”

Listen to other staff and faculty members share their next steps:

Kate Barrett, the Education and Outreach specialist for the Transformational Leaders Program

Rev. Brian Ching, C.S.C., Rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Frederick Nwanganga, Associate Teaching Professor of IT, Analytics and Operations

Susan Pratt-Rosato, associate teaching professor of Political Science

Originally published by Natalie Davis Miller, Managing Editor, NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on February 22, 2025.