The Mount Celebrates Black History Month With Inspiring Stories

In honor of Black History Month, the Mount St. Dominic Academy Diversity Club, led by moderator Mrs. Nicole Perez-Cheddie ‘10 and president Jalissa Cortes ‘24, has been hosting a series of speakers to share their inspiring stories with students, faculty and staff. One recent guest, Lisa Lamothe, a talented musician, actress, and costume designer, captivated the audience with her journey and words of wisdom.

Lisa's passion for the arts was nurtured from a young age, as her mother was a costume designer. Surrounded by the vibrant world of theater and performance, Lisa found her calling in music, as a singer, and by playing instruments like the piano, upright bass, and violin. She dreamt of studying theater and making a name for herself in New York City, a dream she pursued with unwavering determination.

During her visit to the Mount, Lisa shared valuable advice with the students. She emphasized the importance of taking chances, drawing from her own experiences. Lisa recounted a moment early in her career when the microphone failed during a performance. Undeterred, she carried on without it, impressing producers in the audience who offered her work opportunities. She went on to perform in stage productions, concerts, and commercials.

Lisa's love for fashion and storytelling led her to explore costume design after college, where she has since made her mark in theater, television, and film. Her journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.

"Believe in yourself. Take chances. When you put things out there, good things will come to you," Lisa advised the students. She also stressed the importance of introspection, encouraging them to ask themselves important questions about their goals, needs, and role models.

For Lisa, key elements to success include education, preparation, maintaining a good reputation, finding inspiration, and counting one's blessings. She reminded the students that while the path to success may be winding, each step of the journey contributes to a unique and fulfilling story.

As Mount St. Dominic Academy continues to celebrate Black History Month, Lisa Lamothe's story serves as a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and strength found in the African American community. Her visit has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the students, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.

ABOUT MOUNT ST. DOMINIC ACADEMY: Mount St. Dominic Academy, established by the Sisters of St. Dominic, is an independent, Catholic college preparatory school dedicated to the education of young women from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Located in the heart of bucolic Caldwell, New Jersey, the Mount has been empowering young women in the Dominican tradition since 1892. Mount St. Dominic Academy is a proud member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, the International Coalition of Girls Schools, the Dominican Association of Secondary Schools, the National Catholic Educational Association, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, and the The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The Mount is also the recipient of the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for its outstanding achievement in fostering high female representation in both AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP), and 2023 Best of Essex Gold Medal in the "Best in Private School” Category. Visit the Mount for more information.