Roberta Steinbacher, The People Whisperer: Visionary, Scholar, Activist, Ex-Nun

Engaging and revealing! A young nun from humble beginnings left the convent to make a bigger impact in religion, academia, politics, and human rights, particularly women's rights. Always with determination, inspiration, and a gentle touch, Roberta Steinbacher has built a legacy around trailblazing and giving generously to improve others' lives. Her vision and ability to engage, collaborate, and implement her ideas propelled the college she developed to serve as a model for urban affairs studies across the country. Roberta's groundbreaking research landed her on-air interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Dan Rather, and other famous personalities. Her work on sex preselection was featured in national publications, including USA Today, The Economist, and People Magazine.As a State cabinet member, Roberta battled egregious and untrue statements published in a regional newspaper, all while improving processes and saving money for the State. Her researching, publishing, managing, teaching, counseling, and mentoring have impacted colleagues, students, friends, and even people she has never met. The ripples of Roberta's good works have traveled far and wide. She has shown grit and shattered ceilings, and for all her successes, she didn't step on anyone to get ahead. Roberta Steinbacher may have lost her sight along this path, but she never lost her vision.