Community:
A 26-year career at Notre Dame almost didn’t happen for Sharon Hawkins. She turned down the opportunity to work at the University when it was first presented to her. She thought it would be boring.
“But coming to the University was probably one of the best decisions I made for myself and my family. I am grateful to God for leading me to Notre Dame,” Hawkins said. “Having the opportunity to speak with Father Ted [Hesburgh], hearing his stories and seeing how he served the community near and far, touched my heart and has inspired me to embrace the mission.”
Hawkins is a senior people strategy partner in NDHR, a position that provides guidance to people leaders around performance management, work culture, and workforce planning. She is originally from Jamaica, where the coat of arms states “Out of many, one people.” “So, there is no difference. We are all one. I think that’s in me, a part of Jamaica I still have.”
Hawkins exemplifies her spirit of community by making sure every employee she interacts with not only feels valued, but also knows that they contribute to what the University is.
“I think community’s important because we all come from a different place and deal with different challenges. We are better when we humble ourselves, seek to understand, respectfully challenge each other, embrace our differences and seek to understand how those behaviors make us better. Community is authentically supporting each other. I am still amazed at how the members of the Notre Dame community step up and support each other in good and challenging times.”
Hawkins gave an example of working with organizational design and a change team of 13 people within a department on campus.
“Some people were new, and some people had been here longer. Someone who was newer said, ‘Why would you want me on the change team?’ We explained that they brought new thoughts, new ideas, and new experiences since coming to Notre Dame. Lastly, we wanted them to know that the ideas that they shared could help us be better. That’s what makes Notre Dame what it is. We are working together as a community to meet common goals and values with care, respect, authenticity, and trust—all while maintaining excellence in how we continue to serve the mission of the University.”
Additional features
Gracie Gallagher, Catholic Mission
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on February 20, 2026.