Kathryn “Kitty” Barry & Martha Barry

Kathryn “Kitty” Barry
Retired Nonprofit Professional

Kathryn “Kitty” Barry graduated from Edgewood University in 1977 with a degree in education. A lifelong advocate for dignity, independence, and inclusion, her career and service reflect the Dominican values of justice, compassion, and partnership embodied by Edgewood University. Her time at Edgewood was deeply formative, shaped by strong academics and the influence of the Sinsinawa Dominican sisters, whose commitment to service inspired her lifelong dedication to others. She began her career teaching at St. John Vianney School in Janesville, Wisconsin. 

She later earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and spent 38 years with Options for Independent Living in Green Bay. There, she became a trusted advocate for individuals with disabilities, helping them remove barriers, secure housing, access resources, and achieve greater independence. Known for her compassionate, hands-on approach, Kitty met people where they were, ensuring each person was treated with dignity and respect. Her leadership strengthened the organization’s ability to serve the community. 

Her contributions to the independent living movement have been widely recognized. She received the 2019 Relentless Badger Award for advocacy and leadership across Wisconsin, along with earlier honors including the 1977 Madison Association for Developmentally Disabled Citizens’ Outstanding Service Award and a 1984 Professional Recognition Award from the Association on Handicapped Student Service Programs in Postsecondary Education. 

In retirement, Kitty continues to live out the Dominican mission through volunteer leadership. She serves as president of two Brown County nonprofits: Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, which supports families experiencing homelessness, and The Gathering Place, a peer-run recovery center for adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. In both roles, she brings humility, empathy, and a commitment to building inclusive communities. 

Grounded in a lifelong commitment to service shaped by family values and her Edgewood education, Kitty is also a devoted mother of two and grandmother of five. Across her life and work, she exemplifies the Dominican pillars of justice, compassion, partnership, and community, making a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves. 

Martha Barry ’79 Barry
Retired Nonprofit Professional

Dr. Martha Barry is dedicated to advancing racial and gender equity through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has served as a racial justice trainer, facilitator, connector, bridge builder, and organizational leader. 

Her social justice journey began in California and Wisconsin and led to 15 years in corporate human resources, where she worked as a trainer, leadership developer, and coach. She then spent 15 years with YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, deepening her commitment to racial justice by building community partnerships, developing anti-racism curriculum, and advising nonprofit, business, and community leaders on advancing racial equity within their organizations. 

Martha’s work is grounded in empathy, patience, and a belief in people’s capacity for growth and change. As a facilitator and advocate, she has helped leaders across nonprofit, business, government, and community sectors examine the roots, impacts, and manifestations of racism. She co-created Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action, a program designed to help individuals and organizations understand racial inequities and take meaningful action toward change. Through her training, facilitation, and coaching, she has influenced countless leaders and organizations working to create more equitable and inclusive communities. 

In retirement, Dr. Barry continues to advance social justice through racial equity education, community dialogue, volunteer service, and civic engagement. She remains active in environmental and neighborhood stewardship efforts, serves as an election inspector, and partners with organizations to promote justice, understanding, and community connection. She is also a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and the transition to a greener future. 

Dr. Barry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Edgewood University, a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Ph.D. from Cardinal Stritch University. As a student at Edgewood University, she was selected to deliver the senior class commencement address in 1979, an early indication of the leadership, service, and commitment to justice that have characterized her life’s work. 

Outside of her professional and volunteer activities, Martha enjoys reading, gardening, following politics, traveling, watching documentaries, and taking long walks.