Meet Alison Zlatic, our Cincinnati District Council President
On Sunday, September 26, 2021, Alison Zlatic was sworn in by Archdiocesan Council President Debi Schwartz as the new President of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati District Council. Her 3-year term officially begins Oct. 1, 2021.
Alison has served St. Vincent de Paul as a Vincentian at Nativity of Our Lord parish in Pleasant Ridge, has been a staff member and a board member, and was part of the team that launched the Ozanam Center for Service Learning. Learn more about Alison through the conversation below.
How long have you been involved with St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati?
I started as a volunteer twelve years ago, and have been an employee, Vincentian and/or Board member ever since!
What led to you become a Vincentian?
Nine years ago I was stepping away from my paid position at SVDP, but knew I was being called to remain connected with the organization. I was juggling life as a young mom and wanted to make sure there was room for me to encounter Christ in my neighbors. I was lucky to join the Nativity conference which is a vibrant, faith-filled, humble group who continues to inspire me with their work.
What is your favorite St. Vincent de Paul memory?
There are so many that jump into my mind! Intimate prayer experiences on a home visit, where it feels like we are outside the boundaries of time and Heaven is closer in our midst. Our first adult Ozanam Center retreat when it felt like God had placed just the right people in the room to grow in relationship and wrestle with the complexities of poverty. BBQs with neighbors waiting for services at Bank Street. My first Retrofittings when I was awestruck by the upcycling creativity for the benefit of an amazing cause. And of course my first memory stands out too. I did not even know I was a neighbor in need, but I was. St. Vincent de Paul has filled a gap in my life making me a more loving, giving person, who is more closely aligned with who God created me to be. What an invaluable gift!
What do you hope you accomplish as Cincinnati District Council President?
The Beacons of Light initiative will give St. Vincent de Paul great opportunities to lead in the next few years. I hope the Vincentian model of faith, friendship and service will give hope to the future of the Church in Cincinnati during this period of growth. I pray we will be more rooted in our relationship with God so that we can boldly grow in relationship with our neighbors in need.
