STA Names 2026 Distinguished Alumna

September 8, 2026

Erin Sullivan, MPA/MSW (’76) has been named this year’s St. Teresa’s Academy Distinguished Alumna. A longtime community leader, athlete and advocate for girls, Sullivan has dedicated much of her life to creating opportunities for young people to discover their strength, confidence and potential. Leadership was already a hallmark of her STA experience. She was elected class president her sophomore, junior and senior years. After graduating from STA, she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Creighton University and later a master’s degree in social work/public administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Sullivan has been a longtime member of Omaha’s swimming, running, and biking communities. She is a U.S. Masters Swimming coach, a race director, a member of the Omaha Running Club Hall of Fame and an IRONMAN World Championship finisher in Kona, Hawaii. Since 2018, she has combined that passion for endurance sports with her commitment to empowering girls as president and cofounder of Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club, an Omaha-area nonprofit that encourages girls to be strong, confident and physically fit through the sport of triathlon.

Each summer, Ironhawk Juniors provides a free, seven-week training program for girls ages 7 to 14. Volunteer coaches and leaders guide participants through swimming, biking, running and teamwork while encouraging healthy choices and lifelong habits. The organization provides equipment, including bicycles, helmets, shoes, and swimsuits, so cost is not a barrier to participation. The program welcomes girls from diverse backgrounds and gives them an opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and discover what they are capable of achieving. It culminates in a triathlon where the girls put their training, perseverance, and teamwork into action.

Sullivan’s commitment to empowering girls reflects the leadership and confidence she developed at STA. Immediately after graduating from college, Sullivan began life in service for others. She became a Vista volunteer working at a domestic violence shelter. That was followed by a 10 year stint as a research assistant in a medical laboratory. While working as a litigation support specialist at an Omaha law firm, Sullivan continued her community work focusing on mentorship, service, and creating opportunities for others. Through Ironhawk Juniors, she has created a community where girls are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another and recognize their potential. Her dedication to helping young women become strong and confident leaders exemplifies the spirit of the Distinguished Alumna Award and the lasting impact of an STA education.