Dr. Kathleen (Barrera) Quiazon '99 is the inaugural Director for the Center for Spirituality and Faith at Santa Clara University. In this role, Kathleen champions the Center’s creative and innovative efforts to meet the rapidly evolving context of religious and spiritual life for a diverse and multi-faith student body.
Kathleen received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Music from Santa Clara University, and a Master of Music in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota. She holds a doctorate in Catholic Educational Leadership from the University of San Francisco. Her research examines feminist Catholic organizational identity and the mission and charism formation of educators in religiously sponsored institutions.
Kathleen previously served as a senior administrator, educator, and pastoral leader for Notre Dame San Jose, the oldest Catholic educational institution for young women in California. She brings more than two decades of experience as a cantor, liturgist, and facilitator for retreats, immersions, and interfaith programs. Kathleen is the former chair of the diocesan liturgical commission (Diocese of San Jose) and a current board member for the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council.
Kathleen is eager to create an environment where young people encounter meaningful relationships, experience an Ignatian paradigm for spiritual seekers, and curate the wisdom of diverse belief systems, religious traditions, and reflective practices for their own discernment and meaning-making.
With deep roots in Jesuit, Notre Dame de Namur, and diocesan contexts, Kathleen is currently a senior leader for Notre Dame San Jose, the oldest Catholic educational institution for women in California, founded the same year as Santa Clara University.
