Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadette Cattanach.
Hi Bernadette, I am so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in New Jersey and made the move to Sarasota, Florida nine years ago.
In my time in New Jersey, I worked as an abuse investigator for the Governor’s office, dedicating 36 years of my life to serving and protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Alongside my career, I also enjoyed playing softball, boating, and exploring the world through travel.
When I arrived in Florida, I joined the gay bowling league as a way to meet new friends. It was through this league that I had the pleasure of connecting with several members of Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, an LGBTQ all-welcoming chorus. After becoming a part of the chorus for two seasons, I was honored to be elected as the president, which marked the beginning of a transformative period for the group.
One of my first initiatives as president was to hire a talented director who could help stabilize our leadership and take our chorus to new heights. This decision proved to be a game-changer as our director immediately made positive changes to our operations. Moreover, our newly redesigned website began attracting many talented individuals to join our ranks.
From a very humble time, with just 12 singers rehearsing on the top floor of a parking garage during the COVID crisis, we have experienced remarkable growth over the past two and a half years. Our membership has grown to 60 dedicated singers, all united by our passion for music and the values of inclusivity and acceptance.
In the past year, we formed two auditioned ensembles to provide a greater challenge for our more talented singers. Our tenor bass ensemble, “OUTFront,” and our Soprano Alto group, “Glimmer,” have proven to be tremendous successes. They made their debut in December during Diversity’s Heroes concert, receiving a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience.
Outside of my commitments to Diversity, I continue to indulge my love for travel whenever I have spare time. Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring South Africa, and during the summer months, my wife Lynne Lash and I engaged in RV adventures. Lynne herself is a talented musician, playing the oboe for The Pops, a local orchestra, and also singing with Key Chorale.
I feel incredibly blessed to have shared the past 39 years of my life with Lynne. Her unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey with Diversity, and our shared love for music and the arts further strengthens our connection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, indeed, the journey has not always been smooth. Growing up as a gay individual in a strict Catholic family and attending a parochial school presented its own set of challenges. However, I have persevered and come out stronger on the other side, ready to share my story.
When I joined Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, I realized that the chorus itself had its share of struggles. Inconsistent leadership, low morale, no recruiting plan, and a small number of members were just some of the issues we faced. We lacked a solid plan to move the group forward and bring about positive change.
Recognizing the need for transformation, I took on the role of president and began the work of rebuilding and revitalizing Diversity. One of the first steps was hiring a dedicated director who could provide stability and guide us toward a better future. His arrival marked the beginning of the chorus’ transformation.
We also knew that we needed to boost morale and attract new talent to our group. Redesigning our website played a crucial role in bringing in talented individuals who were drawn to our mission of inclusivity and acceptance. With their support, our membership began to grow steadily.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. We faced setbacks and obstacles along the way, but our determination and shared vision kept us moving forward. Through teamwork and a collective commitment to our cause, we managed to overcome the hurdles that came our way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Throughout my professional career, I dedicated 36 years of my life to serving and protecting the most vulnerable citizens of New Jersey as an abuse investigator for the Governor’s office. This work allowed me to make a positive impact in the lives of many individuals and families, advocating for their rights and well-being.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I have also been involved in volunteer work for the past 30 years at Camp Sunshine in Maine. This camp provides respite and support for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. This experience has humbled me and deepened my compassion, significantly changing my perspective and approach to life.
Growing up in a family with limited financial resources, I developed a knack for fixing just about anything and became known as “McGyver.” This resourcefulness and ability to solve problems have served me well throughout my career. I take pride in my ability to find creative solutions and make things work, even with limited resources.
Throughout my professional career, I was recognized for my management and problem-solving skills and the ability to bring about positive change wherever I was assigned, and this set me apart from many during my career.
What’s next?
To travel more and more often. Next is New Zealand. To RV more and more often. To go with the Diversity Chorus to Minneapolis to participate in the international GALA Festival in July 2024.
Contact Info:
- Website: Diversitysarasota.org
