The quiet power of purpose-driven leadership

How Sister Gerardine built a movement for inclusion in South Korea — one step at a time

"Everybody has leadership qualities. So let people lead." — Sister Gerardine

In 1975, a young Irish nun named Sister Gerardine arrived in South Korea — a country still healing from the trauma of war. She had no formal plan, no language skills, and no idea how deeply her journey would shape lives, including her own. Today, she leads the Myongdo Welfare Center in Mokpo, a foundation that supports more than 500 people annually. But her story isn’t just about service — it’s about the quiet, determined leadership that comes from deeply held values.

Leading with vision: A society where everyone belongs

Sister Gerardine’s mission began with a simple yet radical idea: “People with disabilities should be in society and they should have a purpose.”

That belief became the guiding star of the Myongdo Welfare Center, which she built not on the outskirts, but in the heart of Mokpo — intentionally placing people with disabilities in the center of community life. Her work has never been about expansion for its own sake. “It was never a vision of growth,” she says, “but of change — for people.”

“Working together for an all-inclusive society” — The Myongdo Foundation’s motto

Even as the foundation grew, this vision remained the compass. Every staff member, volunteer, and partner is reminded that inclusion isn’t a strategy — it’s a value.

Respect as a cornerstone for change

In a culture where disability was once (and still is) heavily stigmatized, Sister Gerardine insisted on respect. She believes inclusion isn't a favor — it's a human right. This philosophy shaped even small details, such as living in the city center rather than a secluded facility, and carefully managing how Myongdo engages in public. 

At the same time, she acknowledges cultural sensitivity. “Society should welcome us. But we also have to make ourselves acceptable for people to cope,” she says, advocating for respectful, step-by-step change.

Education is the key to open the doors you right now find closed

Initially trained as a nurse, Sister Gerardine returned to Ireland for additional education, recognizing that disability is not a sickness and required new knowledge. “If you want to do something, you have to know something about it,” she states.

Humble beginnings: “It was never the plan”

Originally bound for China, Sister Gerardine found herself in Korea through a twist of fate — and a newspaper ad. Language didn’t matter, the ad said, and she found a place to begin. “You get involved, then you meet people, and then it grows from there,” she recalls.

She’s faced countless challenges, relying on both perseverance and the occasional miracle. Her story echoes the sentiment that “nothing changes if nothing changes.” Through quiet, persistent leadership, she has helped shift societal views, uplift individuals, and create lasting change.

Sister Gerardine’s journey shows that purpose-driven leadership isn’t loud, but it is firm. It involves daring to invest in a vision, nurturing others to lead, and staying committed to values — even when difficult. Her story teaches us that values aren’t soft — they’re strong. They shape decisions, withstand setbacks, and build movements.This pursuit of knowledge never ceased. She continually encouraged others to learn, grow, and lead. Directors at Myongdo are reminded that they’re responsible not just for the people they serve, but also for nurturing their team. “If people thrive, the organization does,” she affirms.

This trust in others demands clarity and courage. People can lead differently — and are encouraged to — but alignment with core values is non-negotiable. “If not, you cannot be part of the foundation,” she says. Sometimes that means making hard decisions to protect the integrity of the mission.

Resilience in the face of dilemmas

Leading change for vulnerable populations is filled with moral complexity. Sister Gerardine balances human rights, professional guidelines, and gut feeling. Sometimes, this means letting people make choices you might not agree with — a form of deep respect.

To stay grounded, the foundation uses data and interim goals. These help staff remain motivated and focused on their purpose — fostering equal relationships and ensuring every individual has a place in society. As such Sister Gerardine combines the more abstract leadership tool of values and a very specific tool of goals and data to move the organisation forward.

Her life encourages us to dream big and act with purpose — because that’s how change begins. Who knows what change your next move can bring?