Sower’s Seed: Inspiring Lives of Service

Corinne Cannon and Kelly Snider Dunn

Corinne Cannon ’99 ’03 and Kelly Snider Dunn ’64

Community activist and advocate Corinne Cannon ’99, ’03, founder and executive director of the DC Diaper Bank, a CNN Hometown Hero, and a passionate advocate for babies and their families, inspired Trinity students with her journey from Trinity student to nonprofit leader at the annual Sower’s Seed lecture on Thursday, October 20, 2016.

More than 175 Trinity students, faculty, staff, alumnae and Sisters of Notre Dame packed Social Hall to hear Cannon talk candidly and passionately about her role models, her challenges and successes, and the economic impact on low-income families who must deal with the expense of diapers and other essentials. Several of her role models were in the audience, including her mother, Dr. Lori Shpunt ’69, Professor Emerita of English, and Julia Hunter Galdo ’69, a communications professional.

  • Read more about Corinne Cannon
  • Learn about the DC Diaper Bank – how to volunteer and donate diapers and financial gifts, and how to access the services and supplies of the organization.

Established by Kelly Snider Dunn ’64 and her family, the Sowers’ Seed program highlights alumnae and alumni who have incorporated into their lives the traditions of community service and social justice that are central to the Trinity experience and reflect the Catholic tradition that influences Trinity’s mission. These graduates are invited to come to campus to share their stories with Trinity students, in the hope that their stories will inspire new generations to consider community service, either as a volunteer or as a career. Trinity celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Sower’s Seed program in 2015.

Photo of Corinne Cannon and Brenda Alonso

Corinne Cannon and Brenda Alonso

Corinne Cannon ’99, ’03, Founder and Executive Director of the DC Diaper Bank was introduced by Trinity scholar-athlete Brenda Alonso.

Trinity junior Brenda Alonso, who is majoring in international affairs and business, gave an eloquent and heartfelt introduction of Cannon. “I am a Dreamer Scholar, I am an athlete, and, above all, I am a Trinity student, and I love my Trinity experience,” she said. “One of the things I love about being a student at Trinity, and studying at a women’s college, is that I am inspired by all of the women who came here before me, who walked these hallways, who sat in this very room when they were students. Trinity women – and men! – have achieved so much and have made such a positive difference in their communities. Today, we welcome a wonderful role model: Corinne Cannon. She is going to share her own story with you, and tell you about her amazing work with the DC Diaper Bank – creating this great community resource and growing this nonprofit organization as the executive director. So, to introduce Ms. Cannon, I just want to tell you why I am inspired by her. She created the DC Diaper Bank because, like so many Trinity women, she identified a serious need in her community and focused on addressing the problem. That’s what Trinity women do: We assess the situation, and then we take action, and then we succeed. And in doing so, we make a positive difference in the lives of so many people.”