The 24th Annual SAA Outstanding Alumnae Hall of Fame

Four outstanding women were honored during the St. Agnes Academy 24th Annual Outstanding Alumnae Hall of Fame ceremony on January 24. The 2025 inductees, Adella Malvezzi Heard (’75), Verlinda Johnson Henning (’76), Jennifer Bennett Shinall (’02) and Maggie Leone Glaser (’05) have each gone above and beyond to make a difference in her community.

The St. Agnes Academy Outstanding Alumnae Hall of Fame was established in 2001 on the school's 150th anniversary. The Hall of Fame honors those exceptional individuals who command respect within their careers, civic, or charitable endeavors, and are devoted to the mission of St. Agnes Academy. 

Adella Malvezzi Heard

Adella is a member of the Class of 1975 and a proud St. Agnes “lifer”. After graduating from SAA, Adella attended the University of Notre Dame where she earned degrees in English and Education. She also ran cross country while at Notre Dame.  Adella then attended Memphis State University School of Law serving on the Law Review. Currently, she works at First Horizon Bank as a Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. She is also a mentor for NEXUS, an organization of community leaders that guides young emerging leaders of Memphis. Adella has always been a trailblazer and a leader in everything she has done!

Verlinda Johnson Henning

Verlinda is a member of the Class of 1976 who embodies civic pride, community, and a sense of caring in everything she does. She earned an undergraduate degree and two graduate degrees from the University of Memphis, where she currently serves as a student mentor. From her time working at MLGW, to owning her own HR consulting firm (Faith People Memphis) and becoming a Jeopardy champion in 2021, Verlinda is respected and loved by her peers and colleagues. In addition to her professional work, Verlinda has been dedicated to numerous community organizations over the years, and in 2023 she received the Mid-South Remarkable Woman Award. Verlinda Johnson Henning truly makes the world a better place!

Jennifer Bennett Shinall

Jennifer is a proud member of the Class of 2002. Upon graduating as valedictorian from St. Agnes, she went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Harvard University in History and Economics and both a J.D. and Ph.D. in Law and Economics from Vanderbilt University. Professor Shinall joined the Vanderbilt University Law School faculty in 2014 and is the inaugural Sara J. Finley Chair in Women, Law & Policy. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed economic and law journals and has been cited extensively by media outlets. Jennifer is a devoted wife, mother of three young children, and daughter, who has dedicated a significant part of her life’s work to promoting fair treatment of women in the workplace.

Maggie Leone Glaser

Maggie is a member of the Class of 2005. After leaving the halls and soccer fields of SAA as a student, Maggie furthered both her education and her soccer career at the University of Memphis, where she earned a BFA and an MFA. Maggie “came home” to work at SAA in 2009 and currently serves as the SAA-SDS Director of Admissions. On top of being a devoted wife and mother, Maggie serves on the M-Club Board of Directors at the University of Memphis and coaches three teams for the Purple Rain Soccer Club. Maggie’s obvious devotion to and passion for St. Agnes Academy, along with her dedication to developing female athletes is inspiring to all!