Mount Notre Dame is proud to announce that junior Elizabeth Cundall and sophomore Lilly Tepe recently participated in the National Cribs for Kids Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they shared their voices and leadership in support of infant safe sleep.

As members of the Charlie’s Kids Youth Advisory Council, Elizabeth and Lilly are helping advance the organization’s mission to prevent infant deaths through safe sleep education and advocacy. The students delivered a presentation, “Little Heroes, Leading Voices: Training Siblings, Sitters, and Students to Speak Up for Safety,” highlighting the important role young people can play in promoting safe sleep practices. They spoke to an audience of over 300 doctors, healthcare professionals, community advocates, and hospital leaders. Following their presentation, attendees lined up to engage with them, praised their work, and invited them to take part in other speaking engagements.

Elizabeth and Lilly also assisted the Charlie’s Kids team with a workshop designed to turn safe sleep education into lasting behavior change.

“We could not be prouder of Elizabeth and Lilly,” expressed Maura Hanke, Charlie’s Kids Co-Founder. “They demonstrated the absolute best of Mount Notre Dame’s values on a national stage, showing hundreds of healthcare leaders the tremendous impact young women can have when given a platform.”

MND Principal Mrs. Karen Day commented, “It was inspiring to hear Elizabeth and Lilly share their passion for Charlie’s Kids and their excitement about presenting at the national conference. Seeing that passion come to life in a way that aligns so beautifully with our Catholic values reflects what we hope for every MND student – to recognize that her voice, leadership and unique gifts can truly make a difference in our world.”