In Loving Memory of Betty Contino
Chair, Women’s Education Alliance
A Legacy of Faith, Love & Action
Betty Contino believed that when you see a need, you do something about it.
It was a lesson she learned from her mother and carried throughout her life:
“Don’t just stand there, do something.”
And Betty did.
She helped. She encouraged. She connected people. She opened doors. She dreamed big, laughed often, prayed deeply, and had an extraordinary ability to see possibility—especially in people.
For nearly 15 years, Betty poured her heart and soul into Women’s Education Alliance. She believed deeply that every child has God-given gifts and potential, and that a family’s financial circumstances should never determine the opportunities available to them.
A Life of Faith in Action
Betty’s commitment to serving others began long before WEA.
After a successful career in the corporate world, she turned her considerable energy, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit toward serving her community.
She worked to bring dignity and practical support to people experiencing homelessness throughout Baltimore. She assisted Catholic Charities in establishing Christopher Place Academy, where she walked alongside hundreds of men, encouraging them, believing in them, and celebrating their accomplishments through many graduating classes.
Betty often spoke about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide her. She shared that during her years of working with people experiencing homelessness, she felt God speak to her heart: if she truly wanted to make a lasting difference, she needed to begin earlier—with children.
Betty listened.
That calling helped lead her to the work that would become Women’s Education Alliance and to a new chapter devoted to expanding opportunities for children attending Baltimore City Catholic schools.
She Saw Possibilities Everywhere
For Betty, it was never simply about providing scholarships, programs, technology, or resources.
It was about the children.
She wanted to know who they were, how they were doing, what their teachers and schools needed—and what more WEA could do to help.
There was always one more child Betty believed we could support, one more opportunity we could create, and one more person she wanted to welcome into the WEA family.
Turning Supporters Into Family
Betty had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together.
She cultivated a deeply committed Board of Directors and built lasting relationships with donors, sponsors, educators, school leaders, families, volunteers, and friends.
Betty didn’t simply ask people to support the mission. She made them feel a part of it. In doing so, she created a remarkable WEA family united by a shared commitment to our children.
Betty brought boundless energy, laughter, faith, determination, and enthusiasm to everything she did. If you knew Betty, you know there was rarely a dull moment when she was around.
A Legacy That Continues
As we mourn Betty’s unexpected passing, we know that without doubt that her impact will live on — in the children she believed in, the opportunities she made possible, and the people whose lives she touched.
Her legacy will continue in every scholarship that opens a door, every program that helps a child grow, every teacher who receives the support needed to reach a student, and every young person who has the opportunity to discover and reach their God-given potential.
Together, WEA will continue the work Betty loved and carry forward the mission to which she gave so much of herself.
With tremendous love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life and lasting legacy of Betty Contino.
“Don’t just stand there, do something!”
