O’Callaghan Returns to LUM

Patti O’Callaghan, LUM Lobbyist

Patti O’Callaghan returns as the new LUM Lobbyist (reporting to the Executive Director).

She has many years of experience advocating for Indiana families including serving as the LUM Social Justice director for more than 11 years, as well as being a founding board member of three agencies advocating for local children.  

Patti grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and currently lives in West Lafayette with Mark Diekman, her husband of 42 years. They are members of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, West Lafayette. They have two grown sons, Casey & Brian, both professors, and five grandchildren, ages three, five, five, seven & eight. Patti graduated from St. Agnes Seminary High School and earned a BS in Biology from New York University and a Master’s from Colorado State in Reproductive Physiology. She served two terms on the West Lafayette City Council and two terms on the West Lafayette Community School Board of Trustees.

Patti is excited about her new role with Lafayette Urban Ministry because it gives her an opportunity to create lasting positive change for the families in Tippecanoe County and the entire State of Indiana. She shares that, she is

“looking forward to working with our state representatives and senators to give a voice to Indiana children and create a better future for Indiana families.”

In her free time, Patti enjoys playing Pickle-ball, sharing books with her book club friends, and most of all, spending time with her family. LUM is fortunate to have someone with Patti’s passion and talent re-join the LUM team.