The leadership commitments are the result of a five-month discernment process by each Tepeyac Leadership Initiative (TLI) program-participant. They are the fruit from each participant’s journey through TLI. At the conclusion of the program, each participant reads his or her own leadership commitment during Tepeyac Leadership Night. The following are this year’s leadership commitments.
Adeline Khouri
I am committed to a leadership rooted in the beauty and truth of the Theology of the Body, drawing from the Song of Songs and the living testimony of Lebanon as a land of healing, prophetic renewal, and divine intimacy. My mission is to reveal the sacredness of the human body and the vocation to love inscribed within it—whether in celibacy or marriage—through teaching, media, coaching, and global community-building. I lead with the conviction that the world is thirsting for a renewed understanding of human sexuality as a path to communion and holiness. Through “The Song of the Bridegroom,” I dedicate myself to forming hearts, restoring dignity, and proclaiming a message of hope that flows from the heart of Christ the Bridegroom to every human soul.
AJ Swinson
I’m passionate about educating others, breaking down complex ideas into simple, relatable parts—especially Catholic values that bring true happiness. With a background as an English teacher and nearly a decade in politics, I work to promote policies aligned with my faith, like protecting the unborn and supporting families. As a Catholic, Black, millennial woman raised in a hardworking evangelical family, my mission is to educate and inspire the next generation to understand and live by the natural law and Judeo-Christian values that shaped our nation's founding—empowering them to become informed, virtuous citizens who vote with purpose, conviction and clarity.
Alexandra Olvera
society through faith-rooted leadership. I will develop inclusive curriculum and student resources, help launch a microschool for neurodivergent youth, and create tools that integrate Catholic values with practical life formation. My leadership will serve both Church and community by evangelizing through service, educational innovation, and institutional impact. I also intend to serve on local boards advocating for equity in education and dignity for underserved youth.
Amanda Ruiz
As a Tepeyac Leader, I commit to shaping culture through the transformative power of story and live performance. Through Kalos Theatre and Bridge to Beauty Arts, I will lead artists in creating work that entertains, challenges, and uplifts—honoring the dignity of every person. I believe the arts can bridge divides and reveal deeper truths, offering healing, inspiration, and unity. Inspired by St. John Paul II’s Letter to Artists, I embrace my vocation as a guardian of beauty, drawing hearts toward Truth. In service to the Church, I will lead others to encounter Christ through the arts.
Amira Hanna
With a sincere heart and clear intention, I commit myself today to walk in alignment with truth, compassion, and faith. I choose to nurture my relationship with the Divine and to live with purpose, humility, and gratitude. I commit to seeking peace over pride, love over judgment, and light over fear. I will strive to serve others with kindness, listen with openness, and speak with honesty. In moments of weakness, I will return to prayer. In moments of strength, I will give thanks. I trust that I am being led, even when I do not see the way, and I surrender my plans to the wisdom of something greater than myself. This is my promise—not of perfection, but of devotion.
Ana Lucía Aguila
My commitment is to serve and to share what I’ve received with love and joy. I strive to be a witness of Christ’s love—first within my family, then wherever God leads me. Through my words, actions, and daily life, I hope to inspire others to live with purpose and grow in faith. I believe true leadership means lifting others up, and with God’s help, that is exactly what I aim to do.
Andrea Fernandez
Having experienced deep suffering and healing, I commit to being a lay Catholic entrepreneur and leader that encourages others to live liturgically. I will walk with those—especially navigating trauma and disability—toward purpose and healing, finding resilience and strength rooted in our beautiful Catholic faith. I will lead initiatives that reflect God’s mercy, promote human dignity, and evangelize through service and Love. Through speaking opportunities and Totus Tuus Travel, I will inspire a culture of radical Love and equip others to participate in faith-filled experiences around the world.
Andrew Hendershott
I am striving to be a virtuous Catholic leader in the capital markets, pursuing excellence in all my professional, civic, and leadership endeavors. I will achieve this excellence by remaining engaged in the literary tradition and doctrinal richness of Catholic social teaching, drawing upon the grace and wisdom of the universal Church, especially Rerum Novarum. Guided by these principles, I aim to advance human flourishing through business, board service, and seeking sanctification.
Andrew Mouawad
After completing my TLI Leadership Program, I find myself in front of a serious commitment and responsibility, towards myself, my society, my church, and the whole world. As I believe that the smallest cell of any society is the family, and any change has to start there, I commit that I will do everything I can, to build a healthy environment, based on the Christian values of love and unity, to strengthen families, their bonding, their development, and their wellbeing, on different levels such as physical, mental, spiritual and social. Starting with my own family, to any family I meet.
Ashley Lawson
Through TLI, I’ve gained clarity, conviction, and the encouragement I needed to lead more boldly in faith and family. I commit to being a courageous and visible witness to the Catholic faith through my work, my marriage, and my fatherhood. I will foster brotherhood among Catholic men in Europe, or wherever God leads us, and use my creative gifts to promote truth, tradition, and beauty. I step forward not to be seen, but to lead my family and others toward Christ, especially when it is difficult or unpopular.
Audrey Criscille Abatol
The world is thirsting for authentic love, and I want to help quench that thirst, especially after experiencing this in my own life. St. John Paul II’s catechesis on the Theology of the Body (TOB) offers the beautiful message of God’s plan in our lives. My commitment is to continue to advance my understanding of TOB to live and share the truth about love, relationships, sexuality, freedom and happiness. Furthermore, I commit to initiating collaborative opportunities with local TOB champions and key decision makers to help protect Filipino values, preserve the culture of life, and build a civilization of love in the Philippines.
Brendan Jubulis
Upon graduating, I will apply to the Notre Dame Club of Chicago board to eventually become more directly involved with and gain influence on the academic vision of the University (i.e., board member at an individual college). Also, I will dive into my new role as founding donor/advisory board member at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, which aims to bring truth and beauty to the local community. Finally, in completing my three-year term as a board member at Young Catholic Professionals Chicago, I will ensure we meet our yearly budget and find my successor.
Brian Caldwell
I humbly commit to using the gifts God has given me to serve those most in need, materially and spiritually, and to advance the common good. I will more openly uphold Catholic principles—seeing love as willing the good of another and the common good as the just ordering of society for the Body of Christ. I will work to apply these truths with humility in service to human dignity and the glory of God.
Carolina Fernández Lezama
I commit to founding a civil organization that seeks to care for our common home and the common good. With a perspective of “Integral ecology”. It will provide training to businesses on how to make themselves more sustainable, what actions to take to reduce their environmental impact, and how they can better uphold the dignity of their workers and contribute to the community in which they operate.
Christopher Tran
I am grateful to the TLI community for the opportunity to listen to and be enriched by the many perspectives on leadership that the various speakers have to offer. To further my commitment in my field of Cinematography in the Catholic space, I resolve to make missionary disciples in the field to capture more effectively the beauty of our faith. This ministry will cultivate a sense of collaboration and support between all its members, specifically to aid parishes in their mission to enrich and evangelize their communities as well.
Daniel Bizzo
As a TLI graduate, I commit to being a promoter of the beauty of the lay vocation to all the people I relate to, especially those closest to me, such as friends, coworkers, and family members. Having discovered this calling to transform temporal realities from within, like leaven in the dough, I feel compelled to live out my personal mission as a layperson with enthusiasm, being in the world while belonging to God.
Dennis Jose Mattam
Emboldened by the 2025 TLI Fellowship, I commit to supporting the Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly in healing disunity surrounding the unified Syro-Malabar liturgy. To strengthen youth engagement, I will initiate the Archeparchy’s inaugural Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) council, inspired by St. Kuriakose Chavara’s legacy of unity and upliftment through education. Rooted in prayer, dialogue, and catechesis, SMYM will empower young Catholics spiritually, professionally, and socially. Drawing from St. Thomas the Apostle’s mission and guided by Matthew 7:12, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” I seek to serve God’s will and foster resilient Catholic youth leadership in Asia.
Dorota Drab
TLI has had a profound impact on my life, helping me grow both spiritually and personally. I am committed to sharing the Good News and being a disciple of Jesus by using social media and marketing channels to spread the faith. This course has empowered me to begin living out my God-given potential to the fullest, and I pray that the Lord will help me finish this race well. It has been incredibly inspiring to meet brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world. I pray that this experience equips us to become the kind of leaders this world so desperately needs.
Edgar Martin
TLI has given me the insight and encouragement to understand why we, as lay Catholics, must inject ourselves into the secular world—to help others by planting the seed and showing, through words and actions, the importance of our faith and the clarity it brings in recognizing the truth of this fallen world. As my leadership commitment, I will partner with the Arizona juvenile correctional facility to mentor young men already interested in the Catholic faith and guide them closer to Christ using the tools and skills I’ve learned through TLI.
Fatima Banos
I commit to being a Catholic woman of service, to being a leader in my community and in the areas in which I work, especially in education. I will seek to orient all my actions toward God and to collaborate in the Reign of Jesus Christ on earth, through my family, friends, studies, and organization. I also seek with God's will, to lead in those areas where my talents can be useful and needed. Entrusting myself to and sheltering myself under the protection of our Lady of Guadalupe, I abandon myself to the will of our Lord.
Gabriel Thom
I wish to help my brothers and sisters in Christ flourish in all aspects of their lives by helping them learn to be good stewards of the resources the LORD has given them. I will do this by utilizing the leadership skills I have gained through TLI and integrating faith into the professional, personal, and spiritual aspects of my life. I will strive to continually and prayerfully learn to be a better steward in my own life so that I may better help others in their lives.
Gabriela Pinto Vega
As a Catholic immigration attorney, I am committed to integrating the principles of Catholic Social Teaching into my legal practice by providing compassionate, ethical, and client-centered representation. I advocate for the dignity of each person, promote family unity, and serve the vulnerable with integrity and professionalism, recognizing that every case carries both legal and human significance.
Georgia Cobb
I will start a digital apostolate bridging CST with finance, health, and business--sharing Catholic principles for the everyday. I will use this as a springboard for ethical business endeavors. I will seek mentorship for board service and discernment. I plan on continuing my service with YCP. I will use opportunities that I have to get involved in civic life and media. I vow to use my voice, marketing skills, and leadership efforts to advance the common good and witness to Christ.
Giacomo Maria Sametti
As a student of the Tepeyac Leadership Academy, I want to commit myself to using the talents the Lord has given me to make His kingdom present in the world. I want to dedicate myself to my professional context in the Vatican, where I have the grace of working for an institution of the Holy See, and to deepen what I have learned during these months of listening and dialogue, especially within my political association. My desire is to ensure that, in the institutional context, the human person and their dignity in the eyes of God, will be placed at the center. I am confident that this effort, in communion with the Church, will be a way to “overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21).
Giovanni Negri
Living the Christian faith means engaging reality with sincerity and love. TLI has deepened my gratitude for the Catholic Church and awakened in me a renewed sense of vocation. I commit to embodying Catholic values in my work, fostering authentic relationships, and witnessing the faith in daily life. I will dedicate time to prayer, rest, family, and Christian friendships rooted in discipleship. In the future, through discernment, I will serve the common good via political and cultural engagement, continuing with Labora Association to live and apply Catholic Social Doctrine in public life. This is my path of leadership.
Igor Dias Cangussu
I commit to serving the Church by walking with young people in their faith journey. I will dedicate time to leading a youth group in my parish, helping them grow closer to Christ and prepare for the sacraments. I believe in the importance of investing in the next generation and want to be present for them as others were for me.
Isadora Giacometti
TLI was very inspirational to me and with the help of the Holy Spirit I commit to continue serving God by forming catholic leaders who will form others on an exponential cycle. I commit to use my international evangelization skills, experiences and networking to train and encourage them to prepare their future and their full of purpose life. I also commit to continue improving my prayer and sacramental life, as well as my devotion to Padre Pio and St. Teresa of Lisieux teachings, my dear friends in Heaven.
Jean-Claude Shore
I first dedicate myself to my family. I ask God to give me all the graces I need to lead them and to help my wife raise all of our children to be Saints. I also commit to using my gifts of study and teaching to spread the faith through catechesis, especially to those looking to join the Church and receive the Sacraments for the first time.
John Fraase
My leadership commitment is to re-evaluate my current priorities and reduce my board and organizational involvement to ensure greater impact and sustainability. Currently serving on four boards and actively involved in two additional organizations, I recognize that I’m stretched too thin to lead effectively. I plan to step back to one board, thoughtfully assess where I can best contribute, and then intentionally commit to a second. I’m learning to say no, resisting the urge to join simply out of obligation, and aiming for a balance where some roles are firm commitments while others offer flexibility based on my availability.
Jon Pruch
My leadership commitment is not as concrete as others might be. I think I’m going to take a certain path, and Our Lord closes that door and leads me elsewhere. Sometimes Our Lord leads me to a place, and I’m proven to not have as much virtue as I thought I might have, and He needs to pull me out. I’ve thought that Our Lord was calling me to find a place for the poor to come and grow; but I’ve been told it’s not the right time. I’m to grow in virtue by loving my wife and children, become a more virtuous and heroic leader in my household, and maybe, Our Lord will call me to greater things. One thing I plan on doing is running for my co-op’s board when it comes around after you explained the obligations of Catholics to be involved with such things.
Jonathan Marohl
I will slow down. I will set my selfishness aside and seek humility. I will sow seeds of hope through encouragement and stay true to the teachings of the Catholic Church. I will stand firm and not back down to Satan. I will strive to be a channel of God’s peace and serve my God, my vocation, and others to the best of my ability. Above all, I will surrender my life to Jesus Christ.
Jorge Drijas
I commit to growing as a Catholic leader by fostering authentic connections and building communities rooted in faith. My journey—from Venezuela to the U.S.—has been one of discernment and transformation. In Venezuela, my charisma and experience opened doors in familiar ways, but here, I’ve had to evolve—adapting to a new culture and redefining how I lead. Just as my leadership has transformed, so have my dreams. Once centered on running for office and serving the common good in my homeland, I now find myself reimagining those dreams in a new context. TLI has reignited my passion for evangelization and inspired me to engage with Young Catholic Professionals and explore launching my own company, drawing from my campaign experience. In my work as a Project Manager, I lead strategic communications initiatives that elevate community voices and promote equity—striving always to lead with integrity, collaboration, and a servant’s heart. Through it all, I seek to live out my faith through action, walking alongside others to build a more just and compassionate world.
Joseline Wegosasa
With 75% of Uganda's population being young people! I say, yes Lord, to nurture them that they will have a solace and will be guided in leadership, defining their purpose, growing into solid disciples of Jesus Christ as they navigate stages of growth into adulthood. I am registering a Foundation to that effect. I now delightfully take on the position of preparing young marriages in my parish, as requested by my Parish Priest, thanks to TLI for steering me up.
Joseph Peter Slaga
I commit to serving as a lay Catholic leader by joining the board of a local nonprofit focused on strengthening families and/or education. I will dedicate my skills in strategic planning and fundraising to advance its mission while actively advocating for Christian values in civil society. Additionally, I will mentor young professionals in my community, helping them integrate faith and virtue into their careers. This commitment reflects my call to evangelize through action beyond the parish walls.
Juan Diego Enciso Molina
I commit to being a faithful instrument of Christ, using social media as a powerful tool for teaching and evangelization. Guided by the Holy Spirit, I will share the Gospel with creativity and conviction, drawing on the gifts God has entrusted to me: a deep vocation to teach, a profound love for history—especially that of our Church—and a passion for languages and cultures, which I pray will help me reach hearts across the globe. I will dedicate several hours to this mission, intentionally creating content that informs, inspires, and draws others closer to God. I believe with certainty that evangelization is my life's calling, and I accept this mission with joy, trusting that Jesus will use me as His instrument to turn hearts back to God.
Julie Bernhard
As a TLI graduate, I commit to serve through the very pillars of the mission: life, leadership, and faith. In life, I will uphold the dignity of the human person by volunteering at a local shelter supporting homeless young women. In leadership, I will offer my talents as an assistant editor for TLI’s leadership book series. In faith, I will integrate my beliefs more openly, using public platforms to witness and inspire. Through time, talent, and treasure, I will honor the TLI mission and continue growing as a servant leader in every sphere of my life.
Kenneth Jiménez Hidalgo
I want to become the saint God wants me to be by committing to: putting Him first, implementing my plan of life; lovingly serving my wife and sons by following Saint Joseph’s example; decisively following God’s call to serve in the prolife arena, keeping me rooted to Him in prayer through 40 Days for Life; and then getting in motion His request to found a prolife nonprofit in the next year. I also commit to trust in His Providence, fully dedicating my career to this mission in less than five years from now.
Krysthell Castillo
I commit to leading with faith, integrity, and service, bearing witness to Gospel values in my family, professional work, and community. I will actively promote the dignity of the human person, the common good, and a culture of encounter rooted in truth and charity. I also commit to ongoing formation—both personal and communal—believing that a well-formed conscience is essential for authentic Christian leadership. I will invest in forming others, particularly emerging Catholic leaders, equipping them to discern, act, and lead with courage and clarity in today’s complex world.
Lisa Aguilar
As a Catholic servant leader, I commit to using my God-given talents: strategic visionary, relator, responsibility, analytical, maximizer, and a drive for excellence—to serve others with purpose and integrity. I will lead by listening, understanding, and empowering those I encounter, always striving to bring out their fullest potential. Guided by faith and Catholic social teaching, I pledge to make thoughtful, ethical decisions that promote human dignity and the common good. Through continual reflection and formation, I will be a steward of truth and transformation, leading with humility, wisdom, and a heart anchored in service.
Lisa Regan
TLI came into my life when I needed it most. After a tumultuous year, I was beginning to lose my confidence, focus and zeal for my personal and professional vocation. The friends I’ve made in TLI in tandem with weekly study and prayer have helped to renew my resolve to boldly proclaim my faith. I’m committed to using my lived experiences to help people rid themselves of shame and realize God’s mercy. I will fulfill my plan to implement a life-affirming pregnancy program in my non-profit work. I am committed to supporting families - including my own- affected by trauma, mental illness and despair, bringing them to the light of Christ in a way that meets people where they are and honors the truth and beauty of our Church teachings. Our Lady of Guadelupe, please pray for my resolve to stay focused and committed!
Louie Calma
“Ite in pace, glorificando vita vestra Dominum.” The Mass ends, and my work begins—as a husband, a technical specialist, and an acolyte. One day, I looked out the window, opened the door, and truly saw my neighbors. I have been faithful over little, and now He is setting me over much: to run for HOA President and help restore accountability and transparency. I strive to listen, ponder, and then act—always anchored in the truth that “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”
Malgorzata (Margaret) Bryndal
TLI has been a profound blessing, deepening my understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and its impact on daily and professional life. Inspired by saints of Catholic education, I commit to advancing authentic formation through service at St. Benedict’s Cultural Centre and by proposing a virtue-based transition program for young professionals to the Diocese of Lancaster. I will also launch a Catholic Professional Fellowship network to foster mentorship rooted in faith. Personally, I commit to deepening my spiritual life and discerning a vocation as a Third Order layperson. I entrust this mission to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts.
Manuel Tapia Jr.
My Leadership Commitment for TLI 2025 is to introduce, promote, participate and teach Catholic Programs such That Man Is You (TMIY), Knights of Columbus (KofC), The Wild Goose and other similar programs to our Catholic Community. I will also start getting more involved within my Town of Gilbert Community political issues/concerns and regain my involvement within The State of Arizona and The State of Sonora in Transportation Issues including my business to be more based on Our Catholic Principles.
Maria Barrera Gutierrez
As my final leadership commitment, I pledge to launch a faith-filled program for Catholic mothers and their babies/toddlers (ages 0–5), nurturing early formation, community, and a strong Catholic identity. I will also create a digital resource to serve as a guide and source of inspiration for mothers in their vocation as the first catechists of their children. Rooted in the Church’s teaching on the dignity of life, these projects will begin small but are designed to grow alongside my daughter and community, bearing lasting fruit for the Church and society.
Maria Fernanda Hernandez
TLI has been a gift that reminds me of my calling to lead through service. As a mother and wife, I commit to nurturing faith within my family and keeping Christ at the center of our home, doing so with love and consistency. I will continue supporting TLI as part of the team, offering my talents to advance its mission while seeking both personal and professional growth to better serve others. I also want more people to experience the transformative journey of TLI. Therefore, I commit to inviting and accompanying new leaders—especially in Mexico—so that together we can expand TLI’s impact and help build a more virtuous society with Christ at its center.
Maria Ramirez
I, Maria Ramirez, commit to leading with integrity, courage, and a servant’s heart—defending the dignity of those without a voice and seeking justice with compassion. I will grow in virtue through prayer, self-discipline, and accountability, striving to reflect Christ in all I do. I hold myself and others in leadership to a standard rooted in truth, humility, and responsibility. True leadership begins within, and I accept this calling with conviction, knowing it is meant for the good of those we serve.
Marianne Komek
My leadership commitment is to advocate for the mentally ill, particularly teenagers. One in five teens has a mental illness in the United States. The stigma of the disease prevents many from seeking help. I have written a Catholic novel for teens, Promises to Theresa. My protagonist suffers from depression. Through her faith in God, the love of family and friends, and the intercession of St. Therese of Lisieux, she learns how to accept her illness. I am researching Catholic mental health organizations to become a board member. As a journalist, I hope to write about the topic.
Martin Moreno
I am committed to continuing my service on the Board of the Tolleson Community Coalition (TCC) to advance its mission of uplifting the Tolleson community through volunteer-led initiatives. TCC works to meet basic needs, support educational goals, promote a culture of giving, and develop future leaders. As part of my leadership role, I will focus on securing additional funding through grants and corporate sponsorships to expand our impact—particularly to support summer leadership development programs for high school students in Tolleson. Looking ahead, I also plan to serve on the Maryvale Planning Committee to give back to the neighborhood where I live. Through this role, I hope to support thoughtful growth and development while advising the Phoenix City Council on issues that matter most to local residents.
Michael Shaneyfelt
As a Catholic professional in sales, and above all a husband and father, I commit to living out my vocation as a servant leader guided by integrity, charity, and the dignity of every person. I will pursue excellence to build trust, serve clients honestly, and uphold truth. At home, I will lead my family in faith, making our home a domestic church. Through the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative, I aim to grow in holiness and glorify God in all areas of life. As part of this mission, I will develop an app to help others learn from the leadership of the saints.
Monica Kramer
My experience at TLI assured me that we are truly one universal Church—brothers and sisters united in a global world, with one commitment and priority: to serve our God, our faith, and our Church. In this fast-changing world, where we are all on a technological journey in search of the good—and often confronted by what is not—AI and emerging technologies are touching every corner of our lives: our minds, bodies, experiences, discoveries, and innovations. As this technology continues to develop and mature, I am committed to advocating for and defending human moral dignity—in health, in justice, and in labor—upholding respect for human rights and resisting total technological manipulation, so that we may remain ethically and authentically human.
Nicola Bianchi
The TLI experience has been a great experience, TLI has reassured there’s plenty of good people serving the army of God. TLI has aided me in growing more deeply as a professional in my job and as a volunteer in my social service at the local Catholic community I’m part of. I commit to increasing my responsibilities, e.g. board member fund-raiser sponsor of the Catholic and non-Catholic NGO’s I am member already now as a volunteer cooperator. I will use my gift of managing projects and complexity to help those NGO’s being more successfully with their community services.
Phillip Jacobs
My first run for the North Dakota state legislature gifted me with invaluable experience on how to campaign and effectively represent my constituents. The learning I received from TLI provided me with additional insight into how I can utilize Catholic social teaching to serve North Dakota citizens. My commitment is to serve as a missionary in the political arena of my state by demonstrating a genuine Christian approach to engaging in the political process. Additionally, I will strive for a life of servant leadership in all areas of my life, including my current workplace, my family, and my social networks.
Regina Nuwagaba
As a young Catholic professional, having an opportunity to participate in the TLI 2025 program has opened my eyes and heart to the power embedded in being mentored in the right room and by the right experts. As I wind up my journey at TLI, I commit to fully embrace God’s call on my life to train and mentor Young Adults for Personal and Professional growth, to create and make accessible platforms, programs and resources that support holistic human development. I commit to hold work as holy as God meant it to be, offering whatever I do as act of worship to God and to create workspaces that are based on principles of Community, Human dignity and Holistic development. Lastly, I commit to live a holistic life based on my Catholic values and principles in any kind of boardroom I will find myself in. I choose to be a force for good.
Sheila Stubler
After having done the Portuguese Camino my eyes have been opened to the way God works. Jesus says in John 14:6 "I am the Way, the Truth and the Light, no one comes to the Father except through me”. This is an open invitation to live our Camino daily.. through God's hands, God's feet, and God's heart. Jesus provides ample opportunities for us to spread a little Jesus wherever we are... at the grocery store, in the bank, on a hiking trail, in the midst of enemies, etc. The opportunities are limitless if we open our eyes and hearts to hear Gods will and empty ourselves so we can be filled. While I'm still transitioning from a full-time career, to being semi-retired (for now) my commitment to TLI is that I will continue discerning the Will of God and offer my time and talent wherever it may best glorify the Lord. May HIS Will be done
Silas Mahner
Before God, the Blessed Mother, and St. Joseph, I commit to always discover and inspire young Catholic men, of high potential, to pursue entrepreneurship using their God-given skills & interests. So that through their efforts, they will come to know God more intimately and provide well for their families. As well as build businesses that become powerful tools of God’s work on earth. Always keeping at the center of their efforts, the praise and worship of Christ the King.
Susanne Viesel
As a graduate of TLI, I commit to serving my local parish and city by promoting faith-centered initiatives such as evening prayer and the Rosary. I will also collaborate with local religious communities to share resources and wisdom, especially in support of youth formation in our Catholic Faith.
Thomas Lashley
I am a Catholic Social Scientist and Theologian. In my studies I have come to believe that from religion comes morality, from morality, culture, and from culture politics. And as a Catholic who bears these titles, I believe I can use my abilities to affect policy change that can change the world within my own sphere of influence. With God’s grace I will work towards that end and bring forth his Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Tony Gutiérrez
I am committed to using the gifts God has given me as a journalist and communicator for the greater good. My longstanding mission has been to inspire hope and positive action in others through my ability to tell true stories using the various media available. I plan to engage in evangelization through video-storytelling and podcasting, as well as traditional written media. Most importantly, however, I commit to being an example of Christian virtue for my children and everyone I encounter.
Vera Kopsaj
I commit to leading with integrity and compassion, nurturing spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. Whether in the classroom, in faith formation, or in daily encounters, I will strive to listen deeply, encourage generously, and foster collaboration grounded in trust. The future I envision is not only more efficient or innovative, but more human. I believe that by putting people at the center, and by living out values of care, respect, and responsibility, we can transform systems and relationships alike. With humility and determination, I pledge to be a leader who walks alongside others, guided by faith and purpose, sustained by hope, and always attentive to the quiet strength of community.
Veronica Santoleri
In my new role as Program Coordinator working for the Archdiocese, I commit to deepening my understanding of my role to better serve the Church and community. I will strive to understand the scope of my work so I can contribute meaningfully and help implement positive changes that support the Church’s mission. I also commit to being a faithful presence in the workplace—offering encouragement, compassion, and integrity—so that others may encounter Christ through my daily witness.
Zachary Eilers
Throughout the TLI program, I have gained a broad, high-level understanding of the many unique and valuable ways in which the laity can participate more radically in Christ’s mission to make the Kingdom of Heaven present within our civilization. My personal commitment following my time in TLI is to leverage my software development skills to build digital infrastructure that supports pregnancy resource centers and the wider pro-life movement. I also hope to develop digital and media tools that advance the broader mission of communicating the Church’s deeply attractive and genuinely beautiful vision of a “civilization of love” within our often divided and polarized society.
Click above to watch Tepeyac Leadership Night 2025!
