Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. (TLI) is pleased to announce the fourth book in the Tepeyac Leadership Series, featuring Berni Neal, a Latina-Asian leader born to immigrant parents who forged a distinguished career in multicultural marketing. Guided by her faith, she discerned a call to place family and faith at the heart of her vocation, creating and living inspirational experiences with her family, and becoming a prominent Catholic philanthropist.
The book, titled Berni Neal: On Life, Faith, and Leadership, is now available on Amazon from TLI Publishing, a division of Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. The Tepeyac Leadership Series seeks to provide inspiration and insights for lay Catholics through conversations with exemplary leaders.
From her vibrant Cuban-Korean and Dominican French-Chinese heritage in Southern California to her influential work in Catholic philanthropy and leadership, Berni Neal’s story is a testament to courage, faith, and authenticity. In this engaging interview-style biography, Berni reflects on pivotal moments in her journey: growing up as a bilingual Latina-Asian in a close-knit immigrant family, building a successful career in multicultural marketing, and discerning a vocation centered on family and faith - all shared with wit and deep gratitude.
Watch a short clip of the interview that generated the book with Laurie Strom and Berni Neal.
Perfect for Catholics and Christians seeking modern examples of authentic witness - especially women balancing professional, familial, and spiritual callings - this book embodies Berni’s conviction that true success comes from living out and sharing one’s God-given gifts with confidence, humility, and joy.
Whether championing the role of the laity in the Church, embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood and “minivan grandma” life, or serving as a bridge between cultures and communities through invitation over exclusion, Berni’s story is one of purpose and service. Drawing from her extensive board service with Catholic nonprofits, favorite saint quotes, and personal stories, she shares the wisdom gained from moments of trial, grace, and everyday acts of prayer and presence. Berni’s example shows how authentic lay Catholic leadership, grounded in virtue and lifelong formation, can transform families, parishes, and communities.
The Tepeyac Leadership Series was created to highlight contemporary models of lay Catholic leadership. This fourth volume - Berni Neal: On Life, Faith, and Leadership - is a celebration of courage, faith, and authenticity. Presented in an engaging question-and-answer format between Berni and Laurie Strom, editor for TLI Publishing, the book offers readers the flexibility to explore three key areas of Berni’s life and leadership at their own pace.
Packed with many quotable insights and “nuggets of success” from Berni, this volume aims to inspire readers to respond to their own callings. May you find within its pages renewed inspiration to nurture your own life, faith, and leadership.
Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. (TLI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping Catholic laity to become virtuous leaders who constructively influence the culture and serve the common good around the world.
Laurie Strom, the book’s editor, is a Deacon’s wife, grandmother, and a former Executive VP & COO serving the aerospace and automotive industries. Now, she is a mentor, coach, writer, and photographer—praising God and finding science and faith beautifully intertwined.
Berni Neal, on Life, Faith and Leadership is available on Amazon (paperback) $9.95.
Media contact media@tepeyacleadership.org
P.S. At Tepeyac Leadership, we equip lay Catholics to lead with the values of the Gospel in every sector of society. Our mission comes to life through Tepeyac Leadership Initiative (TLI), a premier formation experience. Now taking applications for the TLI 2026 cohort.
