Table of Contents
“Berni is a force. She is a connector, a trusted mentor to many, a faithful Catholic, a genius marketer, a brilliant non-profit thought leader, and a humble Orange County housewife and grandmother.” -Foreword by Kira Potter
From the vibrant blending of 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 from the Tepeyac Leadership Series, Berni reflects on pivotal moments: growing up as a bilingual Latina Asian in a close-knit immigrant family, forging a career in multicultural marketing, and discerning the call to focus her vocation around family and faith - with wit and deep gratitude.
Berni’s journey takes readers from her ambitious beginnings and professional achievements to her transformative roles as a mother, volunteer, and Catholic leader. She reveals the powerful intersections of career and vocation, sharing stories of travel, family milestones, spiritual challenges, and lessons in leadership, especially within faith communities.
I’m grateful that, by God's grace, I have received the gift [of grace] and opened the box. I just want others who are holding the box to open it up! (Berni Neal)
Perfect for Catholics and Christians seeking contemporary models of authentic witness - especially women balancing professional, familial, and spiritual callings - this book embodies Berni’s conviction that success comes from living out and sharing one’s unique God given gifts with confidence, humility and joy. Whether championing the role of laity in the Church, navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood and becoming a “minivan grandma,” or serving as a bridge between cultures and communities with a focus on invitation over exclusion, Berni’s story is one of service and significance. She reveals candid insights from her board service in Catholic nonprofits and with numerous quotes from favorite saints and personal insightful stories, Berni shares the wisdom gained from moments of trial, grace and everyday acts of presence and prayer. She models how authentic lay Catholic leadership, virtuous education and lifelong formation transforms families, parishes, and the world.
The Tepeyac Leadership Series was started to offer contemporary role models of lay Catholic leadership. This fourth volume invites readers to embrace their own journeys with grace, gratitude, and generosity. Berni Neal: on life, faith, and leadership is an engaging question-and-answer format between Berni and Laurie Strom, editor for TLI Publishing. It is structured to give the reader an insight into three concrete areas: life, faith and leadership. The reader may jump into the area or questions they want to learn about first and explore the rest at their own pace. We hope you find much inspiration in its pages 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, 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.
