Barbara Spears is a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She is president of the National Black Sisters Conference and chair of the African Sisters Education Collaborative. With over 50 years in education, she advocates passionately for civil rights and social justice. 

Jenny Castañeda es una joven de Otavalo, Ecuador. Está en proceso de formación en la Congregación Religiosa Ayllu Guadalupepac Misioneracuna. Ella agradece a Dios por llamarla a la vida consagrada y, en su camino, ha redescubierto el valor de sus raíces indígenas andinas. Aunque no creció conectada con su cultura, ahora busca reconciliarse con ella y vivir en armonía con la creación. Su historia refleja el deseo de muchos jóvenes indígenas de volver a sus raíces y encontrar a Dios en lo cotidiano. 

Marylou Rodriguez is a San Antonio-based Incarnate Word Sister from the Philippines. She holds an undergraduate degree in computer science and master’s degrees in pastoral ministry and information management. She enjoyed a career in information technology before moving into religious life and becoming active in social justice work.

She is a hospital chaplain and will soon join a children's hospital as her primary ministry. She serves in her congregation's Office ofJustice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation and is a Laudato Si' Texas Chapter animator.