St. Juan Diego Leadership for the World Award

Kathryn Jean Lopez is a nationally recognized writer, speaker, and advocate for religious freedom, the dignity of human life, and the pro-life movement. Through her writing, media appearances, and public speaking, she has spent more than two decades advancing Catholic thought and encouraging a culture of life. She serves on the boards of several Catholic organizations and chairs Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s Pro-Life Commission in New York.

A certified spiritual director and trained sidewalk counselor, Lopez is deeply committed to evangelization and accompanying women and families with compassion. She is the co-author of How to Defend the Faith without Raising Your Voice, hosts the Caught My Eye segment on SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel, and has addressed audiences around the world, including at the Vatican. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI entrusted her with a message to women around the world, recognizing her dedication to proclaiming the dignity and vocation of women.

Tim Flanagan is the founder of Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI), an apostolate dedicated to strengthening the leadership of bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful throughout the Catholic Church. Inspired by a profound love for the Church, he founded CLI in partnership with Rev. Charles Pfeffer to bring world-class leadership formation to Catholic leaders. Under his leadership, CLI has served more than 100 dioceses worldwide through programs such as Good Leaders, Good Shepherds, the Disciple Maker Index, and strategic leadership consulting.

Before dedicating himself full-time to Catholic Leadership Institute, Tim enjoyed a distinguished 38-year career in the financial services industry as a sales leader, manager, and business owner. A graduate of Villanova University and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Church Ministry Program, he has faithfully served the Church in numerous leadership roles. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to Catholic leadership and service, Pope Francis named him a Knight of St. Sylvester in 2019. Tim and his late wife, Terese, were married for 60 years and together were recognized for their enduring dedication to the Church and family.

Berni Neal is a marketing and development professional who has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of the Catholic Church and its apostolates. After beginning her career in corporate advertising, she founded Revelry, a successful special events design company, where she specialized in creating impactful fundraising and engagement experiences. Her passion for Catholic education and nonprofit ministry led her to apply her expertise in marketing and philanthropy to support the work of the Church.

Today, Berni serves on the governing boards of several leading Catholic organizations, including Endow, EWTN, Legatus, Live Action, and Thomas Aquinas College. Throughout her years of service, she has also contributed to numerous Catholic apostolates and initiatives dedicated to evangelization, education, and the dignity of the human person. Berni and her husband, Rob, are members of the Legatus Orange County Chapter and the Papal Foundation. They are the proud parents of two adult children and grandparents of two.

Aaron Kheriaty is a physician specializing in psychiatry, a nationally recognized bioethicist, and the author of three books, including The New Abnormal: The Rise of the Biomedical Security State. He serves as Fellow and Director of the Program in Bioethics and American Democracy at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where he focuses on medical ethics, human dignity, and the relationship between technology, government, and freedom.

Dr. Kheriaty is also a plaintiff in the landmark free speech case Missouri v. Biden, which challenges government involvement in social media censorship. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University School of Medicine, he completed his psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine. He previously served as Professor of Psychiatry at the UCI School of Medicine and Director of the Medical Ethics Program at UCI Health, where he chaired the ethics committee. Through his writing, teaching, and public advocacy, Dr. Kheriaty continues to contribute to national conversations on bioethics, civil liberties, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Astrid Bennett Gutiérrez is the Executive Director of Los Angeles Pregnancy Services, where she has dedicated more than two decades to helping pregnant women choose life and equipping leaders within the pro-life movement. A Los Angeles native of Mexican, Salvadoran, and Irish heritage, she has become a nationally recognized advocate for the dignity of every human life through her work in education, outreach, and public policy.

Astrid is the host of Informe Provida, EWTN’s Spanish-language pro-life television program, and co-anchors the network’s Spanish-language coverage of the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. A frequent speaker and media commentator, she regularly addresses audiences across the United States and internationally on pro-life issues. She also serves as a consultant to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, helping advance the Church’s mission to protect and defend human life.

Brian Burch is the President and Co-Founder of CatholicVote, a national advocacy organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and mobilizing Catholics to faithfully engage in public life through education, legislative advocacy, and grassroots action. Under his leadership, CatholicVote has become one of the nation’s leading Catholic advocacy organizations, reaching millions through its educational initiatives, digital media, and public policy efforts.

Burch is also the co-author of The American Catholic Almanac and is a frequent commentator on issues of faith, culture, and public policy. His work has been featured by major national media outlets, including FOX News, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the National Catholic Register. A graduate of the University of Dallas, Brian and his wife, Sara, are the proud parents of nine children.

Thomas Monaghan is the founder, chancellor, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Ave Maria University. He is also the founder of Domino’s Pizza and the founder and CEO of Legatus, an international organization of Catholic business executives, presidents, CEOs, and their spouses committed to studying, living, and spreading the Catholic faith. Through Legatus, more than 5,000 members are empowered to boldly live their Catholic identity as "Ambassadors for Christ in the Marketplace."

After achieving extraordinary success in business, Monaghan dedicated his life to Catholic philanthropy, evangelization, and the renewal of Catholic higher education. His vision has led to the founding and growth of institutions and initiatives that continue to form faithful Catholic leaders and strengthen the Church throughout the world.

Jon Sorensen is the Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Answers, where he oversees the organization’s radio, video, marketing, publications, and information technology departments. Since joining Catholic Answers in 2008, he has served in several leadership roles and has been instrumental in expanding the apostolate’s media outreach, including the launch of its video department and the development of its social media platforms.

Before entering Catholic media, Sorensen worked in the automotive industry, producing television commercials, corporate videos, and print advertising campaigns. A former atheist who converted to the Catholic faith in 2006, he brings a unique perspective to evangelization and apologetics. Today, he continues to help Catholic Answers advance its mission of explaining and defending the Catholic faith to audiences around the world.

Christopher Dodson is the Executive Director and General Counsel of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops of North Dakota. Since joining the conference in 1994 and serving as its Executive Director since 1995, he has helped shape legislation promoting the dignity of human life, religious freedom, the family, and care for the poor. Under his leadership, the conference became a pioneer in using digital communications to advance the Church’s public policy mission.

Originally from Southern California, Dodson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, and his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was received into the Catholic Church. After practicing law in California, he and his wife, Rosalie, moved to North Dakota, where he has dedicated more than three decades to serving the Church through public policy and legal advocacy. Dodson has also served in national leadership roles with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors, helping advance the Church’s mission at both the state and national levels.

Christopher Dodson is the Executive Director and General Counsel of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops of North Dakota. Since joining the conference in 1994, he has helped shape legislation promoting the dignity of human life, religious freedom, the family, and care for the poor. Under his leadership, the conference became a pioneer in using digital communications to advance the Church’s public policy mission.

Originally from Southern California, Dodson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, and his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was received into the Catholic Church. After practicing law in California, he and his wife, Rosalie, moved to North Dakota, where he has served the Church through public policy and legal advocacy for more than three decades. Dodson has also served in numerous national leadership roles with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors, and his writings have appeared in several leading Catholic publications.

Mrs. Letty Ibarra is a business leader and entrepreneur who formerly owned and operated three Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. As the first and only female Carl’s Jr. franchisee in Mexico, she oversaw an international operation with more than 60 employees. Since 1983, she has also served as director and advisor for her husband’s dental practices, Dental Jalisco, Inc., which have faithfully served the East Los Angeles community for more than four decades. In addition, she operates a successful home-based business, with her residence serving as a filming location for major motion pictures, Super Bowl commercials, television productions, and national advertising campaigns.

Dr. Arturo Ibarra has practiced general dentistry in East Los Angeles since 1977. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, he immigrated to the United States at a young age and completed his education at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, UCLA, and USC. A dedicated Catholic leader, he is a founding member of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) Los Angeles Chapter and has served as chairman of Legatus, the Knights of Columbus, and Guadalupe Radio. He is also an active member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the Newman Club, and the Queen of Angels Foundation.

Together, Letty and Arturo have dedicated their lives to faith, service, and leadership within the Catholic community. They are active members of Legatus and have supported numerous charitable initiatives, including the Los Niños Foundation, which helped fund a rehabilitation home for teenagers in Mexico and other international charitable works. Both serve as lectors at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. They have been married for more than 40 years and are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of two.

Dr. Maria R. Chavira has served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Phoenix since 2013, where she assists the bishop in the administration of the diocese and provides counsel on ecclesial, communication, and organizational matters. She also oversees the chancery staff and several diocesan offices, helping advance the mission of the local Church in accordance with Canon Law.

Before joining the Diocese of Phoenix, Dr. Chavira was a professor of psychology at Mesa Community College, where she earned recognition for her leadership, innovative teaching, and pioneering work in online education. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona and has dedicated her career to education, leadership, and service. Dr. Chavira is also active in the Catholic community as a Dame of the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

William Montgomery is a justice of the Arizona Supreme Court and previously served as Maricopa County Attorney from 2010 to 2019. During his tenure, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office earned national recognition for its innovative victim services, prosecutor-led diversion programs, and the use of technology to improve public safety and office performance. He also helped shape legislation to strengthen victims’ rights and reform Arizona’s child welfare system.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, a decorated Gulf War veteran, and a magna cum laude graduate of Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Justice Montgomery has dedicated his career to public service. He is also the founder and former board member of Tepeyac Leadership, Inc., where he has helped form Catholic leaders committed to serving the Church and society.

Alan Sears is the founder of Alliance Defending Freedom, where he served as its first president, CEO, and general counsel from 1993 to 2017. Under his leadership, the organization developed a comprehensive legal strategy of advocacy, training, and funding, playing a key role in 52 landmark victories before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sears also served in the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations, holding positions in the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior. A respected attorney and advocate for religious liberty, he has pursued advanced studies at several leading institutions and earned a certificate in Catholic Social Doctrine from The Catholic University of America. In 2017, Pope Francis named Alan and his wife, Paula, Knights of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, one of the highest honors bestowed upon lay Catholics.