The Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation Board is honored to announce the 2024 cohort. Thirteen outstanding, talented women from across Canada will form for the class for the third Certificate program in Catholic Women’s Leadership developed in partnership with Saint Paul University’s Providence School of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality.
Thank you to all the inspiring women who applied for the program. The Foundation was humbled to have a pool of women diverse in age, experience, and education from all parts of Canada who demonstrated strong Catholic values and lives of faith in service.
Caij Meloche
My name is Caij Meloche and I am a Métis, Catholic woman living in Calgary, Alberta. I work as a Teacher Chaplain with the Calgary Catholic School District. My hobbies include playing music, creating art and being active. I am passionate about living a Christ-centered life with a focus on serving others and sharing my testimony whenever possible.
Daniela Salcedo
Daniela Salcedo is a passionate advocate for community development and social justice, driven by her faith. Originally from Ecuador, Daniela's commitment to the Catholic Church grew during her time as a volunteer in Caritas Ecuador with activities related to food security for single moms and land defenders in the Ecuadorian Amazon Forest. Inspired by Pope Francis, she uses her degrees in International Relations and Environmental Design to raise awareness in Canada about the social and economic structural root causes of poverty in the Global South. Daniela dreams of living in a world where everyone is treated fairly and with dignity.
Daniela Siggia-Beasant
As a happy homebody and devoted Catholic, I find solace in my marriage and faith. While I cherish my life, I've always harbored a longing to fulfill my younger calling to religious life, a calling that I hope to explore through ongoing formation. My aspiration is to utilize my professional platform to serve the Catholic Church as an active lay person, blending my devotion with my professional endeavors.
Recently, I was honored with an invitation to join The Catholic Women's League of my local church, St. Louis in Annapolis Royal, the oldest Catholic parish in Canada. Alongside my devoted Catholic business partner, I co-own Black Ram Media Group Inc., a company recognized as the Best Corporate-Political Communications Experts in Eastern Canada by Corporate Vision.
In my role as Creative Director, I intertwine my passion for narrative excellence with media campaigns, shaping political, educational, and corporate communications into powerful catalysts for change. My expertise extends to crafting diverse collateral, including engaging videos, comprehensive reports, detailed analyses, and innovative sales materials, all aimed at enhancing corporate dynamism and product distinction.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am also dedicated to literary contributions centered on mindset and personal development. These works reflect my commitment to growth and transformation, principles that underpin every project I undertake.
Specializing in content that educates and transforms, I develop tools and resources that advance professional capabilities.
Elaine Callow
I am a born and raised Victoria girl who was transferred to Langley, BC with my late husband in 2006 with TELUS. I retired in 2008 and since then, I was the bookkeeper at the Queen of Peace Monastery and then bookkeeper at my parish, St. Nicholas in Langley. I have studied the PRH program at Spirit of Formation for 10 years with the help of Fr. John McCarthy and Sr. Jeannine Marchand.
On moving back to Victoria last November I resigned from the position of Treasurer of the St. Nicholas CWL. I am a participant in the IPL Program facilitated through the efforts of Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Diocese of Saskatoon and the encouragement of Adrienne Castellon. This has given me a desire to be active in TRC in the Victoria area. As I had Indigenous students in my classes in elementary school and follow many of the Indigenous Artists, I hope that I can strengthen my skills to be a leader in my parish and civic community with the opportunity of the CWLF program! I hope that the skills I develop will assist me in fostering relationships with some of the Indigenous students I knew in school and help me lead others to this wealth of knowledge in our Canadian history.
I have a 17 month old Golden Retriever, Mac who keeps me on my toes and gets me walking and running to stay healthy! Other interests include long distance running, ice skating, cycling, gardening, cooking and being with friends. Music, a good book and a cup of tea round out the perfect evening on the rainy days in Victoria in the winter! I look forward to meeting participants in this program and am excited for this journey!
Karen Felker
I have always taken an active role in my parish and am most recently honored as the President of our Catholic Women’s League. The Foundation for Ministry Course offered by the Diocese of Hamilton was instrumental in my discernment to expand my servant leadership and spiritual growth. At McMaster University I earned by B.A. in Labour Studies and Human Resource and Business Administration diplomas. When I thought I was taking early retirement from my corporate management career, God had other plans. I am currently employed on the Bishop’s team in Stewardship and Human Resources and, along with my husband, manage the best St. Vincent de Paul Store. I am blessed to see Jesus in the lives of all those I have the privilege to serve.
I have been married for seven years and have five adult children and seven grand children. To add to all this fun, I am the co-pilot on our airplane and motorcycle trips and am an avid Hamilton Tiger Cat football fan. Oskee-wee-wee!
Julia Kyplain
At the intersection of mental health, faith and culture, Julia enjoys natural beauty of Northern Saskatchewan; where she grew up. Julia graduated with a diploma in Mental Health and Wellness, which she finds culture is a major proponent to change. Julia has 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. Julia understands that forging a path between the western world and Indigenous world view we can bridge a gap.
Larissa Rossen
Dr. Larissa Rossen is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Counselling Psychology Program at Trinity Western University in British Columbia, Canada. She also teaches a Grief, Loss and Bereavement course to doctoral level students at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Canada. She is a motherhood scholar - her research interests span the early developmental years and focus on perinatal mental health, perinatal loss and grief, maternal identity, and maternal attachment and bonding. Larissa is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice in British Columbia, Canada, where she works with adults and children using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach. Larissa is a wife to Gary and a mom to Brayden, Ava, Audrey, and Josie. Larissa has travelled to 50 countries across the world and loves to spend time in nature hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and swimming. Larissa attends Christ the Redeemer parish in West Vancouver and is celebrating her 6th year since becoming a Catholic – Hallelujah!
Linda Lynch
Bio and Photo Coming Soon!
Liz McInnis
My name is Liz McInnis, wife to Don since 1981, 42 years. Proud mom of a beautiful
daughter and amazing son. Grandmother to 7.
After working in our Parish office for 16 years I am now a supply at our Parish School. I have held many positions in the CWL most recently as Diocesan President.
I am also a member of the Rotary Club, where I have joined the Club and Church on a occasion to help with Missionary work to Haiti.
Monica McNamara
I am a mother of 3, grandmother of 2. Registered nurse for 37 years, recently retired. I have been a member of Stella Maris Parish in Halifax since 1990. I currently serve on the Parish Leadership Team, the Immigrant Support Committee, the Emergency Shelter Support Committee as well as the executive of our CWL Council.
I enjoy cooking, baking, kayaking and travelling. I have completed mission trips to Jamaica, Nicaragua, Colombia and Belize. I’m committed to helping the homeless in our city to find food, shelter and other basic necessities.
Rosette Correa
Rosette Correa is an educator with twenty-four years of teaching experience, which includes elementary, high school, and college level classes. She is currently the Educational Consultant for Evangelization & Catechesis of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA). Rosette spent thirteen years as the Grade 7 teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Delta, where she has also served as a Learning Resource teacher.
She is a certified Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist. As the school’s Elementary Faith Development Facilitator, she has provided support to the staff in the implementation of the Christian Education Curriculum, and by providing opportunities for faith development through retreats and Bible studies. In addition, Rosette is actively involved in various parish ministries at both St. Bernadette and IC Delta, i.e., Witness to Love Program, RCIA, Marriage Preparation, and by coordinating the Marriage Tribunal documentation process.
In 2021, Rosette obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies, Certificate in Theology from St. Mark’s College. She completed her Master of Arts Degree in Special Education and Master of Arts Degree in English while living in the Philippines. She is currently working on her Master of Arts Degree in the Theology of the Body & The New Evangelization. Her understanding, appreciation, and love of the Church and its teachings contribute to the CISVA and their goal to be evangelizing school communities which foster a personal relationship with Jesus in the family of the Church.
Sharon Strobbe
Hi, I am Sharon Strobbe. I am a RCIA graduate and sponsor (x2), life-long learner, book reader with a 'love of Jesus down in my heart to stay!' I love to sing or as I say, "make a joyful noise unto the Lord!"
I am currently substitute teaching in both school boards. I prefer the Catholic schools; however, they are outnumbered where I live. I also help with Children's Liturgy as many Sundays as I can.
Kevin, my husband, and I like to play Bridge and other cards, cook and go to the gym together. I also like to crochet, sew and bake. I love visiting with my 92 year old mother when I get the opportunity.
Sherry Richert
Hello,
My name is Sherry Richert. God has blessed me abundantly. I have an (almost) perfect family who can do laundry, cook, and clean. I have been married to my loving husband, Alan for 37 years who is retiring soon. We have three children who are successful in their careers. Lucas (30) works in Fund Development, Shelby (29) is a social worker in the Health Authority, and Cassidy (28) has just convocated with a Sociology degree and is working at the Regional Psych. Center.
As far as me and my career – well I feel like I am just getting started. I have worked for the provincial government for 25 years and moved to the University of Saskatchewan 10 years ago. In 2020 I was blessed to be offered a position in the President’s Office of St. Thomas More College. Yes a Catholic college, a most wonderful place to work.
I have volunteered and been a member of a number organizations including the CWL (for over 20 years!). But my real jam is governance. Love it!! I have been Board Chair of Navera Community Connections (formerly known as Catholic Family Services) for 6 years and we are currently in the process of hiring a new CEO.
I am looking forward the leadership program. God is good.
Veronica Tuzi
Veronica Tuzi has been a teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for 21 years. As a secondary teacher, she taught Religion, Philosophy, English, Fashion and Dance in the first decade of her career at Senator O'Connor College. She then became Department Head of Religion and Chaplaincy at Francis Libermann CHS, and at the end of her 7th year, she became a K-12 Religion/Family Life Consultant Teacher at the Board office.
She is currently in her 4th year in this position. Veronica is currently pursuing a Master of Religious Education at St. Augustine's Seminary, intending to graduate in November 2025.
She was a member of the Toronto Secondary Unit Executive for 10 years as Recording Secretary. Veronica is a member of the OECTA Professional Development Network, has presented at several conferences, and is an AQ instructor for the Religion Part 1 course.
Veronica is also the President of her parish Catholic Women's League.
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