Foundations of effective Leadership: Walking alongside young hispanic catholics in ministry

Dr. Hosffman Ospino is a native of Colombia where he pursued undergraduate studies in Philosophy. He holds an M.A. in theology with concentration in Church History and a Ph.D. in Theology and Education from Boston College. His research explores the dialogue between faith and culture and the impact of this interchange upon Catholic theological education, catechesis, and ministry. He has served as the principal investigator for several nationally recognized studies on how the Hispanic Catholic presence is transforming parishes, schools and organizations. He has authored and edited more than a dozen books. He is a frequent speaker at national and international events. He is actively involved in ministry and faith formation projects in various parts of the United States.

Brenda Noriega has been serving God's people and influencing her community from an early age at the parish, diocesan, regional and national levels. Brenda is a national speaker in the United States. Brenda earned a master's degree in pastoral ministries from Santa Clara University. She has collaborated for many years in multiple national and international committees on faith formation. Brenda is passionate about a holistic and transformational pastoral approach that includes life, dignity, justice, and mission. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Theology and Education at the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College. Brenda’s academic and ministerial interests focus on the lived spiritual and religious experiences of young people and faith formation processes that respect them as epistemic agents. 

Johnny Martinez is a first generation hispanic theologian from Los Angeles and an adult convert to the following of Jesus. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, Riverside; an M.A. in Pastoral Theology from Loyola Marymount University; a Th. M from Boston College; and is currently pursuing the Ph. D in Theology and Education at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. His background is in retreat ministry, working over 600 retreats with young adult and adult populations in the East  Los Angeles area before coming to Boston. Johnny is interested in understanding the dynamics of conversion, what makes people change for the better and how do we find meaning in life?  He enjoys sharing great meals with great people and competing in crossfit in his spare time. He hopes that his work will help the Church create fertile soil and clear paths for transformative experiences towards God in our ministries and communities.

Prof. Palazzi, a Latin American theologian from Caracas, Venezuela, holds a Doctorate in Theology and a Licenciate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, among other degrees. He completed postdoctoral research at Julius-Maximilians Universität, Germany. Prof. Palazzi has served as Director of Advanced Theological Studies at the Jesuit’s Catholic University Andrés Bello, Caracas, and as a visiting professor in Rome, Austria, and Boston College. He specializes in Rahner's Theology, with significant publications in Mariology and Anthropology, such as “Disertación sobre el Dogma de la Asunción de la Beata Virgen María según Karl Rahner.” Currently, he is the Director of "Formación Continua" and an Associate Professor at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Prof. Palazzi is notably active in working with Hispanic communities in Boston, providing spiritual and educational support, and was a participant in the V Encuentro.