Catherine Ferguson has been a Holy Names Sister for more than 50 years. During that time she has been a high school teacher and administrator, worked for justice and peace in her congregation, in Pax Christi International, Brussels, Inner City Law Center, Los Angeles, and founded UNANIMA international, an NGO that does advocacy at the United Nations on behalf of women and children, immigrants and refugees and the environment. She also served in leadership in her congregation as a Provincial Superior in Washington State and as congregational leader. In her work for justice Catherine has traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. Her experience in Latin America was researching the reality of Christian base communities for her doctoral dissertation. Other travels provided the base for the advocacy work she did and the United Nations and with her religious congregation. She has also served as a consultant for other NGOs doing advocacy work at the United Nations.

What calls you to NETWORK? Where do you find inspiration in this work?

• Its commitment to work for systems in the United States government that are just and equitable for all.
• Its visibility in lobbying on Capitol Hill.
• Its deep roots in Catholic social teaching.

What do you like to do outside of NETWORK?

• Birding Training my dog in agility, rally and truffle hunting
• Volunteering with organizations working for justice for immigrants and refugees

Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Current Location: Spokane, Washington

Leslye Colvin is a writer, contemplative activist and social commentator whose service on NETWORK’s Boards began in 2018. Leslye serves as Chair of the NETWORK Advocates Board. She has extensive experience in promoting mission and expanding outreach of a variety of sectors including faith-based non profit, archdiocesan, government, corporate, and academia. Inspired by the Catholic social justice tradition, she is passionate about encouraging diversity of thought especially as it relates to those often marginalized within the community. Leslye has been interviewed by America Magazine, U.S. Catholic Magazine, Vatican Radio and South Africa’s Radio Veritas on the construct of race. Leslye is a graduate of the Living School for Action and Contemplation and a student of the Haden Institute. She holds a M.A. in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and an undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana.

What calls you to NETWORK? Where do you find inspiration in this work?

• Catholic Social Justice tradition
• The shared commitment of the Board and staff

What do you like to do outside of NETWORK?

• Writing for my blog

Location: Dothan, Alabama