Sr. Robbie Pentecost, OSF, has served the Appalachian region for the past 26years, providing tools and resources for the empowerment of women and their communities. Her commitment to God’s Creation flows from her Franciscan heritage and is evidenced by her organizing work to save people and their communities in Appalachia and beyond. She currently serves as Executive Director for the New Opportunity School for Women based in Berea, KY and is a Fellow with the Center for Women, Faith and Leadership which is part of the Institute for Global Engagement. She recently joined the Board of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice based in Washington, D.C. Sister Robbie has been a member of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana for over 30 years and holds a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from Missouri State University and an MBA from St. Louis University.

What calls you to NETWORK? Where do you find inspiration in this work?
I grew up in the era of banner making religious education and like so many of my peers somehow the seeds of Catholic Social Teaching crept into my soul. As a young sister I was introduced to NETWORK and have been a member for over 30 years so service on the board came naturally. NETWORK creates a community seeking justice together and it is in this community that I find inspiration for this work.

What do you like to do outside of NETWORK?
As a Franciscan nature is where I can best pray, be restored and use my creative juices. It is also at the heart of Appalachian culture which is why I have rooted myself in the hills and hollows of eastern Kentucky for over 26 years. Protecting God’s creation comes as a priority for me, along with raising up women’s voices. Gardening, hiking, planting, mowing, watering all bring me great joy — along with cooking with the many fruits of the earth.

Location: Berea, Kentucky