The LC Team
We strive to function in the way we desire to see the world - collaborative and interdependent. Through our varied backgrounds, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to help foster programs relevant for the transformational leadership needed today and into the future.
We are passionate about helping you access your leadership capacity through personal growth, understanding and growing in consciousness about the systems in which we live, and dreaming for what is possible and boldly moving into an emergent, yet unknown future of religious life.
Read more about us and let us know how we can assist you continue to develop your leadership capacity.
Elia Cardenas, D.Min
Elia is an Associate Director with the major areas of responsibility being CLDP (Collaborative Leadership Development Program) and outreach to Latin America. Elia has a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry, a Master's Degree in Pastoral Studies, a Certification in Hispanic Ministry, and an ICF-accredited Ministerial/Life coaching certification from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. As a deacon's wife, she completed the diaconate formation program in the Diocese of El Paso, TX. Because she firmly believes that we are God's instruments to bring about inclusion, solidarity, and peace to the marginalized, she does ministry for migrants in a border shelter and leads preventive efforts in the highlands of Chiapas, supporting the indigenous people's formation and promoting community development, so that they can exercise their right to stay at their lands. Elia is a Dominican associate of the Santa Catalina de Siena province.
Emma Brown
Emma is the Program Coordinator for the Leadership Collective, where she assists the team with logistics and communications within their multi-lingual, global network. Emma grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, USA, but now lives in El Paso, Texas, where she's passionate about volunteering with Annunciation House, an organization that offers emergency hospitality to refugees seeking shelter at the US-Mexico border. Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College of Ohio, and loves developing artistic and photographic work.
Jennifer Melke-Marks
Jennifer serves as the Administrative Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Collaborative’s Collaborative Leadership Development Program (CLDP). Her professional background includes parish ministry, teaching K–8 art, and high school theology. Jennifer is an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and has been active in social justice ministry for more than 20 years. She currently volunteers with the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Earth Justice Circle. She lives with her husband and three dogs and enjoys creating art in her spare time.
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Sandra Ramirez Puac
Sandra serves as the Program Coordinator for the Collaborative Leadership Development Program (CLDP). Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sandra has dedicated her career to creating more equitable, inclusive, and supportive educational environments. Sandra earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Mount St. Joseph University and spent several years as an Intervention Specialist, working with students in grades K–3. Through her experiences in education, Sandra developed a deep passion for equity in education, social justice, and advocating for systems that support the success and belonging of all learners. Currently, Sandra is pursuing her master’s degree in School Psychology at the University of Dayton, continuing to expand her knowledge of student development and the importance of supporting the whole child. Through her role with CLDP, Sandra brings her experiences as an educator, her commitment to equity and justice, and her passion for building meaningful relationships to support the growth of leaders and communities. She is committed to creating spaces where individuals can engage in reflection, collaboration, and transformative learning that leads to positive change.
Romina Sapinoso, SC
Romina has been an educator for many years before and after becoming a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati. She is passionate about education as a tool to effect change in our world. Her position at the Leadership Collaborative is an evolution of this passion and ministry. Romina's hope is to be of service and hold space for what is unfolding in religious life and in the life of charism carriers who work closely with us. She has taught in K-12 settings in public and Catholic schools, higher education and adult education in different countries and different states, most recently on the US-Mexico border of El Paso and Juarez and in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a propensity to seek truth and spirituality, and is drawn towards issues of diversity, race, and justice. Her background in international and multicultural education keeps her seeking connections that cross boundaries and cultures to find what is a common desire in people to live the Gospel message of solidarity and love with one another, especially with those on the margins.
Tammy Townsend Denny
Tammy joined the Leadership Collaborative staff as an associate director after serving as the executive director of Theresians International, a Catholic-founded organization whose mission is to foster communities of spiritual growth for women. Prior to her ministry with Theresians, she worked with the U.S. province of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth as their national communications director. She also has served on the board of directors for Communicators for Women Religious, an international organization committed to advancing the mission of Catholic sisters. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in liberal studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Loyola University in Chicago. In her evolving work in Catholic organizations, she continues to develop her ministry of listening to and connecting with Spirit, self, and others in ways that build relationships and cultivate communities. She believes that transformation is possible when we listen to one another with open hearts and open minds. Tammy is a life-long seeker who is always exploring new ways to better understand God’s call in her life. She is passionate about the care of creation and living lovingly in our world. Tammy and her husband live in suburban Chicago and have a blended family of four adult children and one ever-demanding cat.