
Neomi De Anda, Ph.D. serves as the Executive Director for the International Marian Research Institute. She is also a tenured Professor (as of July 1, 2025) in the University of Dayton Department of Religious Studies. She teaches courses in religion, languages and cultures, Latinx and Latin American studies, race and ethnic studies, and women and gender studies. She is a Marianist Educational Associate. Dr. De Anda is a Catholic Lay Marianist and part of the Micah Theotokos Marianist Lay Community.
Dr. De Anda holds a Ph.D. in Constructive Theology from Loyola University Chicago. She also has master’s degrees in Theology (Oblate School of Theology) and Educational Leadership (St. Mary’s University). Dr. De Anda has scholarly presentations, publications and exhibitions on her research interests of Mary and breast milk; chisme; LatinoXa Christology; migrations in conjunction with the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative Immigrant Justice Team. She maintains a commitment to a border theology at the intersections of the environment, migrations, labor, and women because of her roots in El Paso, Texas. Dr. De Anda hosts the Chisme Symposium at the University of Dayton. Learn more at .

Liza Manjarrez
Senior Associate Director, Campus Ministry
St. Edward’s University

Andrew J. Mercado
Director, University Ministry
Dominican University

Nabil Tueme, Ph.D.
Senior Research Associate
Springtide Research Institute

Dr. Gabe Lara is the Vice President of Student Success & Engagement at Dominican University, serving as the Chief Student Affairs Officer, a position he has held since January 2024. Dr. Lara embodies the theme "Igniting Hope, Cultivando Liderazgo," leveraging nearly two decades of progressive experience in higher education to foster transformative leadership and resilience within diverse communities.
Before joining Dominican, Dr. Lara was Dean of Student Affairs at the College of Lake County, where he enhanced student engagement and created the first Latinx Resource Center. Previously, he served as Director of Hispanic-Latinx Affairs at the University of Florida, overseeing key initiatives and spaces for Latinx students. He also directed the Casa Latina Cultural Center at Western Illinois University, strengthening the Latinx community.
Dr. Lara holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University, an M.A. in Management & Leadership from Webster University, and a B.A. in Spanish/Sociology from Western Illinois University.