Meet the Speakers
Mariola López Villanueva
Religious of the Sacred Heart fron Spain, Mariola is a theologian and journalist specializing in Biblical and Spiritual Theology.
A professor at the Faculty of Theology in Granada, she combines academic research with pastoral ministry, offering paths of healing inspired by the Gospel.
She has written works on prayer, Ignatian spirituality, and Madeleine Delbrêl.
She collaborates with religious women from different congregations, enriching her vision of consecrated life.
Alba Teresa Cediel Castillo
Colombian missionary of the Missionary Sisters of Mother Laura, she dedicates her life to evangelization and accompanying marginalized communities. Trained in Religious Sciences and Ethics, she has worked in the Colombian Amazon and Catatumbo, supporting indigenous peoples in defending their identity and rights.
Committed to social justice, she is part of the Congregation’s general animation team.
She continues to strengthen the evangelizing mission, with a special focus on indigenous, Afro-descendant, and peasant communities.
Lisa Buscher
American Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
She accompanies migrants and asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border, serving as Chair of the Collaborative for Border Ministries in San Diego and a member of the UISG Migrants and Refugees Committee.
Her passion lies in helping others integrate the contemplative dimensions of their spiritual journey.
She holds a B.A. in Religion from Grand Canyon University and M.A. and M.Div. degrees from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Sia Sahon Solange
Ivorian religious of the Sisters of Our Lady of Calvary. Since 2023, she has been the superior of the Africa province.
A specialist in the theology of spirituality, she holds a master’s degree in biblical and systematic theology.
A lecturer in spiritual theology and religious life, she is a member of the SECAM theological commission.
She directs a center for the prevention of abuse against minors and vulnerable persons. As a delegate to the Synod of Bishops, she is committed to promoting justice, the role of women, and the fight against abuse in the Church.
Geraldina Céspedes Ulloa
A Dominican missionary of the Rosary born in the Dominican Republic, she has developed her journey across Santo Domingo, Guatemala, Madrid, and Mexico.
She is currently a member of the General Council of her congregation.
A theologian and professor, she is dedicated to academic formation and reflection on liberation theologies, feminism, and integral ecology.
Co-founder of the Núcleo Mujeres y Teología in Guatemala, she is a member of the Amerindia network and the General Council of her congregation. Her research contributes to the Latin American theological debate with influential publications.
Shalini Mulackal
A Sister of the Presentation from India, she coordinates the Programme for the Preparation of Formators at the UISG and has been a professor of systematic theology in New Delhi.
The first woman to be elected president of the Indian Theological Association, she has also led the Indian Women Theologians Forum and Ecclesia of Women in Asia.
An author of numerous articles and books, she is a strong advocate for women’s roles in the Church and society. Deeply committed to social justice, she dedicates herself to serving the poor and supporting women.
Margaret Maung
Born in Myanmar, Sr. Margaret Maung is a member of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) and currently serves on the Congregation Leadership Team, dedicated to God’s mission with joy and gratitude.
With 40 years of experience, she has worked in pastoral and social ministries, supporting communities and guiding young Sisters in trust and resilience, even under Myanmar’s military regime.
She has served as Provincial of the RNDM Sisters in Myanmar (2011-2017) and President of the Catholic Religious Conference of Myanmar (CRCM). She has also pursued studies in Spiritual Accompaniment and Professional Supervision in Ireland.