Board Members
Alex G. Ojacor
Experienced, dynamic and enthusiastic pastoral care professional with ability to work in multi-cultural and multi-faith environments. Skilled in developing awareness of the theological and pyscho-social concern of persons in crisis and integrally grapple in understanding the human condition. Has over ten years” experience as a university lecturer in
Africa and the United States in areas of philosophy, religion, sociology and research methods.
Florence Onubogu
Florence Onubogu, Ph.D., is a retired educator of German language and literature. She has also served as president of the Igbo Catholic Women Organization in Chicago, IL, during which she increased membership by 300%. Additionally, she worked for many years at the OPEC Fund for International Development, an international development finance institution that provides financial assistance to developing countries in Vienna, Austria. A lifelong polyglot, she enjoys learning and studying different languages and is passionate about working to improve the lives of people experiencing poverty.
Ebere Bosco Amakwe
Sister Ebere Bosco Amakwe is a lecturer of Christianity and Culture in Dialogue at Seton Hall University, New Jersey, USA. She earned her Ph.D. in Communication/Sociology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, MA in Communication from Pontifical Salesian University and BA in Missionary Spirituality from Pontifical Urban University, Rome. In 2017 she earned another MA in Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and a Graduate Certificate in the Studies of United Nations from Seton Hall School of Diplomacy and International Relations, New Jersey, USA. Her specialty is on Africa, especially women, communication/media, Church, and society. Her vocation is the alleviation of the problems of suffering humanity, especially in Africa.
Meghan J. Clark
Professor
Theology and Religious Studies, St. John’s University
Meghan J. Clark, Ph.D., is an associate professor of moral theology at St John’s University (NY). At St. John’s, Dr. Clark engages students inside and outside the classroom on diverse topics in moral theology and Catholic social thought. In 2015, Dr. Clark was a Fulbright Scholar to the Hekima Institute for Peace Studies and International Relations at Hekima University College, Nairobi, Kenya. She has conducted fieldwork on human rights and solidarity in Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. In May 2018, she was a Visiting Residential Research Fellow at the Centre for Catholic Studies at the University of Durham (UK).
She is author of The Vision of Catholic Social Thought: the Virtue of Solidarity and the Praxis of Human Rights (Fortress Press, 2014) and co-editor of Public Theology and the Global Common Good: The Contribution of David Hollenbach (Orbis, 2106), both of which were awarded first place prizes from the Catholic Press Association Book Awards. She contributed the commentary on Caritas in Veritate in the 2nd edition of Modern Catholic Social Teaching: Commentaries and Interpretations (Georgetown University Press, 2017). She has published in Theological Studies, the Journal of Moral Theology, Journal of Catholic Social Thought, Heythrop Journal and others. Active in public theology, she is a columnist for US Catholic magazine and her writing can also be found in America Magazine and Millennial Journal.
In 2022, she was Assistant Coordinator for North America for the global theology project “Doing Theology from the Existential Peripheries,” a project of the Migrant & Refugee Section of the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. Currently, she is on the Catholic team for the Dicastery for Christian Unity’s Conversations with the Salvation Army. A senior fellow at St. John’s Vincentian Center for Church and Society, Dr. Clark also serves as a faculty expert for the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations. From 2010-2013, she served as a Consultant to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice. She received her Ph.D. in Theological Ethics from Boston College (2009) and her BA summa cum laude in cursu honorum in philosophy and theology from Fordham University (2003).
Evelyn Dumfeh
PACTPAN Board Member | Advocate for Equity and Community Engagement
Evelyn Dumfeh serves as a dedicated board member for PACTPAN, bringing her passion for equity, advocacy, and community empowerment to the organization’s mission. With over 14 years of professional experience in real estate and a current pursuit of a Master’s degree in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, Evelyn blends practical expertise with a deep commitment to social justice.
As a mother of five and an active community , Evelyn is particularly invested in initiatives that foster civic engagement, amplify underrepresented voices, and create opportunities for families to thrive. Her ability to bridge gaps between diverse communities and inspire meaningful action has been instrumental in advancing PACTPAN’s vision.
Evelyn’s role on the board is rooted in her values of faith, education, and service. She works collaboratively with fellow board members and stakeholders to drive impactful programs that strengthen communities, promote inclusion, and empower individuals to create change. Evelyn is honored to serve as a guiding force in PACTPAN’s efforts to build a more equitable and engaged society.
Sr Mary Paul McCaughey
Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P.is a Dominican Sister of Springfield Illinois who currently serves as their Prioress General and President of the Board for their community-sponsored ministries. Before assuming this role in the summer of 2024, she was the Coordinator for the Catholic Educational Leadership Program, a Senior Lecturer, and Internship Coordinator for the College of Education of DePaul University in Chicago. She served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago for almost 7 years following 25 years of Catholic secondary school principalship in Illinois at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (Springfield) and Marian Catholic High School (Chicago Heights). Other secondary administrative roles and teaching included 11 Routt Catholic High School (Jacksonville) and Rosary High School (Aurora). A past member of the USCCB Committee of Education Advisory Board, she currently provides oversight for several planning initiatives for the NCEA and holds memberships in national school accrediting agencies, and Dominican Veritas Ministries (a public juridic person sponsoring Dominican schools). The author of Grace and Guts: Practical Prayers for School Leaders, she holds a BS in Elementary Education from Quincy College, a MA in Theology from St. Louis University, MSA in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, administrative endorsement from DePaul University and is ABD in Theology and the Social Sciences from Chicago Theological Seminary.
Pamela Matambanadzo
Pam is a founding member of the Pope Francis Center Chicago, where she serves as treasurer and oversees the day-to-day operations of the center. She is deeply committed to serving her community through her involvement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP).
Pam currently serves as the International Territorial Vice President (ITVP) for America 1 within SSVP’s global organization (SSVP CGI), representing the United States, Canada, and the English-speaking Caribbean countries, including Haiti and Belize (Central America). She is also a member of the SVDP USA Voice of the Poor National Committee, working to advocate for systemic change for those living in poverty.
Her home conference is Saint Ita, part of the Mary Mother of God Parish in Chicago where she currently serves as Conference President. Previously, Pam served on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA’s National Board of Directors and was the national chair of the Multicultural & Diversity Committee, where she led initiatives including the Hispanic Latino and African American Task Forces.
Pam’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and supporting those on the margins is central to her mission at Pope Francis Center and in all her work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Janet Nold
Janet Nold is a retired Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) whose field of expertise is Pain Management and End of Life care. Since retiring she is active in volunteer work with St. Vincent De Paul and Beds Plus, working with those in poverty and the homeless in the Chicago metropolitan area. Janet is passionate about her Catholic faith and strives to follow God’s commandment, “Love your neighbor.” Being a board member of PACTPAN brings Janet closer to her African neighbors.
Rev. Fr. Ruffino Ezama
Fr. Ruffino Ezama, mccj, PHD is the Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries North American Province. Born in Uganda, he was ordained in 1994 and has worked in the U.S. for 15 years. He works in Cincinnati, OH.
Sr. Henry Nwabueze
Sr. Henry Nwabueze was born and raised in Nigeria, West Africa. She belongs to the order of the Daughters of Divine Love. She has experience in, not-for-profit accounting, tax accounting, fundraising, tutoring in accounting and finance. She moved to Chicago 23 years ago. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting at Keller Graduate School of Management. She served as a Tutor in accounting and finance at DeVry University before her current role in Ancona school as Senior Accountant. Sr. Henry likes to read, listen to news, engage in interesting story telling and watch her favorite TV show. She also enjoys cooking, baking and singing.
Stan Chu Ilo
Stan Chu Ilo is a Catholic priest from Awgu diocese, Nigeria; and Research Professor of World Christianity, African Studies and Global Health at the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois (USA). He is also an Honorary Professor of Religion and Theology at Durham University, Durham, England, and Visiting Research Scholar at the Institute of African Studies of the University of Nigeria. He is the Coordinating Servant of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN). He is the winner of the 2017 Afro-Global Award for Global Leadership Impact in recognition of his work as the founder of the Canadian Samaritans for Africa that implemented more than 42 women empowerment and community support projects in 6 African countries. He is one of the editors and Board Member of Concilium, International Journal of Theology and serves on the editorial boards of numerous other journals including, the Journal of Global Catholicism, and the Journal of African Christian Biography and Journal Christian Ethics. He currently serves on the senior advisory board of Templeton Religious Trust grant project on global spiritual formation for religious leaders. He is the principal convener of the Pan-African Catholic Congress, the third edition of which is taking place in Abidjan from August 4-10, 2025. He is the author or editor of 17 books including the forthcoming, Where is God in Africa? A Theology of Suffering and Smiling (with Orbis Books, 2025), Journeying Together in Hope for a Synodal Church in Africa (2024), Daily Walk with Jesus: African Biblical Reflections 365 for a Good Christian Life (2023) Someone Beautiful to God (2020), Wealth, Health and Hope in African Christian Religion (2018), Pentecostalism, Catholicism, and the Spirit in the World (2019)Handbook of African Catholicism (Orbis, 2022), Ecological Ethics for Cosmic Flourishing (Cascade, 2022); Under the Palaver Tree: Post-Vatican II African Ecclesiology (2023); A Poor and Merciful Church (2019), Church and Development in Africa (2014); The Church as Salt and Light (2011).
Margaret Mary Moore
Margaret Mary Moore is a social worker and Catholic theologian from St. Louis, MO. After graduating from Fontbonne, a CSJ University, she received a Master's in Social work from Columbia University in New York City. She worked both at the UN, in the Hispanic community, for the Dept. of Human Services and the Board of Education. After traveling six months in Asia, she worked for the USCCB in the former Dept. of International Affairs. She later spent two years in a Catholic Charismatic community in NY/NJ, where she decided to become a theologian. She earned an MA in Spirituality at St. Louis University and then received an STB and STL (Licentiate in Sacred Theology) at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. To finance her studies, Margaret Mary worked part-time as a civilian contractor giving retreats and conferences in theology for the Chaplains Corp of the U.S. military and NATO forces in Europe as well as for the Military Council of Catholic Women. Her involvement in international affairs took her as part of an NGO to the United Nations International Women's Forum in Nairobi in 1986 and to the same UN Forum in Beijing in 1995.
From 1986-2001 Margaret Mary lived in Rome, Italy. She is ABD in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, worked as the national secretary for the Rinnovamento Carismatico Cattolico, helped develop the Italian Association of Christian Therapists, and worked to promote the laity in the Church. She was also active in the English-speaking parish and was blessed to be the godmother of 4 children. The parents of two of these children worked for the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy. In 2015 she traveled to Abuja for her goddaughter's wedding. And now there are two little boys and a "little Margaret Mary" in Nigeria!
In the U.S., she was a founding member of the National Association for Lay Ministry and the Center of Concern in Wash., DC. And, in order, to help educate the laity in Scripture and theology, she and two Louvain colleagues founded the Theology & Life Institute, Inc. which continues to be active today.
In 2015, she was invited back to Rome to participate in an International Women's Conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice & Peace (now the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development). In 2019 & 2020 she returned again with several groups to advocate on behalf of children during the Papal Summit on the Sexual Abuse of Minors. She currently works with international Catholic Church reform groups and was again in Rome in October, 2023 and 2024 in solidarity with the Synod of Pope Francis.
Margaret Mary belongs to several local and international groups: the Catholic Theological Society of America: the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver; InterFaith Partnership of St. Louis; Seeds of Justice Network; Catholic Relief Services; St. Louis University Women's Council; the Catholic Native American Boarding School Accountability and Healing Project (www.ahprojectusa.org) - an effort of the USCCB subcommittee on Native American Affairs. She celebrates the exquisite diversity of our Catholic Church and has a special love for Africa.
Tanya Ball
Retired Casualty Claims Specialist | Restorative Justice Practitioner | FPACN Board Secretary
Tanya is a seasoned professional with 35 years of experience as a Casualty Claims Specialist, having retired from the corporate world to pursue her true calling in restorative justice. Guided by a deep sense of divine purpose, Tanya has dedicated herself to facilitating healing and transformation through restorative practices.
As a Restorative Justice Practitioner, she has extensive training in leading Affinity Circles and Peace Circles, focusing on racial healing for high school and college students. Her work aims to help young people build resilience in the face of trauma and life's challenges. Tanya is also a member of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) initiative at Dominican University, where she works to foster racial equity and understanding.
In addition to her restorative justice work, Tanya serves on the Social Justice Commission for the Parish Council at St. Simon of Cyrene Parish in Chicago, Illinois. She also plays an active role as the Board Secretary for FPACN, contributing her expertise and commitment to the mission of the organization.
Tanya is currently undergoing training for Life Coach Certification and is a member of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, further expanding her skill set to support individuals in their spiritual and personal growth.
Beyond her advocacy and professional work, Tanya is the Proprietor and Baker of Wittl’ Pies, Inc., her baking business specializing in mini desserts. Her love for creativity extends to her personal hobbies as well—Tanya enjoys reading, drawing, and puzzling, and she is an active member of the TRHT Book Club.
Tanya remains a humble servant of God, finding joy in pure worship and dedicating her life to the service of others.
Rev. Fr. Larry Dowling
Fr. Larry Dowling, ordained in 1991, is 17-yr pastor of St. simon of Cyrene Parish (formerly St. Agatha & St. Martin de Porres Churches), a predominantly African American parish on Chicago’s west side. He has served as pastor of St. Denis Parish and as Associate Pastor at St. James in Arlington Heights, IL. He has a passion for healing and restoration of spirit, mind and body of those who have suffered trauma from the multiple ongoing manifestations of systemic racism. He helped establish a free mental health center, the Encompassing Center, for the Chicago West Side community. He is a founding member of the Archdiocesan Healing Garden Committee, a coalition of clergy and victim-survivors of child and youth sexual abuse. In 2017 he co-led with a victim survivor a full day of education and reflection for all the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Kansas City/ St. Joe’s in Missouri on how best to reach out to and minister to those in our pews who have been victims of sexual abuse by a trusted adult. His justice work includes: moderator of the 150 member Priests for Justice for Immigrants in Chicago; former President of the Board for ARISE Chicago, an interfaith labor organization; Advisory Board chair for the Archdiocesan effort to respond to the men, women and children seeking asylum; Advisory Board member for the Parenting for Non-Violence (P4NV) in Chicago; and, Board member of the Tolton Black Scholars Advisory Board at Catholic Theological Union. He is a trained Restorative Justice practitioner, published writer, an avid reader, hiker and cyclist.
David O’Neill
Legal Counsel
Ms. Mary Armstrong
An accomplished engineering and strategic operations leader with over three decades of experience at General Motors, spanning vehicle engineering, organizational leadership, and executive support. Currently serving as Engineering Strategic Operations Manager and Chief of Staff to an Executive Director, she is recognized for building high-performing teams, driving cross-functional collaboration, and aligning strategy, people, and execution.
A DFSS Black Belt–certified engineer and U.S. patent holder, she brings deep technical expertise alongside strong leadership in communication, culture, and talent development. Her career includes leadership roles across multiple global vehicle launches, complex organizational transitions, and innovation initiatives, earning her multiple Chairman’s Honor Awards and Presidential recognitions. She is a strong advocate for mentorship, diversity, and integrity-driven leadership, with a passion for developing people and delivering customer-focused, cost-effective solutions.
Sr. Juli de Tarnowsky, CSJ
Life experiences and God’s graces have brought me to this point on my journey. I am a
retired elementary school teacher and coach from New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana
and El Paso, Texas. Being invited to minister at St. Joseph Press in LaGrange Park,
Illinois and a kennel/rescue in West Chicago, Illinois continued to broaden my
experiences. It is the life lessons and opportunities that have made me who I am today
and continue to reshape who I am and how I will continue to make a difference in our
world. If I chose a symbol to represent my life, a dandelion comes to mind as it
symbolizes humility, giving without receiving, and holds the mysteries of the universe –
seen and unseen.
A profound experience I had a few years ago was an immersion experience sponsored by
Maryknoll with Native Americans in South Dakota and surrounding reservations.
Broadening myself and learning about another culture builds bridges needed to move
towards one sacred community – part of our CSJ charism.