A Greener Future

Join us for an exciting episode of Ave Spotlight's Compassion in Action Series! In this special installment, we're diving deep into the world of Environmental Stewardship with our returning guest, Maria Benes.

Discover how everyday people can make a big impact on our planet. We'll unpack the powerful message of Laudato Si' and unveil practical tips to be eco-conscious without breaking a sweat.

Get ready to be inspired and empowered to take steps toward a greener future that connects Catholic Social Teaching with real environmental action. 

About the Author

Maria Benes currently serves as co-director of the Before Gethsemane Initiative (BGI), a Catholic nonprofit for racial reconciliation.  She also serves as a project lead for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for Modern Catholic Pilgrim.  Maria is a political scientist and an award-winning college instructor who has taught classes in human rights, international relations, and public policy.  She is known for providing students with the tools to have civil and respectful conversations around controversial topics such as abortion, racism, and immigration policy.  She holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and an M.A. in international affairs with a concentration in conflict resolution from George Washington University.