Bethany J. Welch, Aquinas Center, is the founding director of Aquinas Center and a nonprofit management consultant. Her research on the Catholic Church and urban revitalization prompted Philadelphia’s St. Thomas Aquinas parish to invite her to help repurpose a former convent into a space that builds unity in diversity, supports learning, and inspires thoughtful action. In 2014, she was recognized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops with the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award for her work on the effects of poverty and injustice. A VISTA volunteer in 2003–2004, she also received a Spirit of Service Award in 2006 from the Corporation for National and Community Service for advancing transformational change in urban communities through research, planning, and capacity building.
