Mollie Baumer’s family seems to expand by the projects she becomes immersed in. A bond with husband John and children Maxwell, Delany and John Henry is strengthened through a faith life at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach. But outreach with the church’s sister parish at St. Lawrence of Brindisi in Watts has allowed her to pay things forward. Growing up at St. John Fisher in Palos Verdes, Mollie saw her parents do Marriage Encounter outreach and become friends with incoming St. Lawrence pastor Fr. Peter Banks.

Michelle Chandler says that as first in line of three sisters, “for better or worse, it’s the oldest one who becomes a teacher.” After earning degrees at USC and UC Santa Barbara, she taught high school English for five years then went into business to create an Internet curriculum for teachers. “I was, in all sense of the world, doing everything well,” Michelle admits. “But I felt very lost.” Some 10 years after she, her husband Mac, and their now-teenage daughters Cora and Willa all became Catholic converts at the same time through RCIA.

Michael Feeley is the first spouse of a past honoree to be chosen to receive this award. Michael noted that Janet was honored in 2014. “As usual, I’m always several years behind my wife.” Archbishop Gomez selected him as he has spent 30 years of amazing service to the local and global Catholic community.

His involvement in his faith is demonstrable by any standard. His volunteer success is in part due to his work as a law partner with Latham & Watkins.

How many men have you met that built a church in honor of their mother? Carlos is on such man. His devotion to his mother, his family and to giving back to his work and faith community are the hallmarks of his humble man’s life. Simply put, he is amazing. His migrant family worked in many places; his loving mother gave he and his siblings love and faith while living amongst gang influences in the margins in downtown L.A.

From there he drew on the determination his mother instilled.

If you a looking for a true disciple of Jesus, look no further than Dan Schwala.
A remote dairy farm in Wisconsin taught him perseverance, a true faith-based work ethic of determination shaped his life. His ability to stay focused comes from time spent at West Point.

While he had a strong sense of the Catholicism, it was reawakened when he joined his wife Denise at RCIA classes.

Paul Viviano is an indefatigable advocate for children. This charismatic and kind CEO of CHLA is dedicated to leading with a special dedication to half million patients that annually seek medical care. Just take a walk through the hospital halls and you will find Paul greeting caregivers, patients, their families with intrinsic interest.

Knowing how important good nutrition is, he shares the story of the removal of profitable fast food option near the front of the hospital. CHLA was the operator. Setting a good example is important to Paul.