EcoPhilly Annual Summit 2026
Register for our 5th Annual Summit Today!
Join the EcoPhilly's Network on May 9, 2026 as we come together at our 5th Annual Summit! This year's theme, From Hope to Action, is borrowed from the Laudato Si' Movement's 2026 theme for Laudato Si' Week (May 17-24).
This event will be held at the Connelly Center at Villanova University and will feature a keynote and breakout sessions about different ways to Care for God's Creation.
All are welcome!
About Our Keynote Speaker
Joshua van Cleef is the Director of the Office of Peace and Justice for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington (Kentucky). In this capacity, he coordinates the Laudato Si’ Action Plan for the diocese and the net-zero initiative.
Learn more about Joshua's work here.
2026 Summit Program
8:00 – Doors open. Refreshments, continental breakfast, and networking / exhibitor time.
9:00 – Welcome and “State of EcoPhilly,” Nicholas Collura, Co-Founder
9:35 – Creating a Laudato Si’ Diocese: Keynote with Q&A by Joshua van Cleef, Director of the Office of Peace and Justice, Catholic Diocese of Lexington, KY
10:35 – Break
10:50 – Musical Selections from CLEAR Project
11:00 – Topical Breakouts
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Presentation: AI Data Centers: Impacts on Our Communities and on the Earth
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Nicholas Collura, EcoPhilly
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Panel Discussion: Bringing Laudato Si’ Alive in Parishes
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Moderator: Julian Burnett, EcoPhilly
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Kit McGovern, EcoPhilly, OMC Parish
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Fr. Joe Mostardi, OSA, OMGC Parish
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Fr. Sylvester Peterka, CM, SVDP Parish
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Christina Puntel, SDP, SVDP Parish
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Bill Stigliani, PhD, EcoPhilly, OSJ Parish
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Panel Discussion: Engaging Youth in Creation Care
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Moderator: Aaron Lemma, EcoPhilly
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Charles Bates, Mount Saint Joseph Academy
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Sandra Elsner, Regina Academy at St. John the Baptist
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Kya Shirley Johnson, SVDP Parish
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Sr. Diane Tomkinson, OSF, PhD, Canticle House
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Camille Vasconcellos, ADROP
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Read more about our Speakers and Panelists here.
12:00 – Lunch. Networking / exhibitor time.
1:15 – Musical Selections from CLEAR Project
1:30 – Member Success Stories
1:40 – Networking Breakouts by Interest Group
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Schools – for those interested in Laudato Si’ in K-12 schools
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Presenters: Megan Stotz, PhD and Eileen Rocks
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Advocacy – for those interested in social justice and political advocacy
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Presenters: Barbara Sheehan and Donna Breslin, SBS
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Parishes – for those interested in parish outreach and/or summit/event planning
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Presenters: Kara Bown and Tom Volkert
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Energy – for those interested in sustainability and green energy initiatives
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Presenters: Julian Burnett and Cristina Schulingkamp
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2:30 – Honoring of EcoPhilly Mini Grant Awardees and Art Contest Winners
2:40 – Closing Remarks & Survey
2:50 – Musical Selections from CLEAR Project
Event Logistics
Venue: The Connelly Center at Villanova University
Location: 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085
Parking: Arrive from N Ithan Ave and park in M-2 SAC Garage, up the driveway to the right.
Septa: Take Paoli-Thorndale Line to Villanova Station, then walk up the hill to Connelly Center.
What to Bring: To help us reduce waste, please bring your own refillable water bottles and notebook if desired.
Door Donation: Please consider making a $5 door donation to support our efforts. Cash, Venmo, Credit Card, and Check will be accepted. For more donation information, see below.
With Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Villanova's Office for Sustainability advances Villanova's Augustinian mission of environmental stewardship, climate justice, and care for creation through campus initiatives, education, and community engagement.
Founded in 1967, the Ambassadors Fund for Catholic Education supports innovative programs and grants for Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
