As the pro-life movement continues to shift in Colorado, the Respect Life Denver team at Catholic Charities of Denver is positioning itself to continue to preach the Gospel of Life in our parishes, schools and communities. With its new team of dynamic, faith-filled leaders in place, Respect Life Denver aims to continue spreading the hope of the pro-life mission across Northern Colorado.
Emma Ramirez, Director of Respect Life Denver
Emma joined Catholic Charities in the fall of 2023 and has made a significant impact. She previously served as Operations Manager at the Holy Rosary shelter and as Parish Engagement Director, where she developed meaningful connections within our communities. Emma brings a strong background in nonprofit management, including her time as program director at Christ in the City in Philadelphia and with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska.
In her new role, Emma will lead efforts to promote a culture of life through outreach, education and support for mothers and families.
Deacon A.J. Misiti, Parish Engagement Director
Deacon A.J. brings a rich combination of ministry experience and leadership expertise to this role. Currently serving as a deacon and pastoral assistant at Spirit of Christ Parish in Arvada, he is deeply involved in the spiritual life of his community, performing marriages, baptisms and funerals.
With extensive experience in senior leadership roles, Deacon A.J. combines his faith with strong business acumen. In his new position, he will focus on building relationships, engaging parishes and fostering collaboration to support Catholic Charities’ mission and initiatives.
Jennifer Torres, Community Engagement Coordinator
Jennifer has worked with economically marginalized communities, sex-trafficking survivors and migrant families through various other Catholic apostolates in the Denver Metro area, stemming from her call to serve as a missionary with Christ in the City in 2019. This past summer, she was one of the few chosen to walk across the United States as a perpetual pilgrim for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. She is in graduate school at Divine Mercy University for Mental Health Counseling.
As the Community Engagement Coordinator, she hopes to ensure that all initiatives are well-integrated across Catholic Charities ministries and connect community leaders, churches and faith-based groups to advocate for pro-life values.
Jeannine Duffield, Director of Marisol Health
Jeannine Duffield is the new Marisol Health Director, overseeing our Denver and Northern Colorado clinics. Her recent, impactful work as Respect Life Denver Director has further deepened her commitment to Catholic Charities and life-affirming ministry.
Before joining Catholic Charities, she built a career in quality consulting, ensuring excellence in healthcare delivery. Her passion and expertise align with Marisol Health’s mission as she continues to serve women and families in this new capacity.
