Who we are - Ordination Justice Initiative

The Ordination Justice Initiative envisions a flourishing Roman Catholic Church where the gifts of all who are called to priesthood are recognized and received for the life of the world.

Photo by Nathaniel Testuro Paolinelli

Father Anne | Executive Director

Father Anne was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on October 16, 2021, through a reform movement called the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. Because the Catholic Church obstructs ordination justice, Father Anne was forced to choose between obedience to God and obedience to Church law. Choosing God, she was excommunicated, ending her career in the Church she loves. She now devotes her life to God's dream of ordination justice in one of the most powerful institutions in the world. Father Anne has a Master of Divinity from Jesuit School of Theology and a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from San Diego State University. Her deepest desire is to serve as a parish priest in the Roman Catholic Church. She works for the day this dream comes true. In the meantime, she perseveres by loving old, sick dogs over the rainbow bridge and drinking double decaf cortados with oat milk. LEARN MORE

Board of Directors

JAVIER BENAVIDEZ

PRESIDENT

MELISSA FOX

TREASURER

CAMILLE ELIZABETH

SECRETARY

CRYSTAL GUTIERREZ

DIRECTOR

ALMA ROSA DELGADO

DIRECTOR

Javier Benavidez | President

Javier currently serves as an organizer for the Coalition for a Safer Albuquerque and worked with Father Anne on ordination justice during the global synod initiated by Pope Francis. He previously served as an organizer for Albuquerque Interfaith, as Executive Director of the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), and in various roles with political organizations and elected officials, including as Speechwriter and Communications Liaison to then-Congressman Martin Heinrich. Javier is a proud Native New Mexican son of a public school teacher from Albuquerque’s South Valley and a civil rights attorney from the Acequia Madre community in Santa Fe. He has four children: Mario, Elias, Felix and Eva. Javier has served on the boards of numerous New Mexico nonprofit organizations. He holds two master's degrees from the University of New Mexico, one in Urban Planning and the other in Public Administration. He earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university in California.

Melissa Fox | Treasurer

Melissa Fox is a long-time grant writer and advocate who specializes in cutting through red tape for smaller organizations, making the complex feel manageable, and the impossible feel within reach. She holds a BA in English and Technical Writing alongside an MBA--a combination that lets her translate bureaucratic language into real-world action. Melissa is driven by a deep sense of calling. Her work supporting Father Anne is something close to her heart, inspired by the memory of her grandmother Rose, who shaped so much of who she is today. When she's not untangling systems or crafting compelling grant proposals, you'll find her at home with her son, a full crew of dogs and cats, and probably a grant deadline on the horizon.

Camille Elizabeth | Secretary

Camille Elizabeth is a mystic follower of The Way who is passionate about theology, contemplative spirituality, and healing. She brings a multidisciplinary background spanning television and film, project management, and human resources, with a deep appreciation for the intersection of creativity, service, and human connection. For nearly 20 years, Camille has volunteered in support of unhoused individuals and those experiencing food insecurity. This work continues to deeply shape her values and spiritual path. In her spare time, Camille enjoys baking, spending time in nature, 'cozy' video games, and getting lost in a good book. She values curiosity, compassion, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged in their authentic growth. “God hugs you. You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.” - St. Hildegard of Bingen

Crystal Gutierrez | Director

Crystal Gutierrez is a creative professional who blends financial expertise with storytelling and visual media. With over 9 years of experience in accounting, audit, and financial operations across nonprofit, government, healthcare, and commercial sectors, she is passionate about helping organizations build strong foundations through accuracy, strategy, and innovation. She is currently pursuing her CPA certification while continuing to expand her work in both finance and creative media. Alongside her professional accounting background, Crystal is also a photographer and social media content creator who owns and operates her own media business. Through her creative work, she helps businesses, organizations, and individuals bring their stories to life through branding, photography, and digital content creation. Outside of her professional work, Crystal enjoys spending time with her dogs and family, exploring nature, reading, painting, and serving on the production team at her local church as a camera operator.

Alma Rosa Delgado | Director

Alma Rosa Delgado was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in a Catholic family that instilled in her a deep commitment to faith, service, and justice. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, before returning to New Mexico to pursue a legal career. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1991. Following law school, Alma Rosa served vulnerable communities as an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Albuquerque for five years. In 1996, she joined the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, where she spent more than two decades in public service before semi-retiring in 2021. She continues to serve the community as a contract attorney for the same office. Alma Rosa also served on the Board of Directors of the Public Interest Research Group’s Landlord/Tenant Hotline and currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Barrett Foundation, Albuquerque’s oldest shelter serving women and children. She is a wife and mother of four adult children, all of whom reside in Albuquerque. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys art, camping, fishing, and hiking, and values the natural beauty and cultural richness of New Mexico, the state she has proudly called home throughout her life.