Brian Dawkins
Pro Football and Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
Brian Dawkins is considered to be one of the top safeties in NFL history. In addition, he has served as an NFL team executive and NFL studio analyst. He is also a Motivational Speaker, and Author of “Blessed by the Best: My Journey to Canton and Beyond.”
Brian combatted depression throughout his career by reliance on his Christian faith and professional resources. During his NFL Hall of Fame speech, Dawkins said, “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing me with the sense to understand that I did not do everything by myself….You have guided me the whole way, orchestrated my life….You stayed faithful to me, and I cannot wait to see what You’re going to do with me next.”
He is enshrined in both the Philadelphia Eagles and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Edward (Ward) Fitzgerald III
Catholic Leadership Institute Board of Director and CNBC Contributor
Ward Fitzgerald is a dedicated advocate for faith, philanthropy, and community, committed to advancing Catholic values and serving those in need. His philanthropic efforts focus on Catholic education, homelessness, medical research, and supporting vulnerable populations. He has played a key role in funding groundbreaking research for the Ehlers-Danlos Society, supporting the Dysautonomia Society, and contributing to hospitals and universities across the United States and beyond, including Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Ward is also deeply involved in efforts to combat homelessness and addiction, including his support for Project HOME and its Inn of Amazing Mercy, which provides critical assistance to the homeless and those affected by opioid addiction in Philadelphia.
Prior to founding ExCorde Capital, Ward served as the CEO of Exeter Property Group, a global leader in industrial real estate, which he grew into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise before its acquisition by EQT AB in 2021. Despite his professional success, his guiding force has always been his deep faith, shaping both his leadership philosophy and personal mission. His unwavering belief in service and purpose continues to inspire his life’s work, proving that true success is not measured by wealth but by the lives we touch and the impact we leave when we lead from the heart.
Msgr. Federico Britto
Reverend Monsignor Federico A. Britto, is proud to call Philadelphia his home. His education started at General George Meade Public School, Gesu Elementary and Roman Catholic High School. Upon graduating High School Monsignor heeded the call to the priesthood. He was ordained on May 15, 1982, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He received his B.A. in Philosophy, M.A. in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and M.A. in Strategic Leadership from Neumann University.
Monsignor Britto is the current and founding Pastor for St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Pastoral Administrator of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, and Regional Dean for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He has served on many committees and organizations: Chaplain for the Knights of St. Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary of Philadelphia Region, Moderator of the African American Catholic Pre-Cana Team, Board of Trustees member for Neumann University and Board of Trustees member for St. Ignatius Nursing home, to name a few.
Mark Forrest
Mark Forrest is an acclaimed Irish tenor, whose melodic voice has filled concert halls including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and cathedrals worldwide. He has sung inspirational hymns for luminaries such as Saint John Paul II and Saint Mother Teresa.
His soothing Broadway melodies have entertained award-winning performers including Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, and Maureen O’Hara. From Presidential entertainment in the White House to his own house with his wife and eight children, Mark continues to inspire the world with his music.
Eddie Morris
Eddie Morris Foundation
Ed is a lifelong member of the Catholic community in the Philadelphia area. He is one of 9 children raised in Delaware County. Ed received his BS from the University of Delaware and his MS from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the father of 6 children, has 6 grandchildren and has been married for 35 wonderful years and is part of the St Norbert Parish.
He established his own successful commercial real estate company 43 years ago and the Edward A. Morris Family Foundation in 2017. Ed has been a leader in many Catholic faith-centered organizations and conducts Large Friendship Celebrations that attract over 500 people to hear outstanding presentations on building one’s relationship with God and one another within his community.
About 8 years ago, in response to the unsatisfied need for people needing a place to go when they were in pain or simply wanted to help out a friend that needed spiritual support, he created Team Hope, which has over 6,000 active members that pray for whoever needs prayers on a daily basis. Part of this mission includes sending out a daily prayer request to over 1,200 people.
This Hall of Fame member of Archbishop Carroll High School, Saint Norbert’s Parish, and The Children of the Father Foundation, loves to share his message of hope and healing with his fellow Christians and can often be heard on In His Sign Catholic Radio. Ed is looking forward to bringing his message to retreatants at ManUp 2025 in order to help them reach their spiritual potential and bring them closer to Our Lord.