Brenda Eagan, IBVM
Host
Host of Love & Speak the Truth Podcast, Sr. Brenda Eagan, IBVM set out to bring a voice of wisdom and reflection of sisters, companions and friends into the arena of the listening public. By listening to the stories of life in our times, Sr. Brenda fosters purposeful dialogue as mission at this stage of our life and presence in the world.
Sr. Brenda graduated with BS and MA degrees from Loyola University Chicago and DMin University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. She is a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) and her life in ministry took her from social work to campus ministry which included creative expression of preaching using homily-dramas bringing the Gospel stories to life, into peer ministry/counseling, service-learning, spiritual direction, liturgical and gospel choir, fundraising and culminated into the most life-giving ministry, bringing all those gifts together as Director of Ministry at Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine. The collaboration and colleagueship in that diverse community gave way to ultimate access and dialogue for life-long learning in the formation of young physicians, staff and faculty. During her tenure as the Director of Medical School ministry, Sr. Brenda received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr service award.
Service, as a gateway to spiritual growth, filled her life in ministry with hope, gratitude and joy. Sr. Brenda was elected to Institute leadership in 2014 and relocated to Rome, Italy where she served the Institute as Consultor for eight years. The blessing of that time was building relationships, listening and responding to the complex and expanding needs of religious life—growth, development and diminishment around the world.
In January of 2024, Sr. Brenda began her new ministry as Director of Mission and Ministry for the IBVM US Region with heart, mind and mission to further build meaningful and profound opportunities and connections with Mary Ward women and friends around the world. Podcast, Love & Speak the Truth is one of those opportunities to engage!
Megan Beutel
LST Executive Producer
Megan Beutel is a communications professional with a passion for utilizing design and marketing to connect and inspire others. She collaborates with production and manages communications, graphic design, social media, and web initiatives.
Currently serving as the Director of Development for the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), Megan draws on her nonprofit background working with the Loretto community. Megan graduated from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL with a BA in Communications and Media Art and is currently pursuing her graduate degree through Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
Megan lives in Chicago, IL. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring nature, art, puzzles, and loves dogs. She finds hope and healing by noticing life’s little moments and small wins and is passionate about mental health education and advocacy.
Jennifer Schmitz
LST Executive Producer
With over 35 years of experience in marketing, Jennifer Schmitz is a Digital Marketing Strategist and an integral part of the Love & Speak the Truth team. She is actively involved in all aspects of production but finds the greatest joy in the editing process—where raw conversation transforms into something truly compelling and inspirational. Her goal is to capture those authentic moments when real dialogue takes over, allowing listeners to feel as if they’re right there in the room.
As a longtime Companion of Mary Ward, Jennifer has been deeply engaged with both the sisters and laypeople in various capacities, locally and globally. In 2024, she launched a new IBVM ministry, A Labor Love, and is eager to continue its growth and impact.
Jennifer lives in Coastal North Carolina with her husband Dave and their new puppy. She has a deep passion for traveling and is an avid reader. Above all, she loves spending time with her two adult children, who continue to be her greatest joy.
Love & Speak the Truth podcast is made possible by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, US Region
Executive Producers: Megan Beutel and Jennifer Schmitz
Sound Track: Laurenti Wright on keyboard
Music Composition of Women Bearing Witness: Maria Bierer, IBVM
All Rights Reserved 2025-26. ™
