Who Are We?
Founder - Executive Director
Anthony Di Mauro is a student at Gonzaga University majoring in Public Relations with a concentration in Marketing and Journalism.
Currently based in Spokane Washington, he is a parishioner at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes. Anthony finds joy in the Carmelite Spirituality and is a member of Apostoli Viae.
In 2023, Anthony helped to establish the Spokane Catholic Young Adult Council at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.
He leads small groups, hosts events, and works hard to bring his faith into everything he does.
He coordinated young adult volunteers for Spokane’s first-ever Eucharistic Expo which saw thousands of attendees.
Anthony is a proud member of the Goretti Group. He is currently seeking to establish a group here in Spokane.
He has two cats, a dog, and 55 indoor plants along with a vibrant backyard garden. On the side, you can find him making Heavy Medal Rosaries.
"I'm only a spec of dust underneath the hoof of the donkey that carries Christ."
President
Rubén Leija, a native of California, cultivated a deep reverence for the Catholic faith from a young age through his involvement as an altar server, guided by his mother, a catechist teacher.
As he matured, his commitment to the Eucharist led him to serve as a Eucharistic minister and lector. Concurrently, his passion for acting flourished as he participated in church productions, including portraying roles in the Passion of the Christ for seven years.
His spiritual journey intertwined with his personal life when he met his wife, Jacky, at their church in California. Now a devoted family man with four children and three grandchildren, Rubén has witnessed the divine grace in his marriage and in his role as a father and household leader.
Relocating to Spokane 17 years ago, Rubén dedicated 14 years of service at St. Aloysius before the onset of Covid. Presently, he contributes to St. Charles Parish, where his fervor for the Holy Eucharist and devotion to the saints continue to deepen. Beyond his parish duties, Rubén passionately promotes the Rosary, the lives of the saints, and reverence for relics.
His spiritual calling extends to serving the homeless community in Spokane through street ministry, offering prayers and support. With each passing day, Rubén endeavors to deepen his vocation in service to God and others, carrying the message of hope and salvation to those in need, guided by the examples of the saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, who ultimately lead humanity to Christ.
Vice - President
Evan Larson, a Spokane native, devout Catholic, and dedicated husband, has been a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane, Washington for nearly a decade. Alongside his wife, he actively participates in the Diocese Young Adults group.
Formally entering the IT field five years ago, Evan's passion for technology traces back to his early childhood. Self-taught and driven by a love for learning and problem-solving, he has spent the past two decades immersing himself in technology, acquiring expertise through hands-on experience and online resources.
Currently employed at NAC Architecture, Evan is renowned for his adaptability as a support analyst, adept at handling diverse challenges. His commitment to self-improvement has led him through various learning paths, rendering him a versatile IT professional with competencies spanning hardware, networking, systems administration, programming, and more recently, cybersecurity.
Outside his professional pursuits, Evan mentors individuals aspiring to enter technical careers through self-development and certification pathways, eschewing the need for expensive college degrees. He dedicates considerable time to exploring and understanding various devices alongside friends, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to personal growth and knowledge expansion.
Secretary - Fundraising Director
Mary Hult is a dedicated homemaker and volunteer, fortunate to share her life with her husband, Craig Hult, and their four children, along with two beloved daughter and son-in-laws: Nick and Carly, and Kathryn and Peter. Additionally, she cherishes her role as a grandmother and "Homeschool Teacher" to her dear grandson, Theo, with another grandson on the way in May. Family holds a central place in her heart.
Mary's volunteer experience spans eleven years with the Pi Beta Phi House Corporation board (alumni), involvement with Jr. League Spokane, and various roles at Gonzaga Prep and Cataldo Catholic School. With a passion for cooking and entertaining, Mary operated a successful catering business for two decades. She treasures travel to holy sites, nurturing friendships, and fostering family connections.
As a devout Catholic and member of the Sacred Heart Church community, Mary's faith is integral to her life. For the past twelve years, she has actively participated in Bible Study Fellowship. Joining The Relic Project is a privilege for Mary, and she eagerly anticipates contributing to its mission with dedication and enthusiasm.
Board Member
Jacky Leija, a native of El Salvador, immigrated to the United States with her mother at the age of 11, seeking a fresh start. From a young age, Jacky has harbored a deep interest in prayer. She met her husband, Ruben, during her early teenage years at church and experienced love at first sight.
Together, they immersed themselves in the teachings of Jesus, actively participating in their local church by organizing and performing plays depicting biblical events in their early twenties. For seven years, Jacky directed productions of "The Last Supper" and "The Passion of Christ," both live and in processions.
Concurrently, she served in the bereavement ministry and as a sacristan for two years before relocating to Spokane.
Seventeen years ago, Jacky and Ruben moved to Spokane with their four children and her mother. They dedicated fourteen years as Eucharistic ministers at St. Aloysius before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking continued spiritual growth, Jacky and her family joined St. Charles Parish. Alongside her role as a certified medical assistant at an Urgent Care facility for nearly fourteen years, Jacky's commitment to community care resonates deeply. Her source of inspiration stems from studying the lives and values of saints.
Jacky's journey has evolved into a profound mission of learning from the saints to support others in their spiritual quests. She finds great joy in her involvement with The Relic Project, which offers individuals a mystical connection to the saints through relics, providing a unique opportunity for spiritual enrichment.
Board Member
Julie H. Olds holds a BA in Accounting from the University of Washington (1986), graduating with honors from Seattle University School of Law (1989) before earning an LL.M in Taxation from the University of Florida School of Law. She obtained her CPA license in 1990, though currently inactive.
A member of the Washington State Bar Association, Spokane County Bar Association, and Spokane Estate Planning Council, she has served on numerous not-for-profit and foundation boards.
As a frequent lecturer on estate planning and probate, she provides continuing education for professionals like attorneys, paralegals, accountants, and CFPs. Specializing in estate planning, probate, and small business establishment.
A Spokane native, Julie and her husband returned to raise their three sons, now adults. An enthusiastic outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys running, cycling, downhill skiing, golf, and hiking, embodying the Northwest spirit.