Mission Statement
EarthConnection, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, is a center for learning and reflection about living lightly on Earth. Aware of the interconnectedness of all of Creation, we seek to integrate spirituality and sustainability through programs in sustainable agriculture, alternative energies, ecojustice, and eco-spirituality.
Short History
EarthConnection was built in 1991 to address the adverse ecological effects of our consumer society. It was founded by Sister Paula Gonzalez, SC, Ph.D., a biologist, nationally recognized lecturer, author and retreat leader.
The facility was made possible by many groups of volunteers who converted an oversized four-car garage into a 3,900-square-foot meeting and office space building. Features of the facility include an experimental solar heating system, solar electricity, natural lighting, super-insulated walls and windows, floor tiles made of waste glass, a wall made of aluminum cans, and carpeting constructed from recycled plastic bottles.

S. Caroljean Willie
Program DirectorS. Cj holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master’s Degree in Reading and a Ph.D. in Multicultural Education. She has extensive experience working cross-culturally throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America as a teacher, principal, teacher-trainer, cultural diversity consultant and retreat director.
She is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and has also given presentations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South…
Read more...Team Members

S. Caroljean Willie
Program DirectorS. Cj holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master’s Degree in Reading and a Ph.D. in Multicultural Education. She has extensive experience working cross-culturally throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America as a teacher, principal, teacher-trainer, cultural diversity consultant and retreat director.
She is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and has also given presentations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Europe. She recently completed two terms of office as the NGO representative at the United Nations where she worked in the areas of social development, education, environmental sustainability, human trafficking, interfaith dialogue and poverty eradication for the Sisters of Charity Federation. She continues to work with microfinancing projects in Africa.
She currently serves as the Program Director for EarthConnection, an environmental center in Cincinnati, Ohio and serves on the board of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light.

S. Winnie Brubach
EC Facilities CoordinatorS. Winnie is the facilities coordinator for EarthConnection.
“I take care of the building and grounds and provide a variety of tours,” she said. “Most of our visitors are from the College and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. The students are very interested in the building itself, which features solar heating, solar electricity, natural lighting, super-insulated walls and windows, floor tiles made of waste glass, a…
Read more...Team Members

S. Winnie Brubach
EC Facilities CoordinatorS. Winnie is the facilities coordinator for EarthConnection.
“I take care of the building and grounds and provide a variety of tours,” she said. “Most of our visitors are from the College and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. The students are very interested in the building itself, which features solar heating, solar electricity, natural lighting, super-insulated walls and windows, floor tiles made of waste glass, a wall made of aluminum cans, and carpeting constructed from recycled plastic bottles.”