Trainers, Theologians, and Leaders
Brother Steve Jerbi, OEF
He/him
Director, Organizing for Mission Network
Communities where I organize or represent: I organize within the network. I also serve as a pastor at University Congregational UCC in Seattle and support local organizing efforts.
Favorite organizing saying: "all organizing is science fiction." -Adrienne Maree Brown
One random thing: I've been going to Phish concerts since last century.
Rev. Sue Engh
She/her
Communities where I organize or represent: Grace University Lutheran Church, ISAIAH of Minnesota
Favorite organizing saying: "When in doubt, form a team!"
One random thing: I’ll be serving as camp chaplain this summer at Outlaw Ranch in Custer South Dakota!
LaVeta Gilmore-Jones
Based in Portland, OR
Chelsea Kadovitz
She/her
Shared Leadership Team
Communities where I organize or represent: OFMN, SWCA Synod, Los Angeles Abortion Support Collective
Favorite organizing saying: "Any autonomy, self-determination, and freedom that come at the cost of self-mutilation are falsely conceived. Liberation cannot mean liberation from corporeality." - Christopher Marmolejo
One random thing: I am always game for a dance party.
Joey Lopez
He/him
Communities where I organize or represent: Church Council of Greater Seattle,
Queen Ann UMC and broader UMC spaces
Favorite organizing saying: “Relationships move at the speed of trust. But, social change moves at the speed of relationships.” - Rev. Jen Bailey (adapted from Steven Covey)
One random thing: I technically lived as a monk for a year. (It is possible I am still a monk because I was never released from my “vows.”)
rev. dr. abby mohaupt
She/her
Shared Leadership Team
Communities where I organize or represent: Presbyterian Church (USA), north side of Chicago, climate activists
Favorite organizing saying: when you don't know what to do, schedule a one to one
One random thing: I eat M&Ms in twos.
Rev. Kwame Pitts
She/her
Communities where I organize or represent: SOUL Chicago, CGN Buffalo
Favorite organizing saying: Burning Shit Down.
One random thing: My Ancestry I found out is my maternal lineage is from the Mandikia peoples of Senegal
Jaszy Segarra
She/her
Communities where I organize or represent: Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT)
Favorite Organizing Saying: When it comes to outreach, just do it like Nike.
One Random Thing: Oat milk lattes are the best!
Rev. Tuhina Verma-Rasche
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Based in Greensboro, NC
Brandon Wrencher
He/him
Shared Leadership Team
Communities where I organize or represent: local neighborhood associations
Favorite organizing saying: "Strong people don't need strong leaders." -Ella Baker
Joey Ager
He/him
Shared Leadership Team
Communities where I organize or represent: Ecumenical communities in Washington state, through Design For Peace + SWWA ELCA
Favorite organizing saying: Power is a product of relationship.
One random thing: Iona is my happy place.
Rev. Susan Gaeta
She/her
Shared Leadership Team
Communities where I organize or represent: New England Synod, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (Ayer, MA), Shalem Contemplatives of Color
Favorite organizing saying: "Have you done a one to one?"
One random thing: My hedgehog's name is Autumn.
Rev. Denise Graves, DD, MPA, MASM, PhD
Mama Denise, Us and Them
Shared Leadership Team
Organizing Networks : PICO (People Improving Communities through Organizing), a multi-faith organizing non-profit organization founded by Jesuits; The MICAH Project (Health Care, Environment, Mass Incarceration, Blight Elimination) , WISC (The Wyandotte County Interfaith Organizing Project); The Louisiana State Organizing Project; The National Health Care Organizing Project; OVNV (International Black and Brown Organizing); The Congo Square Preservation Society; Peace Ministry
Organizing Sayings: The first revolution is internal; Small is beautiful; There are no permanent allies or permanent enemies; People organize around their own self-interest; Listening to people is an act of love.
Randoms: I am a 40 plus year roller skater, serves as the Chaplin, my skate name is “skatepeace” of the Skate Unit Krewe, we travelled about the country participating in multiple 3 day and night skate jams.
Rev. Joe Kim
He/him
Communities where I organize or represent: Bothell United Methodist Church
Favorite organizing saying: Power is a product of relationship
One random thing: I raise chickens in my backyard garden
Sister Kelly Marciales
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Based in Palmer, AK
Rev. Clark Olson-Smith
He/him
Communities where I organize or represent: Zion Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa; local Gamaliel affiliate
Favorite organizing saying: It works if you work it.
One random thing: “love & justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters.” --Rev. angel Kyodo williams’
Rev. Anna Rieke
She/her
Communities To Which I am Accountable: St. John United Lutheran Church - Seattle (ELCA), Organizing for Mission Network, Sound Alliance (IAF)
Favorite Organizing Saying: "When you know your self interest, it's easier to direct your life...and it's a lot more fun." - Mary Gonzales
One Random Thing: In high school, I was confronted by a cougar in the wilderness while hiking. I could almost pet them!
Bianca Vazquez
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Based in Washington D.C.
Amber West
She/her
Communities where I organize or represent: Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT)
Favorite organizing saying: "A protest with permission is a parade"
One random thing: Star Wars > Star Trek