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!
Rev. Thomas R. Gaulke, Ph.D.
He/him
Communities where I organize or represent: South Central Wisconsin Rural & Small Town Organizer with Addition
​
Favorite organizing saying: ""Without tension, there is no turning."
One random thing: Father of a 5 year-old who loves polka
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
_
Based in Palmer, AK
Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda
She/her
Communities where I organize or represent: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Favorite organizing saying: “As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greater instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom and love.” (Desmond Tutu). Organizing draws forth that “greater instinct for goodness…."
One random thing: I played Helen Keller in the Miracle Worker for a local college drama department when I was in fourth grade. It involved so much fighting that I had to get special insurance for any bones broken during rehearsals.
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
_
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.
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. 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
_
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