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Tell us about yourself?
In my life and work, I am called and committed to the integration of healing spirituality and strategic, nonviolent social change. I serve as Associate Rector for Formation and Discipleship at St. Timothy’s in Centennial, Colorado, where I pastor people at all stages of life, and provide educational opportunities that address how faith speaks to social issues like racism and climate change. For nearly a decade, I have also maintained a freelance translation practice that allows me to support the efforts of churches and non-profit organizations to make their materials linguistically and culturally accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, I am a certified Kaleidoscope Institute dialogue Facilitator, curating spaces for civil conversation about pressing issues. In 2020, I co-founded the Resistance School to teach the spirituality and strategy of civil resistance to people from around the world.
How did your undergraduate degree in the Spanish & Portuguese department help you in your career path?
After completing my degree in Spanish, I went on to work at Homeboy Industries, helping men and women exit the cycle of gang violence and incarceration. Many of these folks, and even more of their parents, spoke Spanish, and my bilingualism allowed me to help them get the support they needed. Subsequently, I attended Fuller Seminary, completing a number of courses in Spanish through the Centro Latino program, and earning a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Christian Ethics. I have served churches in urban and suburban contexts in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and Denver, with English and Spanish-speaking communities. In each place, I have had opportunities to advocate for justice among Spanish-speaking people, which has included working with voting rights groups, unions, and other community organizations.
What career advice would you share with a current undergraduate student in the Spanish & Portuguese department?
Having the ability to speak other languages and graciously navigate other cultures will allow you endless possibilities in any career you choose! Your language abilities and cultural competency will help you to build trusting relationships and to be in solidarity with people whose rights need to be protected. This is a great privilege, that comes with responsibility and immense opportunities for joy!
Share two interesting facts about yourself?
I am a mom of two amazing twin baby girls, who are regularly exposed to three languages: English, Spanish, and Malayalam! Since studying for a year in Granada, Spain a decade ago, I’ve had the opportunity to return to visit friends, and have stayed in contact over the years with people who will be friends for life.