Communities thrive when people flourish in their spiritual practices. People who relate well to their own self, their bodies, their neighbors, the natural world and consciously engage the systems in which they participate are better able to build healthy communities. Pathways to Wholeness is an invitation to explore the power of spirituality to build healthy communities.
Join Sojourners for a symposium that will bring together policy makers, health officials, and faith leaders to learn how Californians are using spirituality to build healthy communities.
*Breakfast, lunch, and happy hour will be served.
Schedule
- Registration and Continental Breakfast
- Plenary Session I: The Power of Spirituality to Build Healthy Communities
- Breakout Sessions I
- Lunch
- Breakout Sessions II
- Plenary Session II: Californians Building Healthy Communities through Spirituality and Faith
- Social & Networking Hour
Speakers
Pamela King, Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science and Executive Director of the Thrive Center for Human Development, is a leading figure in promoting human thriving and flourishing through her interdisciplinary research on spiritual development, positive youth development, and the role of faith in fostering well-being. As an ordained minister, accomplished author, and dedicated educator, she integrates theology, psychology, and community engagement to understand and cultivate environments that nurture individual and societal flourishing.
Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is academic dean of Centro Latino at Fuller Theological Seminary in California and co-chair of Sojourners' board.
With over three decades of experience in designing and administering community and faith-based urban programs, Professor Michael Mata integrates practical insights into his role directing the Transformational Urban Leadership MA program at Azusa Pacific Seminary. His extensive background spans community development, congregational redevelopment, and intercultural programs, while his wife, Tina, shares his commitment to sustainability as president of a community land trust.
Dean Soni is a multidisciplinary scholar with a diverse educational background spanning law, religious studies, and public diplomacy. As a prolific writer and producer, he explores the intersections of religion, popular culture, and diplomacy, contributing to various publications and media platforms while also actively engaging in interreligious dialogue and community service.
Vanessa Gomez Brake (she/her/siya) serves as the pioneering Associate Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, where she supports a diverse array of student religious and spiritual groups. As the first humanist chaplain in this role at any American university, she also provides confidential counseling and support to undocumented Trojans, and has received recognition for her contributions to interfaith dialogue and community service, including awards from NASPA and the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association.
Guesnerth Josué Perea is executive director of the afrolatin@ forum and the associate pastor of Metro Hope Church. His research on AfroLatinidad has been part of various publications including Let Spirit Speak: Cultural Journeys through the African Diaspora and the Revista de Estudios Colombianos.
Rev. Woo is an LA native and currently works in the dept. of spiritual development at Homeboy Industries Inc., as a counselor at NaNoom in Koreatown, and is in the process of creating an Asian American Sangha, @BurningPride Meditation. He received ministerial endorsement through Tahl Mah Sah Temple and is studying for a Doctorate in Buddhist Ministry at the University of the West.
Paul Hoang is the CEO & President of the Moving Forward Psychology Institute. Since 2008, Paul has specialized in Emergency Mental Health and Disaster Response Services as well as training professionals and non-professionals in Crisis Prevention and Intervention. In addition to his extensive field experience and clinical skills, Paul’s holistic, mindfulness and solution-focused approach makes him effective in mobilizing and increasing collaboration among stakeholders, community partners, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, and community leaders to identify and address areas for growth.
Shaykh Suhail Mulla is the Director of the Los Angeles branch of the Khalil Center – a community spiritual and psychological wellness center. Shaykh Suhail currently serves as Resident Scholar at the Islamic Society of West Valley in Canoga Park, CA. He also serves as the IOK Muslim Chaplain at Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN). In addition, Shaykh Suhail serves as Religious Advisor to UMMA Community Clinic and is the co-founder of the Muslim Marriage Rejuvenation Retreat.
Doug Oman is an adjunct professor, where his research focuses on influences on health from spirituality and related psychological factors. He has taught Public Health students in Community Health Sciences, Maternal Child Health, and other areas of public health. He edited Why Religion and Spirituality Matter for Public Health (2018, Springer), and is the director of U.C. Berkeley’s traineeship on Spirituality and Public Health.
Dr. Bernie Lim, MD, MS describes herself as a Creator, Healer, and Warrior. She is the daughter of Filipinx and Toisan immigrants and this first in her family to become a physician. She founded Freedom Community Clinic at 24 years old through the Oakland Youth Impact Hub. She also serves as faculty at San Francisco State’s Institute for Holistic Health Studies and recently graduated from UCSF School of Medicine and earned her Master’s at UC Berkeley School of Public Health through the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program.
Ophir is a Jerusalem-born facilitator, educator, mediator, ritualist, storyteller, organizational consultant, and co-founder of Kinhood. He has been guiding men’s work for over 5 years and has facilitated for numerous organizations all over the country. He helped pilot and direct MenschUp, the mens’ program for the Shalom Bayit, the Jewish Center for Domestic Abuse. He is a certified somatic trauma therapist through the Hakomi Institute of California, and a certified Esalen Massage practitioner. He is passionate around working with clients and communities to move trauma through the body.
Yu-Shuan is the founding director of Sacred Roots, interfaith Black, Indigenous, women-led organization that seeks to deepen and interlock our cultural, spiritual, and ancestral roots for the sake of collective healing and liberation. She is a spiritual space curator, connector, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience cultivating healing-based and spirit-based liberatory pedagogy and practice.