We are not intimidated by the widening divides in our marriages, families, communities, and country. Neither are the leaders we’ve been training for such a time as this. Nineteen more begin their journey with us this week in our 2025 Leadership Cohort.
They’re faith-formed-and-fueled leaders from diverse locations and sectors throughout the country. They’re committed to becoming leaders who can transform conflict within and around them, forge conflict-competent teams, and create and deploy programs that equip others to mend divides.
Learn more about our Leadership Cohort and Peace Fellowship and how we’re forming a community of leaders, congregations, organizations, and institutions to move toward conflict with the tools to heal.
We welcome your interest in participating in the 2026 cohort and/or your nominations of leaders who you think would benefit from this experience.
Justin Capener is an Area Director in Residence Life at Vanguard University in Orange County, California, passionate about empowering leaders, fostering open dialogue, and building bridges across divides.
Ross Carper is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Feast World Kitchen, which empowers former refugees and immigrants through shared meals. He has spent over a decade building community in Spokane’s lower South Hill.
Dr. Shelby L. Clark is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, specializing in trauma-informed care and well-being interventions. She is dedicated to fostering connections and belonging in every space she enters.
Jenna Daniels is a pastor at Awaken Community in St. Paul, MN, passionate about people, justice, and the power of community.
Colin Pip Dixon is a violinist, composer, and co-artistic director of The Elsewhere Ensemble, which blends chamber music, literature, and theater. Based in Eugene, Oregon, he has performed internationally and is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner.
Dave Creel is one of the lead contributors and organizers of the Guns to Gardens Central Oregon movement, which exists to peacefully resist the culture of gun violence by dismantling firearms and forging them into garden tools. Dave and his family have since relocated to Portland, OR, where they are actively engaging with local community members to address gun violence in the city.
Katy Cuthill is the Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Daytona Beach and founder of Missing Peace, a nomadic worshiping community. She is passionate about guiding individuals and institutions toward their unique callings.
Kelly Fassett is the Executive Director of UniteBoston, fostering Christian unity and bridge-building across the region. She holds an M.Div. from Boston University and lives in an intentional Christian community with her family.
Beth Lillstrom is the Executive Pastor of Ascent Community Church in Louisville, CO, committed to building resilient teams and fostering justice, mercy, and peace.
Steven Lindley is a pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, SD, passionate about helping people experience God’s love and exploring innovative ways for the church to engage in healing and reconciliation.
Shawn McConaughey is the General Superintendent of the Western Yearly Meeting of Friends Church and has served in Quaker ministry for over 35 years.
Nate McIntyre is a higher education professional at George Fox University, passionate about recruiting, mentoring, and helping people grow into their strengths. He thrives on building connections and fostering leadership development.
Chris Nafis is the pastor at Living Water Church of the Nazarene and a hospital chaplain, serving disadvantaged communities in San Diego since 2010. He founded Living Water Church in 2018 at the epicenter of homelessness.
Evangeline Pattison is the Vice President of Client Services and Senior Consultant at The FOCUS Group, with over 19 years of nonprofit experience and deep fundraising and project management expertise. She is the owner/operator of Swirled Frozen Goodness in Camas, WA, where she serves up Dole Whip at community events, combining her love for entrepreneurship with community engagement.
Kassandra Quick-Vana is the Family Ministry Pastor at Hope City Church, Claremont, CA, with a background in education, social services, and HR. She mentors young women and serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth.
Dr. David Sloan is a professor and consultant specializing in business psychology, leadership, and marketing. He holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies and advises businesses, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations on strategy and development.
Brigid Smith, a Portland, OR, native living in Dresden, Germany, is a Spiritual Director passionate about identity, calling, and teaching.
Rev. Mindy Smith is Director of the Office of Church Engagement at Whitworth University, overseeing ministry initiatives and leadership programs. She previously served as Whitworth’s campus pastor for a decade.
Claire Strunk is a pastor, speaker, and coach with over 20 years of ministry experience across diverse church settings. Based in Spokane, WA, she is passionate about the local church’s role in God’s transformative work.