Welcome our New Interim Executive Director- Dr. Karen Hernandez! 

 

We are delighted to report that Dr. Karen Hernandez has accepted our Interim Executive Director position for the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County!

 

Dr. Hernandez has a Doctor of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology, a Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University School of Theology, and a Master of Arts in Theological Research from Andover Newton Theological School.

 

Her passion is building bridges through restorative practices and interfaith peace building. She has successfully solicited for grants on these topics in her past jobs, most recently co-leading a training in Zimbabwe and Liberia on multi-religious approaches to the science of forgiveness with her position as Programme Officer of Partnerships and Interreligious Education with Religions for Peace International.

 

She also previously worked for the United Religions Initiative (URI) and Habitat for Humanity East Bay Silicon Valley.  Her work has found her in over 31 countries and she particularly enjoys grassroots work.

 

Originally from the Bay area, Karen started with I4C on May 1. Please take the opportunity to get to know Karen at our upcoming Elected Council meetings, or by just reaching out via email at interfaithICCCC@gmail. Join us to welcoming Karen! 

 

Her contact information is: interfaithICCCC@gmail.com  

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A Message from Our New Interim Executive Director

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I am beyond thrilled to have started as Interim Executive Director for the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County. My 20+ years of interfaith peacebuilding experience has taught me that localized, community bridge-building at the grassroots level creates sustainable, peaceful, and thriving communities.

 

It is important to note that peace in and of itself is not just the absence of conflict - communities thrive when there is access to food, healthcare, adequate housing, educational opportunities, and a sense of a beloved community that encourages healthy interactions amongst ourselves and our neighbors.

 

I4C does just that and this is why I want to work here. Seeking justice comes in many forms and it really does take a village, as the saying goes, to not only raise a family, but to peacefully coexist.

 

I look forward to meeting more I4C community members as time permits. Until then, wishing you peace and all good, today and every day. 

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Peace and All Good,

Dr. Karen Leslie Hernandez

Interim Executive Director

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