In this inspiring episode, we continue our exploration of Kwaray’s development by welcoming a dynamic and deeply knowledgeable voice: Tiffany Bluhm, Executive Director of PAX—an organization dedicated to mentoring and vocational development for emerging Christians of color—and a contributor to Kwaray. With over 16 years in ministry and nonprofit leadership, Tiffany’s insights blend practical wisdom, historical context, and a profound appreciation for cultural identity’s role in spiritual growth. In this conversation, she highlights the critical need for mentorship within Christian communities of color, illustrating how this historically underserved population often lacks the guidance necessary to develop robust leadership pipelines. We hear how cultural identity is not a hindrance but a divine gift, and that embracing heritage dismantles internalized narratives of deficiency, allowing leaders of color to confidently step into their callings. Contemplative activism becomes central to Tiffany’s vision, as she explains that sustained engagement in community work and leadership development is grounded in practices of peace, justice, and spiritual rootedness. Tiffany’s own scholarship, as reflected in her sixth book, The Women We’ve Been Waiting For, provides new lenses through which to view scriptural and historical narratives, re-centering women of color as essential contributors rather than marginal figures. The result is a dynamic, collective vision where empowered leaders integrate their cultural identities, spiritual practices, and communal learning to transform faith communities from within. Join us as we learn from Tiffany Bloom’s deep well of experience and passion, and discover how a multi-layered approach to mentorship, identity, and faith can shape a future where everyone’s story is honored and every leader is equipped to thrive. This episode offers valuable insight for anyone seeking mentorship, resources, and empowerment to step fully into their cultural and spiritual identity and build inclusive communities that flourish.

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Cindy Liu, a visionary strategist dedicated to redefining the future of education through Kwaray, a groundbreaking community-based learning platform. Cindy takes us on her journey, sharing her insights on why fostering a sense of community is essential for transformative education and personal growth and how Kwaray’s unique model is setting itself apart from traditional learning environments, offering a space for rising faith leaders leaders to not only gain knowledge but to actively build community, nurture spiritual growth, and drive social impact. She provides a thoughtful analysis of the current cultural climate, discussing how Kwaray equips faith leaders and changemakers to tackle division and foster unity within their communities. Whether you’re a leader, educator, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights into how education can go beyond traditional learning, integrating spirituality, purpose, and community.  Join us for a conversation that explores the intersection of faith, learning, and social impact, and discover how you can play a role in shaping a more just and connected world.

Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, President of Pacific School of Religion, discusses the origin story of Kwaray, a new community-based learning platform dedicated to equipping rising faith leaders as they navigate an era of profound spiritual and cultural upheaval. Kwaray aims to address the pressing needs of accessible theological education and challenge the notion of excellence by exclusion in higher education. It seeks to create an inclusive space for learning and engaging questions of meaning, society, and spirituality and is built on a distributed network that allows for diverse voices and perspectives to contribute and learn together. This episode offers valuable insights on a direct and accessible pathway toward more transformational education, one place to find your community, to discover your purpose, and take action!

As the first female principals at Bora Architecture, Amy Donohoe and Jeannie Lai champion justice-oriented design, making educational spaces innovative, inclusive, and inspirational. They sat down with us to talk about their personal and professional journeys and the importance of design justice, equity, and community engagement in architecture. We hear about the challenges of a male-dominated industry, the historical lack of diversity in architecture, the importance of recognizing and addressing biases in design, and creating inclusive spaces that prioritize the needs of both staff and clients. They highlight the transformative power of critical race theory in shaping their design process and creating more inclusive spaces as well as the challenges of letting go of control as designers. We also hear examples of projects that have pushed the boundaries of traditional architecture and involved the community in decision-making. This episode offers inspiration on centering community members’ experiences to create spaces that promote collaboration, engagement, and interconnectedness.

To get more content like this and learn more about ignite and PSR go to psr.edu.

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, a pastor, dynamic speaker, award-winning author, professor, and thought leader. Dr. Salter McNeil is recognized internationally as one of the foremost leaders of reconciliation and was featured as one of the 50 most influential women to watch by Christianity Today in 2012. A trailblazer with a loving and prophetic approach, her mission is to inspire and empower emerging Christian leaders to practice reconciliation in their communities. She talks with us about the crucial need for bravery and action in the pursuit of justice, the pivotal role young people play in advocating for change, and the church’s responsibility to commit to reconciliation through concrete actions. We learn about her faith journey and gain valuable insights on decolonizing our minds. She underscores the need for building diverse coalitions, practicing self-care, and finding supportive communities to sustain this work. Additionally, she talks about her experiences at Quest Church, where every member is valued and contributes to the community’s journey towards affirming the image of God in all human beings. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of reconciliation, and discover how you can contribute to this vital work in your own sphere of influence.

Dr. Salter McNeil serves as an Associate Professor of Reconciliation Studies at the School of Theology, Seattle Pacific University, where she directs the Reconciliation Studies program. She is the author of the newly released book, Empowered to Repair: Becoming People Who Mend Broken Systems and Heal Our Communities, as well as Becoming Brave: Finding the Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now, Roadmap to Reconciliation, Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0, and A Credible Witness. She is also the coauthor of The Heart of Racial Justice.

To get more content like this and learn more about ignite and PSR go to psr.edu.

In this conversation, we sat down with Lauren Snelling and Dori King to discuss their experiences as parents and educators and the importance of storytelling in their respective fields. Lauren is child trauma psychotherapist/counselor, committed to disrupting systems in an effort to support Black children, and Dori is a children’s picture book writer, educator, and mindfulness practitioner. We learn about their experiences in creating spaces for Black children to explore their identities, the challenges they face in predominantly white institutions, and the need for agency and leadership among young people. They also touch on the joys and challenges of raising their own Black boys and how it informs their work. The importance of self-care and finding sustainable practices to thrive in the education system is also shared. This episode highlights the power of community, the importance of self-reflection, and the need for representation and affirmation for Black children.

To get more content like this and learn more about ignite and PSR go to psr.edu.

Join us in this enlightening episode as our host, Mo King, delves into the intricate landscape of Christian ethics with esteemed scholars Dr. Traci West  and Dr. Lisa Asedillo. Dr. West is an author and Professor of Christian Ethics and African American Studies at Drew University Theological School. She offers profound insights into gender-based violence, intertwining race and religion, and the pivotal role of hope in facing global crises. Dr. Lisa Asedillo is an ethicist, liturgist, and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Worship and Ethics at Pacific School of Religion. She shares her passion for nurturing spiritually rooted leaders at PSR, emphasizing the importance of teaching methods and facilitating deep conversations in the classroom. Together, they explore critical topics such as religion, activism, ethics, and community leadership. We hear about the value of creativity and spirituality in navigating challenges, the need for solidarity and mutuality in liberation movements, and the importance of centering anti-racist perspectives in theology and ethics, Tune in as these scholars explore how faith transforms into tangible action and illuminates the path towards ethical living and social justice in today’s world. This episode offers faith leaders perspectives that inspire hope and ignite change.

To get more content like this and learn more about ignite and PSR go to psr.edu.

On our Season premiere, our host Mo King sits down with spiritual leaders Rev. Adriene Thorne, Senior Minister of the historic Riverside Church in NYC, and Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, President of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA, as they delve into their experiences leading dynamic communities, their challenges, and the resources they use to overcome them. From navigating vulnerability in religious spaces to forging interfaith collaborations, they explore the topics of identity, spirituality, and ministry, offering insights on leadership, prophetic voice, and inclusivity. While reflecting on their shared connection through PSR and how it informs their approaches to leadership, they highlight the importance of faith, trust, strategic planning, and community meaning-making. We also hear about the importance of resisting fear in various contexts and the role of artists and creatives in helping people see a future that isn’t here yet, but is coming. This episode provides valuable resources for leaders navigating the complexities of modern religious landscapes.

In a global culture that has perpetuated sexual violence, and a recent shift to more people talking about it than ever before, how can we as leaders truly be in community with survivors of this kind of abuse? In our Season Finale, we sat down with Lydia Matioli, Program & Partnerships Director of Freely in Hope in Kenya and Zambia, to talk about her own story and how this shift in mindset is helping her be more expansive in her vision, in terms of advocacy.  Born and raised in Kibera, East Africa’s largest slum, Lydia has experienced the effects of sexual violence, lack of education, and poverty firsthand. Now, at Freely in Hope, she coordinates, designs, and implements programs that exemplify best practices on ending the cycle of sexual violence. She shares with our community how listening to survivors’ stories and telling their stories in a dignified way, helps them to shift the blame from them to their perpetrators and begin the healing process. We learn specific pathways to take, so that we can all become active survivor advocates as well as how therapy, contemplative practices, and having an attitude of gratitude can keep leaders in this work grounded and nourished.   Lydia also talks about teaching children the importance of preventing sexual abuse through bodily autonomy, speaking up, consent, and safe touch.

Pick up Lydia’s book here: https://buy.pendospower.com/

*This episode contains mature content