By Meg Biallas Henry
Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series featuring the 2020 cohort of Sacred Sector Fellowship, which equips current and recently graduated seminarians for service within the faith-based nonprofit sector. 2020 Fellows will begin with a weeklong learning intensive with Sacred Sector staff in June, and then complete a 9-week placement with a faith-based organization. Read the full series here.
Meet Michael Carline-Perez
Michael Carline-Perez is a seminarian at Fresno Pacific BIble Seminary. The son of a law enforcement official and a farm worker rights activist, Michael is a first-generation college graduate. “I went to college to show my cousins in el Barrio that they could [do the same], and to increase my knowledge of community development strategies,” said Michael.
Michael is looking forward to participating in the 2020 Sacred Sector Fellowship, and says that, because of his work addressing homelessness in his local community, he wants to learn more about how faith-based institutions can partner with the government in housing solutions. “With issues such as homelessness...it takes public-private partnerships to holistically address….justice,” said Michael.
Michael works as a connections coordinator at Onramps Covenant Church in downtown Fresno. Michael graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University.
Meet Ruth Mangual
Ruth Mangual is a seminarian at the Princeton Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree.
Ruth answered the call to ministry following years of service at various churches in New York. Ruth is interested in issues of diversity and inclusion within a theological praxis of social justice. As such, in addition to her ministry at La Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras, Ruth is involved with the Covenant Architects Network, which provides mentoring and leadership platforms for and with Latinx young adults. She is currently studying to become a spiritual director.
Previously, Ruth was safe home coordinator and economic empowerment manager for Restore NYC, an organization that exists to end sex trafficking in New York and restore the well-being and independence of foreign-national survivors. Her passion for being the voice for the voiceless and desire for social justice for the marginalized fuels her decisions. “I am interested in learning and understanding how the integration of public policies and faith-based organizations can empower the church and its community,” said Ruth.
Previously, Ruth worked as an assistant property manager at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as adjunct professor at Monroe College, and as an executive chef at high-end establishments in New York City. Her pastry business, Auzca Patisserie, has been featured in various print publications. Ruth graduated with a bachelor’s degree from College of New Rochelle.
Meet Gretchen Saalbach
Gretchen is a seminarian at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Gretchen has lived all over the world, including Boston, Delaware, Germany, and Warsaw (Poland).
With a background in student ministry and German language, Gretchen is interested in learning more about the role of faith-based organizations, and their place in civil society. “I would love to go more deeply into connecting what nonprofits can add in partnership with local government to any long-term solutions,” said Gretchen.
As a Fellow with Sacred Sector, Gretchen and her cohort will be equipped with a framework to help faith-based organizations live out their missions in every area of organizational life.
"Faith-based nonprofits are a good way to extend the reach of local churches in terms of mission. I’m excited to learn more about how faith-based nonprofits can go more deeply into an issue, bringing faith to bear on deep-seated issues that need resolution."
Meg Biallas Henry is the Director of Communications for the Center for Public Justice.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Know a seminarian or a faith-based organization? Connect them with Sacred Sector’s Fellowship and Community, designed to equip individuals and organizations to live out their faith-shaped callings. Email virginia.creasy@cpjustice.org for more information.
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