Meet the Authors & Contributors
In November of 2022, a diverse group of fifty young adults gathered at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN, for a transformative event designed to shape the future of the church. Guided by facilitators Rozella Haydée White and Jeremy Myers, PhD, and structured around the Ignatian Awareness Examen, participants engaged in small and large group discussions as well as personal reflection. Together, they explored their most pressing concerns, hopes, and dreams for the church, identifying key themes to guide its future. These themes became the foundation for the chapters in Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults.
The selection process for the book’s authors began with a call for applications from young adults across the U.S. The Riverside Innovation Hub, which facilitated the initiative, received a wealth of powerful submissions—rich with compelling stories, thought-provoking questions, and bold visions for change. A dedicated review team carefully evaluated these applications, ultimately selecting eleven young adults to author the book’s chapters. Each author was paired with a thought leader specializing in their chapter’s theme, creating a dynamic collaboration that would deepen and expand their perspectives.
Chapter Authors
Shaya Aguilar
Co-Author of Lament Embodied in Community
Shaya, a PsyD student at Fuller Seminary, explores the intersection of theology and psychology. Formerly an assistant chaplain, she loves hiking, cooking, and coffee shops, aiming to foster healing, grace-filled church communities.
Talitha Amadea Aho
Co-Author of Destruction & Re-Creation
Talitha, a pediatric hospital chaplain at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, wrote In Deep Waters, exploring spiritual care for young people navigating climate grief and hope.
Cherice Bock
Co-Author of Reclaiming “Enough”
Cherice (she/her) is a writer, educator, and climate advocate connecting faith and the environment. She teaches at the University of Portland, works at 350PDX, and lives in Oregon. More at chericebock.com.
Sarah Brock Iverson
Co-Author of Health and Wholeness
Sarah is a practicing Obstetrics & Gynecology physician assistant. She is passionate about patient education and fostering habits that promote long term health and wellness. Sarah lives in Minnesota with her husband and their young son.
Rev. Madeline Burbank
Co-Author of Sex Is a Gift
Madeline (she/her), an ELCA pastor and queer chaplain, celebrates God’s love through co-creation, play, and art. A trauma-informed educator and anti-racist advocate, she values mutual liberation and recharges with tabletop games and lake-time.
Kristina Frugé
Co-author of introduction & conclusion
Kristina, Director of Congregational and Community Initiatives at Augsburg University, guides congregations in fostering neighborly connections. Rooted in South Minneapolis, she believes the Holy Spirit works through relationships to repair and flourish communities.
Rev. Kristen Glass Perez
Co-Author of Tokenism of Young Adults
Kristen Glass Perez is a college chaplain who has served at institutions like GWU, Northwestern, Muhlenberg, and Augustana. She leads multi-religious chaplaincy teams and frequently speaks and writes on student success, economic hardship, vocation, interfaith engagement, and young adult ministry.
Reesheda N. Graham Washington
Co-Author of What Else Could It Be?
Reesheda, CEO of The Blackberry Collection, partners with individuals and organizations to foster transformative growth through DEI-centered leadership and strategy.
Abby Grifno
Co-Author of Liberating the Sanctuary
Abby, a high school English teacher from Austin, Texas, writes about local culture with work in Bethesda Magazine and The Washington City Paper. She views liberation as an ongoing, collective practice.
Kara Haug
Co-Author of Sex Is a Gift
Kara Haug is an AASECT certified Sexuality Health Educator who also has her Masters in Theological Studies. She Co-Founded the company Reframing our Stories to change the narrative on how we talk about sexuality in the systems that greatly impact us: family, schools, and churches.
Jia Johnson
Co-Author of Health and Wholeness
Jia, founder of Freedom Dream Collective, is a mind-body coach, energy healer, and social justice entrepreneur. With an M.A. in Public Ministry, she integrates personal and social transformation through holistic coaching and education.
Amber Kalina
Co-Author of What Else Could It Be?
Amber, an ELCA pastor in rural Minnesota, draws on diverse ministry experiences and encourages others to serve God and neighbor, guided by 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: “Let all that you do be done in love.”
Rev. Dr. Eric H. F. Law
Co-Author of Why Are You So Angry?
Eric is an Episcopal priest and founder of the Kaleidoscope Institute, equipping leaders to build diverse, sustainable communities. A global consultant and trainer for over 30 years, he’s authored 10+ books including Holy Currencies and Fear Not. He’s also a composer, visual artist, and playwright.
Rev. Baird Linke
Co-Author of Tokenism of Young Adults
Baird, an ELCA pastor serving Our Savior’s Lutheran in Bonner, Montana, and Lutherans Restoring Creation, focuses on God’s new creation through worship, community, and justice, valuing young adults’ unique insights for the church.
J.D. Mechelke
Co-Author of Destruction & Re-Creation
J.D., a Ph.D. student at Drew University and adjunct faculty at Augsburg University, researches political theology, temporality, and ecology in the Anthropocene. He holds an M.A. from Luther Seminary.
Catalina Morales Bahena
Co-Author of Reclaiming “Enough”
Catalina, Director of Learning for Faith in Action, is a proud DACA recipient and immigration rights advocate. A TEDx speaker, she received the Immigrant of Distinction Award in 2019 for her sanctuary work in Minnesota.
Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah
Co-Author of Lament Embodied in Community
Soong-Chan, Robert Munger Professor at Fuller Seminary, is a pastor, author, and advocate for racial reconciliation and justice. He holds multiple advanced degrees and has written books like Prophetic Lament and Unsettling Truths.
Nicholas Tangen
Co-Author of Gather at the Table
Nicholas Tangen is the Assistant to the Bishop for Faith and Neighboring at the Minneapolis Area Synod. He is a writer, organizer, and Benedictine Oblate committed to supporting churches for the sake of the common good. He lives in NE Minneapolis with his spouse Kristin.
Amanda Vetsch
Co-author of introduction & conclusion
Amanda, based in Minneapolis, MN, uses her gifts in coaching, facilitation, and leadership to build thriving communities. With an MA in Justice and Reconciliation, she focuses on anti-racism and community sustainability.
Kayla Zopfi
Co-Author of Beyond the Walls
Kayla, a scholar of public church, is passionate about storytelling and building communities of love and sufficiency. Drawn to the ELCA in college, they are called to foster faith rooted in Christ’s commandment to love and serve.
contributors
Kristina Frugé
Project Manager & Co-EDITOR
Kristina, Director of Congregational and Community Initiatives at Augsburg University, guides congregations in fostering neighborly connections. Rooted in South Minneapolis, she believes the Holy Spirit works through relationships to repair and flourish communities.
Ellen Weber
Marketing Project Coordinator
Ellen believes in creating spaces of belonging through her work in ministry, education, and community leadership. A Program Associate at RIH, she applies her training in intentional gathering to foster connection and inclusion.
Amanda Vetsch
Creative Project Coordinator
Amanda, based in Minneapolis, MN, uses her gifts in coaching, facilitation, and leadership to build thriving communities. With an MA in Justice and Reconciliation, she focuses on anti-racism and community sustainability.
Illustrator
Lindsay Fertig-Johnson
Illustrator
Lindsay (she/her), a Lutheran deaconess and candidate for ELCA ordination, serves as Generosity Director for the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA. A graphic artist and storyteller, she fosters inclusive spaces for healing and renewal.