Rev. Jocelyn Gardner Spencer comes to CLJ from New Haven where she served as Senior Minister of United Church on the Green. She is a faith leader with over a decade of experience moving congregations and wider church organizations toward justice and equity, including the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ where she most recently served as board president.
Marika Stewart is an enthusiastic community change professional specializing in educational training, meeting facilitation, and organizational management. She also brings with her demonstrated experience in leading racial justice, diversity and cultural awareness trainings for adults, faith communities, and over 400+ youth.
Juan Fonseca Tapia is a community organizer, educator, and facilitator with an unwavering commitment to liberation. In 2020, Juan helped establish the Waterbury Empowers the People to Act (WEPA). He served as the campaign and organizing strategist with a vision for advancing an anti-racist political ideology at the local and state levels. He currently serves as the implementer of diversity and inclusion at his Air Force Base where he facilitates cultural competencies for over 2000 members.
“I’m so excited for the heart, skill, and talent that these three bring as individuals to our organization. We have already seen what they will bring to an already dynamic and dedicated organizing team,” Executive Director Cori Nicewander said. “Their deep understanding of working within an anti-racist framework and their ability to keep pushing us in that direction is an incredibly important part of the gifts that these organizers bring to CLJ and GHIAA.”
