Spirituality, Activism & Mental Health

Panelists

Lahronda Welch, PhD, CHP - Mystic, healer, teacher, and pastor who draws from her rich cultural and spiritual heritage to nurture and guide others to wellness and wholeness. An influencer in women’s health and well-being, Lahronda is deeply concerned by the intersectional challenges of socio-economics, race, gender, politics, and the environment.

Araya Baker, M.Phil.Ed., Ed.M. - A nationally recognized educator, journalist, psychotherapist, and political commentator whose  public theology work has focused on archiving the Black Church's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, in addition to countering the contemporary rise of Christian fascism/nationalism and religious fundamentalism with Christian humanism, pacifism, and socialism.

Francisca Porchas Coronado - A Mexican immigrant, Chicana, Latinx, feminist, and anti-racist organizer with over 15 years of organizing experience. She has worked on issues of civil rights, environmental and climate justice, criminalization, and immigration at the intersection of race and class. Her work is rooted in the belief that low income people of color, especially Black and Latinx communities have the power to transform themselves, each other and their communities.

Jemma Suwa - Jemma Suwa has her Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Community Development at Vanderbilt University. She is recently ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. As a young faith leader Jemma is interested in all the ways that she, in community with others on a similar journey, can draw from the lessons and wisdom of those who are showing us what wellness and wholeness can look like.