Panel: TOGETHER?
May 10, 10:45am
At Kentro, we gather around our shared faith. In fact, Kentro means “centre” in Greek - a nod to the fact that Jesus is at the centre of who we are and what we do. But, this doesn’t mean that we all think or act the same! The Body of Christ is full of beautiful diversity and differences.
So, how do we actually do this important work TOGETHER?!?!
Listen in on this panel conversation facilitated by Cheryl Weber (host of 100 Huntley Street, and director of Kentro member Crossroads Cares) and hear from a variety of perspectives. They’ll discuss the benefits and challenges of working across various differences, as well as share stories and practical tips on working through (or in spite!) of differences.
Facilitator:
Cheryl Weber, Crossroads Cares
With more than 20 years as a media leader, TV host, international speaker, and global humanitarian, Cheryl Weber has always had a passion for transformation and global change. Her commitment to justice and poverty alleviation has taken her from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to some of the most desperate and remote places on the planet. She currently serves as co-host of the Canadian TV show “100 Huntley Street” and Director of Crossroads Cares Relief and Development.
Panelists:
Alyssa Esparaz, Compassion Canada
Alyssa Esparaz is the Content and Public Relations Manager at Compassion Canada. Alyssa is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where she studied International Development. Alyssa also has a Certificate in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and an Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism from the University of British Columbia and is currently completing a Master of Communication Management degree at McMaster University. She is a second-generation Canadian of Chinese-Filipino heritage and a lifelong resident of the Greater Toronto Area. Find her online @alyssaesparaz.
Dave Witt, TrueCity
Dave works as a Church Network Developer in Hamilton, ON where for the past twenty years he has facilitated partnership building between the various congregations which make up the TrueCity network. Together they have cultivated opportunities to live out the aspiration to be churches together for the good of the city.
Dave and his wife Alison have been married for 33 years and enjoy calling the ever-evolving diversity of Hamilton’s North End home. They have 2 adult sons and a rambunctious 4 year old granddaughter.
Jesse Sudirgo, Tyndale Seminary
Jesse Sudirgo is a teacher, pastor, and community facilitator with a keen interest in the church's role in the work of justice and compassion in the urban context. He is the Assistant Professor of Contextual Ministry at Tyndale Seminary, as well as having the role as an Educationalist in partnership with the NAIITS Learning Community seeking to apply Indigenous Appreciative Inquiry to theological education. He is also the founder of Good Neighbour Consulting Services, and a pastor at Capstone Community Bible Church in Etobicoke, ON. Prior to his current roles, he was the Director of Street-Involved Services at the YSM Evergreen Centre and spent 4 years church planting in Boston, MA.
Greg Reader, BrightHope for Tomorrow
Greg’s passion is for churches around the world to collaborate more fully and effectively in mission. He has over 35 years of international experience, having previously worked with International Teams Canada in Europe, the Philippines, and Canada. His MDiv is from Tyndale Seminary, and his Doctor of Practical Theology from McMaster Divinity College, with research focused on Christian witness in international development. Since 2019 Greg has served as Board Chair for Kentro Christian Network, an association of more than 50 Canadian Christian organizations involved in international relief and development. Greg and his wife, Helen, live in Peterborough, ON.
Angie Peters, Yonge Street Mission
Angie Peters is an inspiring and collaborative leader in Toronto’s social sector serving the communities where she grew up. In 2003, she left her executive role in telecommunications to work towards the end of poverty. She founded ZOË Alliance, an international social enterprise, before joining Toronto’s Yonge Street Mission in 2013 as President and CEO. In 2022, she hosted a Poverty Hack-a-Thon that has since birthed a city-wide multi-sector collaboration that is creating trust, action and momentum to build communities where everyone can thrive. In 2024, Angie became a published author with the launch of her new book, Just Act: We are the Solution to Poverty, an inspirational guide for people, businesses and community organizations concerned about poverty to develop a measurable action plan to help address poverty.
Naomi Papavero, Redeemer University Graduate
Naomi Papavero was born in Argentina and has since lived in Canada, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand. As the daughter of international workers, Naomi grew up living in different cultural contexts and learning from people practicing community development around the world. She is a recent graduate of Redeemer University, with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Management and minoring in International Politics and Studies. During her first co-op at WayBase, Naomi worked with Daria Nardozza to support nonprofits in finding donors, partners, and volunteers. In her second co-op at Cardus, a think tank based in Hamilton and Ottawa, Naomi learned about how public policy is researched and communicated. She recently began working at the Runnymede Society as their Operations and Communications Director. Her experiences have helped shape her understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofit organizations in Canada and abroad.