In a time marked by political upheaval, ecological crisis, and deep uncertainty, how do we make space for lament—and where do we find signs of hope? How might we make sense of the unsettled terrain around us? Join us for an evening of honest reflection and collective grounding as we explore these questions together.
Panelists Paul Okoye, Dr. Kim Penner, Rev. Dr. Hyung Jin (Pablo) Kim Sun, and Leah Reesor-Keller will guide us through a rich conversation from the vantage points of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Organizational Change; and Theology. Each will speak from their own disciplinary and lived experience, naming the disorienting realities we face and lifting up where they see hope emerging.
This event will include a participatory element: attendees are invited to share anonymous laments, fears, and hopes on a virtual whiteboard. These offerings will be held together in a time of communal prayer, creating space for both grief and courage in the presence of others.
Come to listen, to name what weighs heavy, and to discover how we might reorient ourselves toward healing and collective resilience.
Register Here
Speakers
Paul Okoye is a leader in organizational change, culture transformation, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With over 20 years of experience, he helps leaders turn vision into action, creating workplaces where everyone is valued and empowered. A passionate speaker and trainer, Paul is known for delivering heartfelt, thought-provoking messages that inspire action. As an adjunct instructor at Conrad Grebel University College, he teaches Peace and Conflict Studies, exploring conflict transformation and the intersection of prejudice and conflict. Paul holds degrees in business, organizational enablement, and theology, grounding his work in both scholarship and faith. His message calls us to justice, reconciliation, and a world where all are seen, loved, and acknowledged.
Dr. Kim Penner is a scholar, teacher, and congregational minister. She is currently Associate Teaching Faculty at the University of Alberta, St. Stephen’s College, Sessional Instructor at the University of Waterloo, and Pastor at Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church in Kitchener, ON. She teaches in the areas of sexual ethics, queer theology, intersectional theology, power, and peace and violence. Kim is currently working on a book titled, “Power, Desire, and Theology: Cultures of Abuse in Christian Institutions” under contract with Bloomsbury Press for publication in 2025. She is passionate about embodied faith and understandings of the sacred dedicated to peace, justice, and love in all our relationships.
Rev. Dr. Hyung Jin (Pablo) Kim Sun is a Mennonite pastor, scholar, and leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). He is committed to supporting church communities and non-profit organizations in excelling in DEIB initiatives, enabling them to navigate complex and polarized societal issues effectively. Pablo is a firm believer that organizations can reach their fullest potential and thrive when they genuinely integrate diverse perspectives and voices. He is the author of Who Are Our Enemies and How Do We Love Them? and Building Mennonite Belonging: Toward an Intercultural Church . Currently, Pablo serves as the Intercultural Liaison at the Presbyterian Church in Canada, a role equivalent to a general secretary-level position. He also contributes as the Intercultural Leadership Program Consultant for the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Centre. Pablo holds a Ph.D. in Theological Studies from the University of Toronto. His work and reflections are deeply informed by his multifaceted identity as a Korean, Paraguayan, scholar, pastor, immigrant, and Christian on Turtle Island.
Leah Reesor-Keller is a writer, speaker and leader who helps organizations set vision and strategy for transformational change. She is the author of Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet about faith, leadership and culture shifts in the context of climate change. Leah served as Transitional Executive Director at KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, and before that as Executive Minister of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, part of the Mennonite Church Canada denomination. She has 20 years of experience working with faith-based and social justice organizations in Canada, Haiti, Jamaica, and Nepal. Leah holds an MA in Development Studies from York University and a BA in Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo.