The Faith & Work Forum is a conversation series that discusses the interplay between faith, work, and life. Each semester we feature guest speakers with leadership experience from across a wide range of vocations, who bring authentic stories about seeking a meaningful, purpose-driven life. This program runs in partnership with our Fellows Program & Vintage Lunch and provides candid conversations over a free lunch at the historic Bonhoeffer House. RSVP required. Email Christy Yates to learn more.
“The Faith & Work Forum was such a powerful and refilling time in every way. In just one hour in this conversation with Dr. Danny Avula, I was challenged and inspired in so many ways regarding what it can look like to live out of faith in and post-college; Dr. Avula's reflections on how his faith has led and guided his decisions and directions in life and career were both stretching and comforting and exactly what I needed to hear as I think about decisions for post-graduation.” - Malia Sample, Perkins Fellow ‘22
Fall 2024
Our first fall lunch featured TH Board Member and UVA alumna Emilia Gore, interviewed by 4th Year Fellow Ava Flory, on Sept 20th.
Our second lunch will bring in another TH Board Member and UVA alumna, Betty Li Simpson, interviewed by 4th Year Fellow, Megnot Abebe. We’ll be holding this lunch conversation on Friday, November 15th, 1-2pm at the Bonhoeffer House.
Spring 2024
Our Spring lunch will feature Sheri Winston, Director for the UVA Rotunda and University Of Events. She is a beloved longtime convener of events in the heart of the University and also oversaw the renovation of this historic UNESCO gathering space. Thurs, March 28th: 12:30-1:30pm at the Bonhoeffer House (1841 University Circle).
Fall 2023
Our theme for the year at TH is “cultivating conversations.” Faith & Work guests will be ones particularly skilled and passionate about facilitating challenging conversations.
Cultivating Conversations around Death
On Thursday, Oct 12th, we hosted a beautiful and intimate Faith & Work Forum over lunch with Reverend Gina Maio, an at-home hospice chaplain. She shared hard earned wisdom about cultivating conversations around the death bed.
Cultivating Conversations around Race & Justice
On November 9th, we gathered at the Bonhoeffer House to hear more from two community leaders who are cultivating very challenging conversations both locally and nationally. Rev. Claude Atcho is the author of Reading Black Books: How African American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just and the founding rector of Church of the Resurrection, an Anglican church plant in Charlottesville. Sam Heath is a member of that church and the organizer amongst evangelicals for Equal Justice USA which is seeking to transform the criminal justice system by finding alternative responses to violence that breaks cycles of trauma.
Past Forums
Our Spring 2023 Forum featured Attorney Richard Dean, Rich has taught at the University of Virginia School of Law since 1993. Currently, he co-teaches two courses, Emerging Markets, and Global Business and International Corruption, both of which reflect the expertise and experience he developed from his legal work at Coudert Brothers and later at Baker McKenzie. He was interviewed by Horizons Fellow Alma Wolf, ‘23.
Our second Fall 2022 forum featured Frank S. Alexander, emeritus professor of Law and founding director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University as well as the non-profits the Center for Community Progress & Vulnerable Communities. He was interviewed by Horizons Fellow Nick Cummings, ‘23
Our first Fall 2022 forum featured Drs. Leigh-Ann and Cameron Webb, married couple and physicians (among wearing other hats!) with the University of Virginia.
Our Spring 2022 forum in the multipurpose room of the Rotunda, featured Nicole Thorne Jenkins, John A. Griffin Dean of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.
Former Guests
Dr. Danny Avula
Dr. Danny Avula (UVa ‘99) is the Director of Richmond and Henrico Public Health Departments and also served as the head of the Covid Response for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Due to the personal nature of the conversation, it was not recorded.
Dr. Steve Scoper
Dr. Scoper is a renowned Ophthalmologist based out of Virginia Beach and past TH Board Chair. Watch the conversation here. Listen here.
Jocelyn Diaz
Jocelyn Diaz (UVa ‘99) is a Hollywood Executive who currently oversees the production of Game of Thrones (HBO) in the UK. Listen to a conversation with Jocelyn here.
Robbie Berndt
Robert Berndt (UVa alumnus) oversees all of Dominion Enterprises’ automotive technology businesses as well as Landmark Interactive, the online marketing services division of Dominion Enterprises.
Pam Sutton-Wallace
Pam Sutton-Wallace is the Chief Executive Office of the UVa Medical Center. She overseas the strategic direction and operations of all inpatient and ambulatory services of the medical center.
Curt Viebranz
President former president of HBO International and Time Inc. Europe, current CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Cindy Brinker Simmons
Principal at Levenson & Brinker Public Relations, Dallas, TX. UVa alumna.
Reggie Leonard
Associate Director for Career Connections and Community Engagement