The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute’s Senior Fellows cohort is an invitation-only group of activists, advocates, scholars, and leaders whose skill-sets, experience, and accomplishments complement the work of the Institute. Each a leader themselves, TDBI Senior Fellows contribute to the advance of our mission to nurture, form, and help deploy ethically courageous leaders to meet the moral, social, and spiritual challenges of their time. Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Canon, Alana Chloe Esposito, and Michelle Ferrigno Warren are TDBI Senior Fellows and trailblazers in their fields. Out of our deep appreciation and admiration, on this International Women’s Day, we are highlighting their leadership, character, and great work!

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Canon

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Canon is the Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace, renowned author, and ordained Evangelical Covenant Church pastor. She is known for her peace-building and advocacy work. With her own podcast on advocacy, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Canon focuses on working for peace in the Palestine-Israel conflict.

Alana Chloe Esposito

Alana Chloe Esposito directs the international policy and engagement for Common Ground based in Greece. She is a foreign policy and human rights leader. She works towards shedding light on crimes against human dignity through journalism, advocacy, and the arts.

Michelle Ferrigno Warren

Michelle Ferrigno Warren is the President and CEO of Virago Strategies. Her work centers advocacy campaigns that impact poor communities through strategic engagement and project management. She is known as a faith leader, advocate, author, and speaker. Her focus includes critical issues like education, mass incarceration, and immigration.

More Resources From The Women of TDBI’s Senior Fellowship

Schenck Talks Bonhoeffer Podcast:

Throughout their time in TDBI’s Senior Fellowship, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Canon and Michelle Warren Ferrigno have been conversation partners with Rev. Rob Schenck on this podcast. In these podcasts you will hear more about Rev. Dr. Mae and Michelle’s writing and the focus of their continued advocacy work.

Written Works

Top left: Join the Resistance by Michelle Ferrigno Warren (photo from InterVarsity Press)

Bottom center: Beyond Hashtag Activism by Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon (photo from InterVarsity Press)

Top right: photo of Syrian children from The New York Times

By Michelle Ferrigno Warren – Join the Resistance: Step Into the Good Work of Kingdom Justice

An awakening has been happening across our society. People increasingly recognize how long-standing, systemic issues have prevented many from flourishing. But often Christians are not sure how best to engage. Does it help to march and hold signs? What can we do to contribute and not further complicate things? Faith-rooted justice advocate and activist Michelle Ferrigno Warren equips Christians to join Christ’s restorative work in the world.

By Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon – Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age

“Activist Mae Elise Cannon takes us beyond the hashtags to serious engagement with real issues. God calls the church to respond substantively to the needs of the poor, the realities of racial inequity, and the mistreatment of women and the marginalized. We can accomplish change through a range of strategic avenues—spiritually, socially, legally, politically, and economically. And addressing the domestic and international injustices of our day takes us on a journey of spiritual transformation that brings us closer to God and those around us.”

By Alana Chloe Esposito – The Invisible Wounds Afflicting Syria’s Children

In this article, Alana Chloe Esposito discusses the many intersections of affliction that Syria’s children are facing. The foundation of these intersections comes back to the fear of living under constant threat. This article was written in collaboration with Save the Children. This article combines data with practical analysis of the needs of Syria’s children.