Introducing...Danielle Chun

Danielle is the newest member of the Office of Social Justice team. She joins our team this week as the Justice Mobilizing and Advocacy Fellow, a one year position with our office. Danielle comes to us from a background in economic development after attending Messiah College in Pennsylvania where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Economic Development with concentrations in Business and Sustainability.

We are thrilled to have Danielle as part of the team!

1. Who is one of your social justice heroes?

When I think of my social justice heroes, I think of Bryan Stevenson: lawyer, social justice activist, and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. I came to know of him and his work fairly recently, but since then I have been deeply impressed and inspired by his person and his ability to persevere in the face of various obstacles and difficulties. He exemplifies grace and courage in his work, and has done much to reform the criminal justice system in the United States. I actually had the privilege of listening to him speak at my commencement recently--he was incredible! 

2. You studied economic development. What has been one of the most formative experiences or lessons from either your education or work in that field?

There were so many good and enriching aspects of majoring in economic development that it is hard to choose just one. If I could point to two experiences that were highly formative for me, I would highlight my internship with World Vision Malaysia and the first semester of my last year in college. During my internship, I spent some time in rural Sabah in East Malaysia. My supervisor, an incredible person, emphasized the importance of relationship-building and of taking the time to just sit and be with different villagers--which we then proceeded to do. That internship formed in me the desire to work with communities at the ground level. However, multiple classes that I took my senior year showed me how vital good policies are for economic development to flourish at all levels. Without solid policies in place--ones that provide a safe and equitable platform for people in poverty to build on--work from the ground up will not be able to achieve all that is hoped. Bringing both ideas together, I think the sweet spot of effective, sustainable development happens when those working from the ground up and those working top-down meet in the middle.

3. Tell us about a time you have been inspired by your congregation or church. 

I love how outward-looking my church is and how focused it is on people. It understands the needs of its community and seeks to address those needs through programs that are practical and applicable, such as English and Spanish classes, financial literacy classes, and food pantries. Members give of their time and resources to participate in these ministries. I see these as tangible ways that we can be Christ to those in our neighborhood and witness through our actions. My church is also pretty diverse, and thus always seeks to build relationships among members and promote peace and reconciliation in the greater community. I am frequently so encouraged by how accepting and supportive everyone is of other people and their journeys in life. 

4. What TV show character embodies you and why?

This was the hardest question! I don't watch that much TV so my pool of options was somewhat limited... However, I did finish Parks and Rec! So. I think if Ben Wyatt and Donna Meagle were somehow combined into one character, that would be me. Ben likes rules and structure (I do too), he's very expressive with his faces (I have been told I am), and he adores calzones (I love food in general). On the other hand, Donna really doesn't seem to be doing any work whenever the camera pans to her--but she somehow gets her work done on time and well. I think I identify with this particular ability to a certain extent, not that there are cameras on me often. Also, her life motto--"Treat yo' self"--is one that I live by in regards to coffee, chocolate, and chips.