Introducing...Andrew Oppong!

Andrew is the newest member of the Office of Social Justice team. He joins our team this week as the Justice Mobilization Specialist, and will work to network and encourage justice as they take next steps on their justice journeys. Andrew was the Student Body President at Calvin College and also worked on campus with the Campus Involvement and Leadership Office where he oversaw the recruitment and training of orientation interns. He has his B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy specializing in Pre-Law and also held a position as the Public Policy Intern at the Constitution Project in Washington, D.C.

We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to the team!

1. Who is one of your social justice heroes?

Hands down I would have to say Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative. The incredible work he has done and continually does in the field of criminal justice reform is one worthy of anybody's admiration. His driving philosophy and motivation can be summarized in his powerful quote, "Each one of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done." Underneath this thinking is a clear Christian grounding that inherent in everyone is an inalienable sense of dignity that we as a society must always uphold. He inspires me to do better each day.

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

In my junior year of college, I had the amazing opportunity to spend a semester interning in Washington, D.C. This was an intentional part of my political science curriculum to help me gain real field work experience. I had the privilege of working at The Constitution Project in a capacity which made me see the tangible effect my degree could have. I spent the better part of 4 months working on reforming Oklahoma's criminal justice system and this experience cemented my interest in social justice and the need to center issues of justice.

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

I have been inspired by my church's commitment to mission work overseas and how that is a clear reflection of the powerful reach and expanse of the Kingdom of God. I was also inspired when my Church had a swift reaction and response to Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Members of the church raised money and donated to relief agencies in Texas. It reminded me of our Christian commitment to always offer a helping hand to our neighbors. In addition to that, my church continues to provide school instruments and supplies to underfunded schools in the local district.

4. Which TV show character best embodies you and why?

Annalise Keating from How To Get Away With Murder. She embodies a kind of raw and uninhibited passion for the work she does and more importantly, her ability to articulate her flaws and weakness and sometimes even leverage them, speaks to me a lot.

Welcome, Andrew!