Listen...to The Field: Welcome Gabriela Gonzalez!!!

Gabriela Gonzalez is joining the Future of Faith team as our new Research Associate!

Gabriela González is joining Future of Faith as an Associate Researcher!  (Honestly, we get such amazing people. It's incredible.). She is a community-centered educator, equity advocate, and institutional bridge-builder passionate about inclusive education, culturally responsive leadership, and social impact. She serves as the Assistant Director for Research and Special Projects at the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Social Concerns, where she advances new initiatives that promote human dignity and the common good.

Her bio will be up on the website soon!

1. What’s a small but meaningful way you show others they’re truly heard?  I listen and remember small details that are important to you. If you tell me that your cat had kittens a few weeks ago, I try to ask about how your cat and kittens are doing down the road. I’m also a multidimensional listener, I hear a person’s underlying values and their body language to help orient me as to what that person is trying to express when we are in conversation.

2. What advice would you give to others who want to build stronger connections within their faith communities? I would say that never underestimate the power of small actions and details. There is a certain level of grace when people have a positive association with you and small actions - opening a door for them, welcoming them into a space, or intentional small decor. I think that those initial signals of presence, kindness and love freely given when creating an environment where people can build strong connections.

3. What is one book that shaped your approach to ministry? In college, I read Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life by Henri Nouwen, Don McNeill, and Douglas Morrison. It was a book that framed by understanding of being present and seeking community. It helped me shape my interactions early on. Additionally, Catholic Social Tradition: The Deep Practice of Human Dignity by Clemens Sedmak is the book I am currently reading. It provides contextual framework for CST and how this can live out in everyday choices. I especially love the how accessible it is and the stories in it.

4. Would you rather have the ability to see 10 minutes into the future or 150 years into the future? This is a tough one. I think that I would like to see 150 years into the future. I would love to see the bold new things happening.

Connect with Gabriela on LinkedIn!