Jodie Huju recalls playing “church” instead of “house” and practicing sermons in front of stuffed animals from the age of five. “I remember constantly caring for the people around me as they grieved, shared joys and carried heavy burdens,” Jodie says.
That compassion continues today. “The least of these are truly the people Jesus welcomes into holy living. I choose to do the same. I find hope in tent camps of unhoused folks. I find holy community at the police station while we hold vigil for black lives lost to racial injustice.”
Their goal is to be a spiritual leader in the community and a chaplain within the criminal justice system. So, Jodie is pursuing a master’s of divinity with a concentration in interreligious chaplaincy at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
“I have worked with people involved with the system and have found an immense need for spiritual care and advocacy, both individually and at a system level,” Jodie says. “It is my goal to use my educational, professional and personal experiences to create opportunities for healing and self-advocacy.”
To the scholarship donors, Jodie says, “Thank you for offering your gifts to help me use mine. Your kindness helps me to pursue my education and grow in my call to ministry. Together we can see real change in this world!”
The Chris Andersen WomenLead Scholarship recognizes the need for diverse leadership in ministry, nonprofits and civic organizations and seeks to accelerate the extraordinary leadership of diverse women of faith to lead change by using their talents to educate, advocate and activate.
Donors have the opportunity to