The RNA Board welcomed two new faces this summer through the temporary appointments of Dawn Araujo-Hawkins and Jack Gordon.

Araujo-Hawkins is a religion journalist, shine theorist, and Black Girl Magic practitioner based in Topeka, Kansas. She was a staff writer at Global Sisters Report from 2014–2019, before joining Christian Century as a news editor this August. 

In 2016, Araujo-Hawkins was named the best in-depth religion reporter by the American Academy of Religion; She took second place in the same award this year. In 2019 she won the Great Plains Journalism Award for best online feature writing. Her work has also been  recognized by the Catholic Press Association and the Associated Church Press.

"At a time when journalism is being attacked from so many angles, serving on the board of an organization committed to high journalistic ethics seemed like a no-brainer,” Araujo-Hawkins said. "As a board member, I hope to support RNA as it moves into the future with continued integrity.”

Jack Gordon is the host of Interfaith-ish, a bi-weekly radio show featuring conversations about the common ground and differences between our beliefs. The show currently airs on WOWD 94.3FM Takoma Radio and is podcasted as well. As a documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Digital Development Communications, he has worked on the ground in twenty countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America/the Caribbean. He has created films for USAID, the World Bank, and other global institutions.

"I’ve received so much support from RNA since joining in 2012 and appreciate the camaraderie with fellow members,” said Gordon. "I’m honored to have been invited to contribute as a board member.” 

Gordon and Araujo-Hawkins, along with Dina Zingaro and Deepa Bharath, will be up for a member vote for official three-year terms at the member meeting on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Las Vegas.

The board is seeking replacements for recent departures — Liz Kineke, Simran Jeet Singh and Kate Shellnutt — who resigned due to schedule constraints.

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