FaithJustice Fellowship

After completing her fellowship with CFJ in 2020, Quawntashea went on to pursue her Master’s degree in Higher Education at Montclair State University. In addition to her studies, she also obtained a graduate assistantship where she serves as a Graduate & Research Assistant in the department of Educational Leadership. This assistantship has granted her opportunities to conduct research with faculty members and doctoral candidates, gain experiential learning, and present at esteemed conferences like AERA (American  Educational Research Association) and ASHE (Association for the study of Higher Education). In addition to her assistantship Quawntashea also served as Alumni Coordinator for the HIED (Higher Education) Council (2021-2022) and Graduate School Council (2021-2022) at Montclair State University.

 “There was a time during my fellowship where I questioned why things were happening contradictory to all of the ‘good work’ I was doing, but when I finally embraced where I was and stopped trying to masquerade, my reality. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that I am called to serve even while I am in it. Pursuing the FaithJustice Fellowship supported me in recognizing that I am called to serve in every aspect of my life – especially when faced with obstacles, not just in spite of.”

After finishing her year as a FaithJustice Fellow, Cat began a Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University. After completing her studies she hopes to work in the non-profit sector doing policy advocacy work and advocating for change on a systemic level. 

Cat credits her experiences with CFJ programming and specifically the FaithJustice Fellowship for showing her how to put her faith into action. “It was because of my time working with CFJ and the NeXt Level youth that I knew I wanted to make this my life’s work.” While she’s not sure exactly what the future holds, Cat knows that her faith and passion for social justice will be at the core of her work. 

After the FaithJustice Fellowship, Natalie began her PhD in History at Duke University. Her dissertation explores how and why various Mexican Catholicisms formed in response to the newly invented birth control pill in the second half of the 20th century. “By centering how Catholics of all kinds (ranging from liberation theologians to married lay leaders) in Mexico discussed the pill, marriage, and sex,  I reveal the dynamic and contested nature of Catholicism in Mexico in the 20th century.” She was also a small group leader for the Duke Catholic Center for four semesters.

Natalie is currently a 5th year Phd student, and (finally) embarking on archival research for her dissertation research in Mexico City in January 2022. She is not only grateful for the continued support from the CFJ community but also cherishes her time as a Fellow. “Working at CFJ was a unique time where I was working with fellow Catholics to help inspire younger Catholics to use their faith to make the world a better place. The fellowship gave me the tools to integrate my faith into whatever work I am pursuing, including becoming a historian.” She credits working at a Catholic non-profit for helping her to understand how the historical actors at the center of her studies might have worked and collaborated with others at their respective institutions.

After finishing her year as a FaithJustice Fellow, Linh joined CFJ full time as the Manager of WorX Programs. She lives in an intentional community in Trenton, NJ called Bethany House of Hospitality.

Her fellowship year and current role at CFJ have given her the time and space to consider the same questions that we pose to the young participants who come on the WorX programs: “What are your gifts and where do they meet the world’s great needs?” and “How is your relationship with God calling you to be a woman for others?” Linh is grateful to the ways that the CFJ community has helped her find rest and healing in this season of life. With them, she has been able to sit with and ponder the important questions that will lay the foundation for where and what she’s called to next.

After the FaithJustice Fellowship, Karalyn began a dual master’s degree program at Boston College working towards her Master’s of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Master’s of Arts in Theology and Ministry. She received a scholarship to the School of Theology and Ministry for having completed the FJF. Her hope is to work as a pastoral counselor on a college campus. This year at B.C. she is a Graduate Assistant at the Center for Student Formation at Boston College. In her current role, she works with the Stride sophomore year leadership program and the Halftime Vocational Discernment Retreat.

When reflecting on here FJF experience, she credits her time working at Rider University for affirming her aspirations to work with college students. “The fellowship gave me some incredible experience to draw on and apply to both of my degrees. I have referenced what I learned as an FJF in multiple papers and assignments.” She also appreciates the CFJ community, who have supported her during her time at Boston College.

After his year of service with CFJ, Luke began a Master’s in Social Work at Columbia University with an Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certification at Temple University with the intention of applying for both clinical licenses to best serve these underrepresented communities. “During my CFJ experience, I witnessed high demand for specialized care in marginalized populations that might be considered an afterthought.”

Luke is currently working as a case manager, behavior technician, night aide, & pet sitter. He also started an inclusive art initiative nonprofit geared towards adults with intellectual disabilities in Philadelphia. “Whatever life throws my way, I still make time for CFJ as a way of expressing my gratitude for how pivotal the CFJ fellowship was in guiding my career trajectory.”

After the FaithJustice Fellowship, Tiffany went to Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law. In December 2021, she graduated with honors and received her Juris Doctor! She just accepted an offer to be a 2022 Equal Justice Works Fellow funded by Texas Access to Justice Foundation. Her fellowship project is centered around providing economic empowerment to women experiencing or facing homelessness in the rural Texas community of Wichita Falls through outreach and direct legal services that remove barriers to employment and housing.  “CFJ gave me the confidence to dedicate my life to using my God-given strengths to affirm and promote the dignity of all.”

Next on her to-do list is passing the bar exam and becoming licensed to practice law in both Texas and New Jersey! As an attorney, she aspires to exclusively work with populations of vulnerable and oppressed individuals. “I’m eternally grateful to CFJ for changing the trajectory of my life for the better!”