Dr. Karen Hernandez is a distinguished theologian, interfaith activist, peacebuilder, and restorative justice practitioner with over 20 years of extensive on the ground learning, as well as experience in non-profit and higher education settings. Her academic journey reflects deep engagement with interreligious dialogue, conflict resolution, and social justice. Her formal education includes a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min. '21) from Claremont School of Theology, where her dissertation focused on restorative, transformative justice and interfaith peacebuilding, emphasizing theological coexistence and reconciliation. She was also an affiliated scholar with the United Religions Initiative as she completed her doctoral work. She also holds a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from Boston University School of Theology ('12), concentrating on philosophy, theology, and ethics, with research on the challenges Muslim women face in Mumbai, and she has a Master of Theological Research (MTR) in Christian-Muslim Understanding from Andover Newton Theological School ('07). Karen graduated from Wellesley College with a BA in Peace and Justice Studies ('05), where she wrote her thesis on Al Qaeda and how they misuse religion for political gain. Most recently, Karen became a Certified End of Life Doula from the University of Vermont Larner School of Medicine ('24). 

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Her professional expertise spans curriculum design, teaching, facilitation, training of the trainers, and program management. With 16+ years of experience in designing and delivering courses on interfaith dialogue, religious extremism, and conflict resolution, she has facilitated diverse groups both nationally and internationally, including multi-faith and same-gender dialogue forums. Additionally, she has two years of ESL teaching experience and is trained in trauma-informed care and compassionate leadership, further augmenting her capacity to foster empathetic and inclusive environments.

 

Dr. Hernandez’s research and practical work demonstrate a profound understanding of religious, ethnic, and political conflicts, human rights abuses, and cross-cultural dynamics, with significant travel and research exposure in India, the Middle East, and Europe, as well as training and teaching in Zimbabwe and Liberia. Her communication skills are highly developed, encompassing research, writing, editing, presentations, and social media proficiency. She is also a certified domestic violence advocate and mandated reporter, underpinning her commitment to social justice and survivor support.

 

Her leadership roles include her current position as Founder and Director of The Living Restoratively, Dying Peacefully Project and she is also the Executive Director of The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County in California, USA. She also served as Programme Officer at Religions for Peace International and in several different contracted positions with United Religions Initiative. Her strategic leadership emphasizes DEI practices and restorative approaches, reflecting her commitment to fostering peace and understanding across diverse communities.

 

Dr. Hernandez embodies a boundary-breaking, cross-cultural fluency, and emotionally intelligent leader dedicated to advancing peace, justice, and interfaith cooperation through her scholarly work, practical initiatives, and compassionate leadership.