Working Partnerships USA

Rev. Rebecca Kuiken
Director, The Interfaith Council on Economic and Justice

The Rev. Rebecca Kuiken joined Working Partnerships USA in April 2008. She has been an ordained Presbyterian clergywoman for more than two decades, serving in Bay Area congregations, non-profits, and seminaries. Most recently, she was a consultant with Leading Edge Associates, a Silicon Valley firm specializing in executive coaching, organizational development and diversity.

For nine years, Kuiken served as pastor of Stone Church of Willow Glen (San Jose, CA). Previously she was communications director for the San Francisco Theological Seminary and executive director of the Interreligious Council of Oakland.

Kuiken attended Harvard Divinity School and holds degrees from the University of Oregon and the San Francisco Theological Seminary. She holds certificates from San Jose State University as a Human Resource Specialist and Human Resources Senior Professional. She is a Phi Beta Kappa and Fulbright Scholar.

Meet Our Board Members

	Rev. John L. Freesemann Interim Board Chair, January-June 2010 Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church 1948 The Alameda \| San Jose, CA 95126 Rev. Freesemann has been the pastor of Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1990. John received a dual degree from San Jose State University in Philosophy and Psychology. He graduated from Christ Seminary - Seminex and was ordained in 1976. He has been engaged in the struggle for economics and justice since the mid-1960s. John is a member of the California Council of Churches IMPACT board and sits on the board of the National Farm Worker Ministry. John is passionate about Sabbath Economics and the movement of our world toward the realization of a "peaceable kingdom". He is the chair of the Interfaith Council's Hotel Workers Rising Committee.
	Rabbi Dana Magat Vice Chair of Education and Outreach Temple Emanuel 1010 University Ave \| San Jose, CA 95126
	Rev. John Sullivan Vice Chair of Campaigns Hope Lutheran Church-ELCA 2383 Pacific Drive \| Santa Clara, CA 95051 John Sullivan went to Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul and served at St. Timothy and Los Altos Lutheran Churches John received a MA in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in 1994. He also currently serves as treasurer of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, a large non-profit organization. Pastor John’s special areas of interest is seeking sustainable living for low-wage workers; that all working families have access to housing, healthcare and decent working conditions.
	Rev. Debbie Weatherspoon Vice Chair of Governance Los Altos United Methodist Church 655 Magdalena Ave \| Los Altos, CA 94024 Debbie Weatherspoon has been in pastoral ministry since 1997, following her graduation from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. She is married to Rev. Dale Weatherspoon, pastor of Alum Rock UMC in San Jose. They have two young sons, Wesley and Justus. Debbie also serves on the Peninsula Clergy Network (PCN) and Santa Clara County Community Advisory Committee. She received two undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida, where, through campus ministry, she received her call to be ordained.
	Rabbi Melanie Aron Congregation Shir Hadash 20 Cherry Blossom Lane \| Los Gatos, CA 95030 Ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1981, Rabbi Melanie Aron has served Congregation Shir Hadash of Los Gatos since July 1990. She also serves as a board member of The American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and serves on the Project Advisory Board of the Elder Abuse Initiative of Santa Clara County. In addition, she has been a leader in a number of regional and global progressive organizations.
	Cindy Chavez Working Partnerships USA 2102 Almaden Rd., Suite 107 \| San Jose, CA 95125 For over two decades, Cindy Chavez has worked to make San Jose a better place to live, work and play. She is a graduate of San Jose State University. She began her early career in the labor movement and joined Working Partnerships USA when it founded in 1995. In 1998, Cindy was elected to the San Jose City Council where she served two terms as well as two years as vice mayor. Highlights of her tenure on council include advances and reforms in economic development, housing and neighborhood investment. Cindy was named executive director of Working Partnerships USA (WPUSA) in April 2009.
	Rebecca Cole Sacred Heart Community Service 1381 S. First St. \| San Jose, CA 95110 Rebecca Cole is the Community Involvement Coordinator at Sacred Heart Community Service, a non-profit organization in San Jose. She works primarily with faith communities and schools to offer poverty and justice-related opportunities for social ministry. In addition to developing service projects and organizing drives, Rebecca educates the community about poverty and justice issues through the facilitation of Sacred Heart's immersion programs: Faith and Justice Immersion, Homeless Immersion, and the Poverty Simulation immersion. Since, 2008 Rebecca has been working on the Awareness and Housing committees for Step Up Silicon Valley: Campaign to Cut Poverty. She has been serving on the Interfaith Council Board since Fall 2008.
	Steve Herrera, Deacon Transfiguration Catholic Church 4325 Jarvis Ave. \| San Jose, CA 95118 Deacon Steve Herrera has been teaching religion to Catholic High School students for 33 years. He currently teaches at Archbishop Mitty High School and is serving as a Deacon in the Diocese of San Jose. Steve currently administers immersion programs for adults and teens in the Diocese of San Jose with an emphasis on interreligious dialogue. Deacon Steve holds a Bachelor’s of Theology Degree from the University of San Francisco and a Master's in Pastoral Theology from USF as well.
	Rev. Alan Jones Campbell United Methodist Church 1675 Winchester Blvd. \| Campbell, CA 95008
	Bhawana Kamil MAS (Muslim American Society) Bay Area 2116 Walsh Ave. C-7 \| Santa Clara, CA 95050 Bhawana Kamil was raised in the Bay Area, and received a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from UC Berkeley. Soon after graduating, she accepted Islam in September of 2000. Bhawana traveled overseas to Cairo, Egypt for a few years with her husband to study Arabic and Islamic Studies for which she received graduate diplomas. She completed a Masters degree in Philosophy from San Jose State University, where she is currently teaching Ethics. She is the current president of the Bay Area chapter of the Muslim American Society, and former directed its youth and outreach departments. She has spoken at a variety of settings, including schools, universities, churches, conferences, and camps on several topics including ‘An Introduction to Islam,’ ‘Women in Islam,’ ‘Challenges Facing Muslim Youth in the West,’ ‘Geography of the Muslim World,' and 'Understanding Shariah.' Her passions include service and interfaith activities. She is married, and has one daughter, Khadijah.
	Fr. Bill Leininger Human Concerns Commission, Diocese of San Jose If/When Community
	Fr. Jon Pedigo St. Julie Billiart Parish 366 St. Julie Drive \| San Jose, CA 95119 A Bay Area Native, Fr. Jon Pedigo has been active in civic affairs and social justice causes for over 25 years. He also serves on the Human Concerns Commission of the Diocese of San José. In 2004, he was honored with the Martin Luther King Good Neighbor Award. Fr. Pedigo holds a Bachelor’s of Music Degree from San Francisco State University and a Master of Music from Indiana University, Bloomington. He did his theology studies at St Patrick Seminary, Menlo Park and holds aLicentiate in Sacred Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley.
	Mr. Sandy Perry CHAM Deliverance Ministry 80 S. Fifth St. \| San Jose, CA 95112 Sandy Perry is a lay outreach minister at CHAM Deliverance Ministry in San Jose. He has been an activist around issues of homelessness, housing, and health care in Santa Clara County for twenty years.
	Fr. Eddie Samaniego, S.J. 2009 Chair Emeritus Most Holy Trinity 2040 Nassau Drive \| San Jose, CA 95122 Fr. Eddie was born on June 5, 1950 to Eduardo José Samaniego and Enriqueta ("Chata") Revilla de Samaniego. After 30 years of school and work, he entered the Jesuit Order on September 1, 1980. In 1990, he was ordained to the priesthood and spent many years as an associate pastor at Dolores Mission parish in East Los Angeles, and then at Christ the King parish in San Diego. He is known for his liturgical skills, preaching, and a commitment to Social Justice and to Catholic Education.
	Msg. Gene Boyle Honorary Chair Emeritus

Resources & Allies
History and Accomplishments
Statement of Principles
The Interfaith Council
2102 Almaden Road, Ste 107
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 269-7872
(408) 269-0183 fax
Email Us

	Rev. John L. Freesemann Interim Board Chair, January-June 2010 Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church 1948 The Alameda \| San Jose, CA 95126 Rev. Freesemann has been the pastor of Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1990. John received a dual degree from San Jose State University in Philosophy and Psychology. He graduated from Christ Seminary - Seminex and was ordained in 1976. He has been engaged in the struggle for economics and justice since the mid-1960s. John is a member of the California Council of Churches IMPACT board and sits on the board of the National Farm Worker Ministry. John is passionate about Sabbath Economics and the movement of our world toward the realization of a "peaceable kingdom". He is the chair of the Interfaith Council's Hotel Workers Rising Committee.
	Rabbi Dana Magat Vice Chair of Education and Outreach Temple Emanuel 1010 University Ave \| San Jose, CA 95126
	Rev. John Sullivan Vice Chair of Campaigns Hope Lutheran Church-ELCA 2383 Pacific Drive \| Santa Clara, CA 95051 John Sullivan went to Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul and served at St. Timothy and Los Altos Lutheran Churches John received a MA in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in 1994. He also currently serves as treasurer of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, a large non-profit organization. Pastor John’s special areas of interest is seeking sustainable living for low-wage workers; that all working families have access to housing, healthcare and decent working conditions.
	Rev. Debbie Weatherspoon Vice Chair of Governance Los Altos United Methodist Church 655 Magdalena Ave \| Los Altos, CA 94024 Debbie Weatherspoon has been in pastoral ministry since 1997, following her graduation from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. She is married to Rev. Dale Weatherspoon, pastor of Alum Rock UMC in San Jose. They have two young sons, Wesley and Justus. Debbie also serves on the Peninsula Clergy Network (PCN) and Santa Clara County Community Advisory Committee. She received two undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida, where, through campus ministry, she received her call to be ordained.
	Rabbi Melanie Aron Congregation Shir Hadash 20 Cherry Blossom Lane \| Los Gatos, CA 95030 Ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1981, Rabbi Melanie Aron has served Congregation Shir Hadash of Los Gatos since July 1990. She also serves as a board member of The American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and serves on the Project Advisory Board of the Elder Abuse Initiative of Santa Clara County. In addition, she has been a leader in a number of regional and global progressive organizations.
	Cindy Chavez Working Partnerships USA 2102 Almaden Rd., Suite 107 \| San Jose, CA 95125 For over two decades, Cindy Chavez has worked to make San Jose a better place to live, work and play. She is a graduate of San Jose State University. She began her early career in the labor movement and joined Working Partnerships USA when it founded in 1995. In 1998, Cindy was elected to the San Jose City Council where she served two terms as well as two years as vice mayor. Highlights of her tenure on council include advances and reforms in economic development, housing and neighborhood investment. Cindy was named executive director of Working Partnerships USA (WPUSA) in April 2009.
	Rebecca Cole Sacred Heart Community Service 1381 S. First St. \| San Jose, CA 95110 Rebecca Cole is the Community Involvement Coordinator at Sacred Heart Community Service, a non-profit organization in San Jose. She works primarily with faith communities and schools to offer poverty and justice-related opportunities for social ministry. In addition to developing service projects and organizing drives, Rebecca educates the community about poverty and justice issues through the facilitation of Sacred Heart's immersion programs: Faith and Justice Immersion, Homeless Immersion, and the Poverty Simulation immersion. Since, 2008 Rebecca has been working on the Awareness and Housing committees for Step Up Silicon Valley: Campaign to Cut Poverty. She has been serving on the Interfaith Council Board since Fall 2008.
	Steve Herrera, Deacon Transfiguration Catholic Church 4325 Jarvis Ave. \| San Jose, CA 95118 Deacon Steve Herrera has been teaching religion to Catholic High School students for 33 years. He currently teaches at Archbishop Mitty High School and is serving as a Deacon in the Diocese of San Jose. Steve currently administers immersion programs for adults and teens in the Diocese of San Jose with an emphasis on interreligious dialogue. Deacon Steve holds a Bachelor’s of Theology Degree from the University of San Francisco and a Master's in Pastoral Theology from USF as well.
	Rev. Alan Jones Campbell United Methodist Church 1675 Winchester Blvd. \| Campbell, CA 95008
	Bhawana Kamil MAS (Muslim American Society) Bay Area 2116 Walsh Ave. C-7 \| Santa Clara, CA 95050 Bhawana Kamil was raised in the Bay Area, and received a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from UC Berkeley. Soon after graduating, she accepted Islam in September of 2000. Bhawana traveled overseas to Cairo, Egypt for a few years with her husband to study Arabic and Islamic Studies for which she received graduate diplomas. She completed a Masters degree in Philosophy from San Jose State University, where she is currently teaching Ethics. She is the current president of the Bay Area chapter of the Muslim American Society, and former directed its youth and outreach departments. She has spoken at a variety of settings, including schools, universities, churches, conferences, and camps on several topics including ‘An Introduction to Islam,’ ‘Women in Islam,’ ‘Challenges Facing Muslim Youth in the West,’ ‘Geography of the Muslim World,' and 'Understanding Shariah.' Her passions include service and interfaith activities. She is married, and has one daughter, Khadijah.
	Fr. Bill Leininger Human Concerns Commission, Diocese of San Jose If/When Community
	Fr. Jon Pedigo St. Julie Billiart Parish 366 St. Julie Drive \| San Jose, CA 95119 A Bay Area Native, Fr. Jon Pedigo has been active in civic affairs and social justice causes for over 25 years. He also serves on the Human Concerns Commission of the Diocese of San José. In 2004, he was honored with the Martin Luther King Good Neighbor Award. Fr. Pedigo holds a Bachelor’s of Music Degree from San Francisco State University and a Master of Music from Indiana University, Bloomington. He did his theology studies at St Patrick Seminary, Menlo Park and holds aLicentiate in Sacred Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley.
	Mr. Sandy Perry CHAM Deliverance Ministry 80 S. Fifth St. \| San Jose, CA 95112 Sandy Perry is a lay outreach minister at CHAM Deliverance Ministry in San Jose. He has been an activist around issues of homelessness, housing, and health care in Santa Clara County for twenty years.
	Fr. Eddie Samaniego, S.J. 2009 Chair Emeritus Most Holy Trinity 2040 Nassau Drive \| San Jose, CA 95122 Fr. Eddie was born on June 5, 1950 to Eduardo José Samaniego and Enriqueta ("Chata") Revilla de Samaniego. After 30 years of school and work, he entered the Jesuit Order on September 1, 1980. In 1990, he was ordained to the priesthood and spent many years as an associate pastor at Dolores Mission parish in East Los Angeles, and then at Christ the King parish in San Diego. He is known for his liturgical skills, preaching, and a commitment to Social Justice and to Catholic Education.
	Msg. Gene Boyle Honorary Chair Emeritus