National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Staff
Shantha Ready Alonso is an Advocacy and Outreach Specialist. Shantha started her adult career doing congregation-based community organizing with the PICO (People Improving Communities through Organizing) and Gamaliel networks.
While pursuing Master of Social Work and Master of Pastoral Studies degrees at Washington University in St. Louis and Eden Theological Seminary, Shantha became very interested in reviving the ecumenical movement. She has been a leader in the NCC's New Fire Network for young adult ecumenism.
Shantha currently serves as Vice Chair of the World Student Christian Federation. She convenes the WSCF-global Advocacy and Solidarity Committee, whose 2010 advocacy theme is climate justice.
Over the years, Shantha has cultivated a strong interest in Latin American theologies through her work and travels in Chile, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the "borderlandia" of Coachella Valley, California. In her spare time, Shantha enjoys hiking, biking, sailing, cooking, laughing with her husband Jaime, and coffee dates with good friends.