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Interfaith Leadership
Radical Hospitality
Sacred Architecture
Belonging

About

ABOUT

Dr. Vanessa J. Avery, PhD, transforms difference into meaningful connection, bridging gaps that foster community thriving.

Dr. Vanessa Avery is an internationally recognized leader in interfaith engagement, radical hospitality, and community transformation. As Executive Director of Sharing Sacred Spaces, she has helped thousands of individuals and organizations build bridges across difference. Vanessa’s work integrates architecture, sociology, neuroscience, and faith traditions to inspire inclusive communities.

She is also a Lecturer at Yale Divinity School, Fellow at Hartford International University, and a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences worldwide.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Explore Dr. Vanessa J. Avery's speaking engagements and discover opportunities to engage in transformative conversations.

Book Dr. Avery

Signature Talks

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Radical Hospitality: Rebuilding Trust Across Differences

How to overcome division through humanization and inclusive leadership

Sacred Spaces as Catalysts for Social Change

Unlocking the hidden power of physical spaces to transform relationships and communities

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Peacemaking amid Polarization

How does polarization develop? And how does one disrupt and undo it?

Architecture, Identity, and Belonging

What our built environments teach us about who we are and how we live together

Non-Violence Across the Religions

A penetrating look at the five major religions of the world through the lens of "mimesis" as the cause of violence, and how each religion offers antidotes.

Responding to Hate

How do the religions understand and offer responses to hate-- on the theological and spiritual level, but also on the practical level? How do you support your vulnerable neighbors?

Corporate & Healthcare Programs

Religious Diversity in the Workplace

Corporate: Build the essentials to building a pluralistic and flourishing work environment across faiths.

HealthCare: Learn the keys to effective care across the religious traditions.

Advanced sessions focus on increased interreligious literacy and case studies.

Religious Holidays and Calendars

Unlock a new perspective on how religious calendars and holidays can be a source of dialogue and celebration in your workplace. And never fear the "December Dilemma" again!

Peacemaking in a Polarized Environment

What are the skills needed to navigate intensified divisions and polarized beliefs?

This is a skill-based seminar with practice sessions.