Sparkle Squad

A space for 20 something BIWoC and Non-Binary folks of color impacted by patriarchy to build community, share story, learn liberative theologies, and imagine new ways forward.
**Applications close September 5th, but it’s better to apply early.**

Cohort Details

WHEN

The Cohort meets on Wednesday evenings starting September 14th and running until December 7th. We will meet over zoom from 6-7:45 Pacific Time.
(We may try to meet earlier if there are a lot of East Coast folks).

We will end with an in person retreat February 9th-12th, 2023.

COST

$1800 This includes the three month cohort, as well as flight, housing and food for the in person retreat.

You can pay in installments and scholarships are available so don’t let money stop you. We believe in making things accessible and in paying Women of Color for their time. If you are able to get financial support from your church, work, non-profit, or school we ask that you please explore that option.

WHO?

This Cohort is for Black, Indigenous, Asian American, and Latinx and other women of color and Non-binary folks who have experienced the intersection of white supremacy and patriarchy. It is for BIWoC in their mid to later twenties who want to build community, follow Jesus without white supremacist nonsense, and reimagine leadership and justice.

How big is the cohort?

The cohort will include12- 15 folks and two facilitators.

What is the time commitment?

Weekly zoom gatherings, active participation in our closed online group, and some readings.

There will be a mix of teaching, reading, processing together, and sharing story. In addition to the weekly zoom gatherings, there will be the expectation of processing in our online group and some reading. Cohort participants should plan on giving the cohort at least 3 to 4 hours a week. You must be able to make all the sessions as well as the in person gathering to be a part of the cohort.

Please self select out if you do not have the capacity to participate fully in the cohort.

Apply Now

The Facilitators

Erna Kim Hackett

Erna Kim Hackett is a preacher, trainer, public theologian, and founder of Liberated Together. She is passionate about helping women get free from the trauma of white heteropatriarchal Christianity and begin to move in embodied and integrated leadership.

Drawing from her experiences with the Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies, Black liberation theology, and the Korean immigrant church she seeks to build radical solidarities without erasing the unique experience of each community.

Erna worked with college students for 15 years, focussing on Black Campus ministries and Justice Programs. She served as Executive Pastor at The Way Berkeley, and is currently focussed on creating liberative learning communities for WOC/ Queer WOC.

Brandi Miller

Brandi Miller is founder of Reclaiming My Theology Podcast and works as Chief Storyteller at Quest Church in Seattle. Her work exists at the intersection of faith, race, and politics. She also plays music, loves bougie cooking, and competitive weightlifting.

She believes deeply in investing in leaders and building community.

PAST COHORT REFLECTIONS

General Cohort Testimonials

What I really love about being in this cohort is having a space to be transparent and vulnerable to people who I don’t have to explain myself to!

I love the space to come as you are even if it’s a hot mess inside a dumpster fire! Turns out I’m not the only hot mess and these women will bring me to Jesus even if they have to carry me on their backs!

There is something sacred about women of color holding space for one another when life has left you tired and prickly.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

The Liberated Together cohort is what I always needed and wanted but did not know existed.

I am grateful for the women in this group who I could not see my life without. They are wise, genuine, compassionate, gracious, and funny.

I am grateful for a space where there is community, honesty, laughter, and support.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

Liberated Together creates a rare space for women of color where we can get support and honest feedback at the same time. It is enabling new generations of bad ass women of color leaders in the church and in the world.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

I have felt seen, known, loved, and cared for in the fullness of who I am. What a gift to gather with others and feel safe enough to weep and laugh out loud.

Vodka is defective if you take 3 shots (in a row) and don't get a buzz.

Group chats are life-saving spaces for affirmation, lament, trash talk, and inspiring tik toks.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

I've learned more what it means to live authentically in my identities, I have gained a community of sisters that loves me for all of who I am, and I have been challenged to eliminate toxic influences and spaces in my life.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

In a year of uncertainty, rage, and calamity, when I've found myself flailing, this cohort of WOC has been not only a lifesaving buoy but has actually pulled me out of the damn water and onto safe, dry land. I didn't realize how unsafe, uncertain, and tenuous other group environments felt for me until I experienced the ease with which we interact, share, and support each other.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

This cohort has been a lifeline - a community of incredible women I can learn from, lean on, and laugh with. I'm not sure how I would have gotten through 2020 if not for Liberated Together.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

Erna is gifted, passionate, and speaks truth in everything she does. I am thankful that I know her and feel honored that I get to participate in her dream of Liberated Together.

I tell everyone about the gift it has been to be a part of Liberated Together, it is a needed and sacred space.

Member of Grown Ass Woman Cohort

This cohort has been a lifeline - a community of incredible women I can learn from, lean on, and laugh with. I'm not sure how I would have gotten through 2020 if not for Liberated Together.