Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge and the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts announced on Feb. 15 that Diane D’Souza has been hired as director of the continuing education program at Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) and as director of the Mission Institute. The Mission Institute is a new collaborative project of EDS, Episcopal City Mission and the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts to equip lay people and clergy in eastern Massachusetts for transformational ministry.
D’Souza comes to this position with nearly 20 years of work in the area of mission including as a
faculty member and director of an international center for research, interfaith relations and reconciliation in Hyderabad, India. She is the founder and CEO of SWAT Assist, an organization that provides advocacy, intervention and personal management assistance for elder clients, and is an adjunct professor at Suffolk University, where she is scholar in residence at the Center for Women’s Health and Human Rights. She holds a doctor of philosophy degree from Vrije Universitat, Amsterdam, Netherlands, as well as degrees from McGill University in Montreal, and is the author of multiple publications.
“I am excited to be joining a group of people who believe so strongly in the power of individuals and communities to effect positive change. I'm looking forward to learning from and working with people who are striving to bring greater healing and transformation in our selves, our societies, and our world,” D'Souza said.
D’Souza’s time will be split between directing EDS’s offerings in continuing education and directing the joint project of the Mission Institute. Her office will be located on the EDS campus in Cambridge.
“The Episcopal City Mission is delighted to have Diane D’Souza be the Mission Institute’s first executive director. Her extensive experience leading faith-based initiatives, forging partnerships among a broad range of groups and institutions and her deep commitment to the ministry of personal, institutional and societal transformation will provide the intellectual knowledge and practical experience the Mission Institute needs as it begins its work,” Alexandra Pineros Shields, a member of the board of ECM, said.
The Rev. Sam Rodman, project director for the Diocese of Massachusetts' Together Now campaign, a key funder of this initiative, added: “We are looking forward to Diane’s experienced and creative leadership as the institute seeks to provide resources that will strengthen our congregations in their mission, local and global."