Assistant Professor of Pedagogy in Multireligious Decolonial Liberative Education
Shannon Frediani holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology with an emphasis on Interreligious Education from Claremont School of Theology (2019) and an M.A. in Religious Leadership for Social Change (MASC) from Starr King School for the Ministry (2013). Her current scholarship focuses on decolonizing interreligious education, highlighting the spiritual needs of populations targeted by mass incarceration and other forms of systemic injustice. As a scholar, interreligious educator and peace builder, Shannon has focused her studies on narrative pedagogy, utilizing decolonial, feminist, and womanist methodologies. She is particularly passionate about witnessing and fostering spiritual formation in the context of religious leadership and social justice advocacy work.
Shannon co-founded The Voices of Angels Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit in 2001 dedicated to serving historically marginalized populations most impacted by systemic racism. She did jail and prison outreach from 2002-2019, and produced public programs, concerts and educational conferences dedicated to bridging community, the arts and social justice. Internationally she facilitated peace conferences in Nigeria, (2007, 2010 and 2011) collaborating with local nonprofits bringing together Muslims, Christians and traditionalists.
Shannon is an active member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) and serves as clerk on the Peace and Social Justice Committee for Pacific Yearly Meeting. She also serves as clerk of the Worship and Ministry Committee of Santa Cruz Friends Meeting. From 2017 to 2020 she was on the general committee for American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). She lives in Watsonville, California (south Santa Cruz County), and is connected to the SF bay via family, colleagues, faculty and staff from SKSM and CIIS.
