URI (United Religions Initiative)
Valerie D. Purnell serves as the Global Programs Fellow at the United Religions Initiative (URI) since September 2015, actively promoting interfaith cooperation and global peace. In addition to this role, Valerie holds the position of Principal at The Purnell Partnerships, specializing in public speaking and advocacy. Valerie was awarded the Changemaker Fellowship at the Pacific School of Religion, where studies culminated in a Master of Divinity degree in 2017. Past experience includes serving as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations at the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and as Associate and Assistant Director at the University of California Office of the President. Valerie holds a Juris Doctor from the University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Pitzer College.
URI (United Religions Initiative)
URI (United Religions Initiative) is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world. We implement our mission through local and global initiatives that build the capacity of our member groups and organizations to engage in community action such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, education, women’s and youth programs, and advocacy for human rights.