Essrea Cherin came to Pilgrims with high recommendations from colleagues in past ventures, extensive experience in connecting people with the goals of peace and justice in the Middle East, a history of building relationships with people of different backgrounds and perspectives, and past experience as an executive director of a non-profit organization. A resident of Boulder, Colorado, Essrea has been a dedicated peacemaker for most of her adult life.

Essrea has put into practice her commitment to contributing to a more peaceful planet through many endeavors, including as the Executive Director of the journalism advocacy nonprofit, Media in the Public Interest, as co-founder of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project, designed to inspire cross-cultural friendships between Americans and Palestinians. She served as the Chief Operating Officer of ReSolutionaries, Inc. an organization dedicated to incorporating Restorative discipline practices in schools. She also worked to support the peace-building efforts of world-renowned negotiation expert Dr. William Ury, which included creating a hiking trail in the Middle East to follow in Patriarch Abraham’s footsteps (Abraham’s Path). In addition, Essrea is a member of the Adjunct Faculty at Regis University and teaches communications courses such as intercultural communication and conflict management.

Essrea’s life path was significantly influenced by an early adventure as a ‘global peace-walker’ having the unique distinction of being one of a handful of women to have circumnavigated the globe largely on foot. The experience instilled a profound appreciation for cross-cultural understanding and connecting as key components to fostering peace.

Contact Essrea Cherin – by phone: (303) 928-0923 or by email: essrea@pilgrimsofibillin.org