Why is PastoraLab growing and thus worthy of your investment for its sustainability?

PastoraLab for Asian American Women Ministers Program was born out of valley experiences in the Fall of 2020. It was a moment of crossroads after giving all that I had—intellectual property, time, and talents—as the second Executive Director of ISAAC since December 1, 2011. I inherited $2,400 from the board in NorCal upon becoming ED, which felt like flying an airplane while building it.

After a little over eight years in this position, pedaling hard, I reached a point of despair and was angry at both God and my people. My learning curve in fund development was steep. Overcoming my inner resistance to conversations about money was a massive challenge, even though I was eager to learn everything necessary to fuel ISAAC.

At the moment when I cried out to God to change my working conditions, I received a call from the Lilly Endowment. God answered my prayer, and the PastoraLab program was launched in April 2021, in the aftermath of the Atlanta spa shootings on March 16, 2021. Many Asian American women from all walks of life were traumatized and requested the opening of online cohorts.

My initial plan was to focus on in-person cohorts in Los Angeles and Orange County. However, this year, we have expanded to eight cohorts: Los Angeles, two in Orange County, Atlanta, Boston, NY/NJ, the Bay Area, and Online. More than ever, PastoraLab is in high demand in this climate. We are deeply grateful for the Lilly Endowment’s investment and for the AAPI women faith leaders who have joined this movement.