Alicia Maldonado-Zahra

I am a descendent of Puerto Rican ancestors and the child of Madeline and David Maldonado. I was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida but left my hometown in my early 20s to pursue higher education. I went to Hesston College and then Eastern Mennonite University. During these years, I began to study various aspects of history that continue to shape our current contexts and methods of peacebuilding, such as Restorative Justice and Social Movements.

My desires to grow deeper in awareness of Scriptures stance on peace and justice led me to studying theology, where I was further encouraged to act for what is right. The Scholar-Activist position drew my attention as it relies on both the theoretical / educational aspects of harm and conflict and gathering as individuals and communities to make things right. To make this position happen, GC has collaborated with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery that uplifts Indigenous leaders, sovereignty and rights. My role as the Scholar-Activist is to teach students about these complex issues, peacebuilding frameworks, support students in their peacebuilding work and engage the broader community to join us.

Bachelors in Social Work & Bachelors in Global Development from Eastern Mennonite University – 2019 grad; Master of Arts in Theology and Peace from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary – 2025 grad