Associate Program Manager for Community Initiatives
Rakeea Chesick Gordis (she/her) joins the Foundation for Social Connection as an Associate Program Manager for Community Initiatives, supporting the Action Guide for Building Socially Connected Communities. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia (K’emk’emeláy), she has travelled far and wide to foster her passion for community-building, grassroots organizing, and solidarity networks.
Holding a B.A. in Religious Studies from McGill University and an M.A. in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence from the Heller School at Brandeis University, Rakeea has always been fascinated by what forms of meaningful connection bring people together. She has explored this question through her work as a mediator and dialogue facilitator.
Rakeea lives in Somerville, Massachusetts (on the colonized homelands of the Massachusett tribe) surrounded by community. She loves to sing in big groups, go on long bike rides, and do the crossword.
What drives you to work on addressing social isolation & loneliness / fostering social connection?
There is nothing that brings me more joy than being with others in community. I have seen the real, lasting effects of what a connected relational network can do for those who take part. Whether it is increasing community safety through facilitating neighborhood-wide de-escalation trainings, designing dialogues to help people communicate across difference during election season, or hosting interfaith prayer services, I find myself again and again building opportunities to foster social connection as a way to address political, economic, and social crises. I am thrilled to continue to dedicate myself to this work through F4SC’s community initiatives.