The DOOR National Board is happy to announce that they have named Andrea Sawyer-Kirksey as Executive Director. She has been serving as the Interim Executive Director since August 2017. DOOR is a faith-based network of cities that provides opportunities for service, learning, and leadership development within the urban context and is a partner program of Mennonite Mission Network.

She moved into the Interim Executive Director role after five years as the Chicago City Director. Sawyer-Kirksey brought to DOOR her experience as an educator, justice advocate and program development professional. She has created curriculum for youth through undergrad and graduate levels dealing with issues of justice, inequality, racism and poverty. During her time as the Chicago City Director, Sawyker-Kirksey shared her passion for Chicago, best summed up by the 2017 program theme of “Chicago: Beautifully Complicated.” She challenged all participants to look beyond the surface of the city and individuals to find the richer stories. Sawyker-Kirksey has been particularly passionate about raising up local youth of color to be leaders in DOOR’s year-long Discern program and in Chicago.

The DOOR National Board approved Sawyer-Kirksey’s hiring on Dec. 2, 2017 during their annual board meeting. They were excited by the programmatic vision that Sawyer-Kirksey presented and her energy for moving DOOR forward.

DOOR is an opportunity to encounter the city through the eyes, ears, and heart of God. The program are dedicated to providing high quality, life-changing experiences for our participants, staff, board members, and the people in the communities where we are established. Our programming is rooted in the strength of local churches and communities, mutual respect, a culture of welcome and hospitality and thoughtful reflection.