Leading for a Transformed World
March 18, 2025
By Rev. Dr. Andrea Wright, ’16 ‘23
It is an extraordinary honor to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, a beloved institution that has stood as a beacon of faith and scholarship for 175 years. To be the first African American woman in the seminary’s history to hold this position is both humbling and inspiring. This moment is not just about my story—it’s about the progress we’ve made as a community and the work that remains to be done to ensure justice, equity, and inclusion across our society—at a moment when those values are acutely threatened. Together, we are called to fulfill the seminary’s mission: to form courageous leaders in the way of Jesus to cultivate communities of justice, compassion, and hope.
My story begins on the South Side of Chicago, where I was born and raised. Growing up in this vibrant, resilient community shaped me in ways I am only now beginning to fully understand. The South Side taught me the power of community, the necessity of faith, and the importance of perseverance. These lessons carried me through my years in the Chicago Public School system, where I learned how to thrive despite the challenges of under-resourced schools and systemic inequities.
Education became my pathway to opportunity. I went on to attend Howard University, a place that not only prepared me academically but also deepened my commitment to justice and empowerment. Howard taught me to see the world not just as it is but as it could be, and it fueled my passion to make that vision a reality.
After Howard, I embarked on a career in accounting—a field where I quickly discovered that diversity was often lacking. I became the first Black person admitted to the partnership at my firm, an achievement of which I am proud, not because of personal recognition, but because of what it represents for others. Today, I serve as Partner and Office Lead for the Chicago office, where I work to create opportunities for those who have historically been excluded from spaces of power.
My experiences in corporate America equip me with skills that I bring to all of my leadership roles: strategic thinking, financial acumen, and a focus on creating systems that are equitable and sustainable. But beyond these technical skills, it has taught me the importance of advocating for inclusion in every space I occupy. These values align perfectly with the seminary’s mission to prepare leaders who embrace justice and cultivate compassion.
I step into this role at the seminary during a time of immense complexity. Across the country, seminaries are grappling with declining enrollment, financial challenges, and a rapidly changing cultural landscape. These pressures are compounded by the broader turmoil we see in the world—economic inequities, a climate of racial tension, and the election of a president whose rhetoric and policies have exacerbated divisions rather than healing them.
As someone who has lived and worked at the intersection of faith and justice, I know that the challenges we face are not insurmountable. I believe this is a moment of opportunity for the seminary to lead with courage, innovation, and a renewed commitment to its mission. We must reimagine theological education to meet the needs of this generation, equipping leaders who can address systemic injustices, foster reconciliation, and bring hope to a fractured world.
We do this crucial work at a moment when diversity, equity, and inclusion are widely named as evils our country must eradicate, when they are in fact the beating heart of the beloved community God calls us to build. This crisis runs deeper than any elected official or administration: From school boards to board rooms, we are witnessing concerted efforts to tear down the programs and policies which empowered me to thrive. Religious leaders have a unique role to play, reminding people of the moral values which knit us closer together.
My vision for the seminary is rooted in my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned. I want to see this institution become a place where future faith leaders are not only educated in theology but also empowered to serve as agents for communal change. This means integrating theology with the practical tools needed to address real-world challenges—economic empowerment, community engagement, and justice advocacy.
I am deeply committed to equitable ministry and inclusive justice. These principles have guided my life, and they will continue to guide me in this role. The seminary has an opportunity to lead build bridges between faith and action, showing the world what it means to live out the gospel in tangible, transformative ways. I believe this is the essence of forming courageous leaders in the way of Jesus.
As the first African American woman to chair the seminary’s board, I carry a responsibility that goes beyond the duties of governance. Representation matters. For too long, religious institutions—like many others—have excluded voices that are essential to our vitality and mission. My presence at this table is not just about me; it is about opening doors for others and ensuring that those who come after me do not have to be the “first” in the same way.
I am also deeply aware of the legacy of those who came before me, those who fought for opportunities I now enjoy. Their courage and sacrifices remind me that I am standing on the shoulders of giants, and it is my duty to continue paving the way for future generations.
Garrett’s mission to cultivate communities of justice, compassion, and hope resonates deeply. Justice calls us to address systemic inequities and advocate for those who are marginalized. Compassion reminds us to meet people where they are, offering care and understanding in times of need. And hope compels us to look beyond present challenges, trusting in God’s promise of a better future. It is not enough to believe; we must live out our beliefs in ways that uplift and empower others. These are values I learned as a student at Garrett, and they form a powerful foundation for the seminary’s future work and its impact on the world.
Leadership in this moment requires not only strategy—it requires purpose and courage. We must be willing to face hard truths, to acknowledge where we have fallen short, and to take bold steps toward a more just and inclusive future. And we cannot give in to fear when this work is countercultural. This is my commitment as Chair of the Board, and what I invite our seminary community to join.
We are called to lead not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. The decisions we make today will shape the future of theological education and ministry for generations to come. It is a weighty responsibility, but it is also an extraordinary privilege.We are called to lead not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. The decisions we make today will shape the future of theological education and ministry for generations to come. It is a weighty responsibility, but it is also an extraordinary privilege.
As I step into this role, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude—for my roots that ground me, for the mentors that council me, and the communities that have supported me, and for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I am also filled with hope for what we can accomplish together.
This is a time for bold leadership and faithful action. It is a time to embrace the challenges before us as opportunities for transformation. And it is a time to live out the seminary’s mission to form courageous leaders in the way of Jesus who will cultivate communities of justice, compassion, and hope.
I am honored to lead this journey, and I look forward to working with all who share this vision for a brighter, more just future. Together, we can ensure that Garrett not only survives but thrives as a leader in faith, justice, and community transformation.