Em Kianka (she/they) brings to their role a wide breadth of experience. Prior to joining Common Justice, Em worked as a counselor at a residential substance abuse treatment center for youth, a community organizer working on anti-carceral and anti-racist advocacy, a hospital chaplain, a minister for a liberal faith community, and a trauma-informed yoga instructor for survivors of violence. She is especially passionate about the intersection of individual and collective healing and social justice, and finds her calling in co-building resilience with individuals and communities.

Em has a BA from Wesleyan University and a Master of Divinity from Starr King School, where they studied trauma, healing, and resilience; strategies for transforming violence; and movements for justice and equity. In her free time, Em enjoys hiking with her dog, spending time with loved ones, and writing creative fiction.