By Faith Snipes, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow
Six fellows have begun their placements with the 2026-2027 ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship for a year-long experience. Bringing a wide range of skills and experiences, the fellows have already begun working on public policy issues at the state and national level and promoting peace and human rights at the United Nations.
As we embark on a year of advocacy, personal growth and professional development, we are excited to deepen our understanding of what it means to be a public witness as people of faith in society while serving our neighbors domestically and around the world.
Ayantu Abdissa (New York) 
Ayantu Abdissa (she/her), the Hunger Advocacy Fellow at the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), is a gender justice and peacebuilding practitioner with more than eight years of experience advancing women’s rights, humanitarian action and community-led development. Born and raised in Ethiopia, she is a member of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). She co-founded SHE MATTERS, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) supporting vulnerable and marginalized women in Ethiopia. Abdissa holds a Master of Arts in International Peacebuilding from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace.
Simran Bhathal (New Jersey)
Simran Bhathal (she/her) is a Hunger Advocacy Fellow at the New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders. She believes safe and affordable housing, healthcare, and food are basic human rights to which every person is entitled. Bhathal is motivated to ensure all New Jerseyans can live with dignity by bringing together critical voices in the interfaith space through this fellowship. Prior to this role, Bhathal worked at Alaska Venture Fund, the US Hydrogen Alliance, and Vogel Group. She holds a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University, concentrating in security policy and minoring in Arabic Studies.
Julian Daniel (Washington, D.C.)
Julian Daniel (he/they) is the Hunger Advocacy Fellow for Policy at the ELCA Witness in Society office in Washington, D.C. Passionate about economic and social justice in U.S. foreign policy, Daniel brings experience in political organizing, legislative affairs and international development to this fellowship. Originally from Atlanta, Daniel graduated from Yale University with B.A. degrees in History and Political Science.
Kamila Gutierrez (Wisconsin)
Kamila Gutierrez (she/her) graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a B.A. in Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Ancient Greek. During college, she worked as a Peer Minister at The Corner House Lutheran Campus Ministry and served as an intern for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA). She is currently the Hunger Advocacy Fellow for the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin and is excited to be part of change-making in the state.
Jacob Reister (Minnesota)
Jacob Reister (He/Him) is a recent graduate of Luther College with B.A. degrees in Religion and Economics. During his time at Luther College, he provided student mentorship and residence hall management, building community and fostering lasting relationships. He is excited to utilize his personal experiences, entrepreneurial background, and social justice focus to help further the advocacy work of the ELCA with Lutheran Advocacy—Minnesota (LA-MN).
Faith Snipes (Washington, D.C.)
Faith Snipes(she/her) is a recent graduate of American University and Wesley Theological Seminary, where she earned an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and a M.T.S. in Theological Studies. Her primary interest is exploring how religious leaders and communities can play a pivotal role in peacebuilding, reconciliation and advocacy in pre- and post-conflict environments. Snipes is excited to connect communications and advocacy as a Hunger Advocacy Fellow in the Washington, D.C., Witness in Society office.
