FAITH AND WORK FORUM
The Faith & Work Forum is a conversation series that discusses the interplay between faith, work, and life. Each semester we feature guest speakers with leadership experience from across a wide range of vocations, who bring authentic stories about seeking a meaningful, purpose-driven life. This program runs in partnership with our Fellows Program & Vintage Lunch and provides candid conversations over a free lunch at the historic Bonhoeffer House. RSVP required. Email Christy Yates to learn more.
“The Faith & Work Forum was such a powerful and refilling time in every way. In just one hour in this conversation with Dr. Danny Avula, I was challenged and inspired in so many ways regarding what it can look like to live out of faith in and post-college; Dr. Avula's reflections on how his faith has led and guided his decisions and directions in life and career were both stretching and comforting and exactly what I needed to hear as I think about decisions for post-graduation.” - Malia Sample, Perkins Fellow ‘22
Fall 2026
Our first Faith & Work lunch of the year, Integration & Healing, took place on September 18th at the Bonhoeffer House with TH friends and UVA parents, Elizabeth & Evans Rice, in conversation with their daughters Katie (‘27) and Charlotte (‘29) about their faith and vocational journeys, especially as they relate to their more recent interest and work in family systems and healing.
Our next Faith & Work lunch will be Fri, Nov 13th at the Bonhoeffer House with Susan and John Yates.
Faith & Work Resources
Former Guests
Dr. Danny Avula
Dr. Danny Avula (UVa ‘99) is the Director of Richmond and Henrico Public Health Departments and also served as the head of the Covid Response for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Dr. Steve Scoper
Dr. Scoper is a renowned Ophthalmologist based out of Virginia Beach and past TH Board Chair. Watch the conversation here. Listen here.
Jocelyn Diaz
Jocelyn Diaz (UVa ‘99) is a Hollywood Executive who currently oversees the production of Game of Thrones (HBO) in the UK.
Robbie Berndt
Robert Berndt (UVa alumnus) oversees all of Dominion Enterprises’ automotive technology businesses as well as Landmark Interactive, the online marketing services division of Dominion Enterprises.
Pam Sutton-Wallace
Pam Sutton-Wallace is the Chief Executive Office of the UVa Medical Center. She overseas the strategic direction and operations of all inpatient and ambulatory services of the medical center.
Curt Viebranz
President former president of HBO International and Time Inc. Europe, current CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Cindy Brinker Simmons
Principal at Levenson & Brinker Public Relations, Dallas, TX. UVa alumna.
Reggie Leonard
Associate Director for Career Connections and Community Engagement
Faith and Work Forum is made possible through the support of Grant 63003-08 from the John Templeton Foundation
Thanks to The UVA Parents Program that supports this effort through a partnership with the Vintage Lunch Program