Biography of Workshop Leader:
Sarah Wilke has worked as the executive director of Wesley-Rankin Community Center since 1986.
As Executive Director of Wesley-Rankin, Sarah has worked to strengthen the ties between the United Methodist church and the community in an effort to help individuals realize their potential for giving and growth.
The ministry at Wesley-Rankin combined with her love of the church has lead Sarah to devote much of her energy to the study and application of faith-based community development.
Sarah came to the community center after spending 14 months in the U.S. Peace Corps, helping Costa Rican women develop small cooperative businesses. During her time in the Central American country, she became fluent in Spanish - - a skill that led her to want to continue working in the Hispanic community on her return to the United States.
ACTIVITIES
Wesley-Rankin Community Center, Executive Director, 1986-present
Co-Creator "Project Transformation", a collaborative leadership development/urban mission effort of the North Texas Conference UMC.
Speaking engagements include United Methodist Women's Assembly '98, Cedar Valley Community College Convocation '98, United Methodist Institutional Leadership in Texas Symposium '95, and '97. Throughout the year, Sarah speaks to churches, United Methodist Women, Colleges, and civic groups.
Academics 2000 State Panel Member, Governor's Appointee 1995-Present Mexican-American Studies Program, Perkins School of Theology, Advisory Committee, 1997-Present.
Mountain View Community College, President's Advisory Committee 1995-Present Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas, Educational Advisory Committee, 1994-95, 1997-Present.
Dallas Healthy Community Initiative, Neighborhood Strategies, Chair, 1996-Present. Vecinos Unidos Neighborhood Association, (community development organization), founding member.
U.S. Peace Corps, Costa Rica, volunteer, 1984-86
University of Kansas, 1980-84. Major in Political Science, emphasis in Personnel Administration.