Dr. Janett I. Cordovés

For over two decades, I have dedicated my career to fostering meaningful dialogue, advancing civic learning, and equipping leaders with the skills to navigate our ever-evolving democracy. I believe that civil discourse, engaged citizenship, and community leadership are the foundation of a thriving society—and I have worked across the country and around the world to turn this vision into action.

As the Senior Program Director of the Presidents Consortium at the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, I lead national efforts that prepare college presidents and faculty to cultivate citizen preparedness, civil discourse, and leadership in democracy. I design interdisciplinary Faculty Institutes, create tools to measure civic learning outcomes, and publish research that informs institutions nationwide.

In my role as a Brickyard Captain for More Perfect Union in Miami, I activate and support local communities in civic engagement and social action, ensuring that democracy is not just a concept but a lived experience. Whether working with community leaders, college students, or faith-based organizations, my goal is to strengthen democratic participation at every level.

Previously, as Director of Higher Education Partnerships at Interfaith America, I launched initiatives like the Interfaith Leadership Institute, supporting institutions in fostering pluralism, leadership, and social change. I have developed digital learning platforms, designed curricula, and led over 30 national learning opportunities that empower students, faculty, and administrators to engage across differences.

Beyond my work in the U.S., my commitment to global education took me to Semester at Sea, where I co-taught courses on religion, civic engagement, and nonviolent movements, guiding students through transformative learning experiences across multiple continents. This international perspective informs my approach to cultural competency, leadership, and bridge-building.

I am also a community leader, mentor, and advocate. As the founder of Faith Lives, I support young Christian professionals through scholarships and leadership development. My service extends to mentoring first-generation students, advocating for civic engagement, and creating pathways for underrepresented communities to access leadership opportunities.

Through my writing, I co-authored Dating with God at the Center, offering guidance on faith-driven relationships, and I continue to publish work on civil discourse, civic engagement, and interfaith cooperation.

Whether through speaking engagements, strategic consulting, or leadership coaching, I am committed to creating spaces where dialogue flourishes, leaders grow, and communities strengthen.