Susan de Gaia teaches Religion and Philosophy at Central Michigan University and is General Editor of “Encyclopedia of Women in World Religions” (in press 2018). She is Regional Director of the Women and Girls sector of the Charter for Compassion. She works locally in the mountain community to promote sustainability and social justice through farming and food cooperatives. She holds a Ph.D. in religion-social ethics (USC). Ruth Ratna Handy - Ruth’s dedication to the spiritual life has lasted over 40 years. She regularly attends services at Ananda Ashrama in La Crescenta, CA. Since 2012, she’s studied Tai Chi with Master Fu while she played the Japanese koto for many years. She completed pilgrimages to sacred sites in the world. Currently, she has medical challenges but maintains her commitment to the Center.