Faith In Action Fund Staff
Rev. Nicole M. Barnes, MDiv, MBA
Interim Executive Director
As the Interim Executive Director at Faith in Action Fund, I am deeply committed to advancing social justice, equity, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. My mission is to support people of faith as they organize and build power to create systemic change and hold elected officials accountable to the communities they serve. I believe in a nation where every voice is heard, and every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
In my role, I help guide the strategic direction of the Fund, oversee our initiatives, and ensure alignment with our core values and mission. I work collaboratively to provide the necessary resources, support, and leadership to amplify the voices of people of faith advocating for transformative change. Through our collective efforts, we strive to eliminate poverty, expand voting rights, reform immigration, and promote a more just and equitable society for all.
As a native of Indianapolis, IN, I have dedicated my career to advancing social justice, equity, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. With over 12 years of non-profit experience, including 8 years in management, I have been a passionate advocate for underprivileged and underserved populations, particularly foster youth, and have worked closely with local school districts to support youth and families.
I value my faith and education, holding an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. My journey in community organizing began through a partnership between my church and IndyCAN, now Faith in Indiana, where I served as one of the data leads for the 2014 LMPV campaign, raising voter awareness for thousands.
Now, as Interim Executive Director of Faith in Action Fund, I am proud to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners in the ongoing fight for justice. We are eliminating poverty, expanding voting rights, and creating a future where compassion and justice prevail. Together, we are building a more just and equitable society for all.
Brenda Gavin-Garcia
Internal Organizer
I am an experienced nonprofit professional with over 8 years in management and a strong background in community organizing. With a foundation in both financial management and sociology, I bring a unique perspective to my work in social justice and community empowerment. My passion for these causes has driven impactful initiatives that uplift marginalized communities. As a former community organizer, I have worked tirelessly to build grassroots power, advocate for underserved populations, and develop effective strategies to address systemic issues.
Throughout my career in nonprofit management, I have been committed to creating meaningful change by leading programs focused on equity, civic engagement, and social welfare. My background in financial management has allowed me to effectively oversee budgets, optimize resources, and ensure the sustainability of the programs I lead. Additionally, my knowledge of sociology has deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers faced by communities, enabling me to develop strategies that are both effective and empathetic.
I bring expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, community collaboration, and financial oversight to every endeavor, ensuring that the voices of those I serve are heard and respected. My dedication to advancing social justice continues to inspire my work, as I strive to create a more just and equitable society for all.