In this series, we spotlight our four extraordinary Circles USA Board members: the governance team who oversees CUSA operations, advises on strategic directions, and contributes to specific projects that enhance what CUSA has to offer to its community of practice. Examples include upgrading our website, brochures, and curriculum, developing our Big View policy platform to advance systemic change based on chapter input, and connecting with national partner organizations like Ideos to strengthen our capacity for generative dialogue. While our network will not be surprised by our Board’s commitment to CUSA, we hope the scope of their collective knowledge and experience—from public policy to community organizing and spiritual leadership—will delight and inspire you.


JENNIFER PELLING

Board Member and Director of Tsuha Foundation (San Diego, CA)

Jennifer Pelling is a founding member of the Tsuha Foundation and a documentary film producer. She believes in the power of stories to break down stereotypes, promote constructive dialogue, and engage people in social change. She is particularly interested in narratives related to inequity, Christianity, identity, and connection. 

Jennifer’s previous experience includes consulting and project management (Accenture), homeschooling her children, and teaching at a charter school. She graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science.


I believe that when people come together across income lines in friendship and support, both the individuals and their communities are positively transformed.
– Jennifer Pelling

“I’ve been a Circles USA Board member since December 2018 because I wholeheartedly believe in its mission and want to contribute my time and resources to helping Circles grow,” Jennifer says. “I believe that when people come together across income lines in friendship and support, both the individuals and their communities are positively transformed. I look forward to continuing to share stories of personal and systemic change as the Circles model expands across the US and Canada!”

Jennifer was instrumental in upgrading our Circles USA website, marketing materials, and curriculum and recently finished producing our upcoming suite of new videos that capture the transformative power of Circles.