In, Why Grandma is Losing Out to Friendsgiving, Sharyl West Loeung explores the complexity of finding places of belonging amid a global pandemic, and if we are honest with ourselves, even before the spread of Covid-19. We can reimagine our traditions to create spaces for belonging, where our tables are a place for gathering as our truest selves, even at Grandma’s.

Sharyl West Loeung, M.Div., has spent most of her career in K-12 and higher education helping students discover what it means to belong in our diverse world. Her passion for intercultural, intergenerational, and interfaith friendships has guided her career as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging educator. She is the co-founder of Kardia House Consulting which focuses on the mindful reframing of difficult conversations by practicing generous communication. Sharyl is married and lives in Waco, Texas with her two sons and a hoard of cats.