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Columbia Theological Seminary has appointed Dr. Ria Llanto Martin as Director of Intercultural and Global Services, effective Monday, July 17.
“This call is so exciting to me as it will allow me to come alongside our students to discern and stay hopeful for what God is already doing within them, among their peers, through Columbia, for His church and the world,” Martin said. “I am here to participate and partner with God to cherish diversity, equity, and justice by practicing cultural sensitivity, empathy, and humility.”
Born and raised in the Philippines, Martin moved to Seattle, Wash., in 2012 to pioneer a campus ministry where interculturality played a significant role. She worked alongside local and international students from China, Ghana, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Myanmar, among others. Her fifteen years of ministry experiences in the Philippines, Asia, and the U.S., have afforded her significant intercultural leadership and mentorship opportunities, community engagements, and intercultural staff/team management.
“With her incredible background, amazing gifts/skills, and compelling personal experience, we are grateful to God for calling Dr. Ria Martin into the Columbia community.,” said Dr. Kathryn Threadgill, vice president for Student Formation and Campus Culture. “The Director of Intercultural and Global Services is a vital position in Student Formation and Campus Culture. Dr. Ria will no doubt form lasting relationships with International Students, as well as the entire Columbia community, and we are so thrilled to have her begin Monday, July 17th.”
Martin completed her doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary in Portland, Ore. Her dissertation explored the practices of diaspora missions through intercultural campus ministry, an integration of local and international students into one campus ministry, with a relational framework.
“Dr. Ria L. Martin brings profound experiences and exceptional academic credentials in this area of intercultural sensitivities and inclusive excellence,” said Columbia President Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo Jr. “Her passion for Christ and the Church are key elements that will support all our students in their flourishing as future servant-leaders. The depth of her knowledge and praxis will be essential in providing efficient deliverables created by the Student Formation and Campus Culture team.”
