Frédérique Ndatirwa

Communications Agent

Frédérique is a Congolese Canadian raised on Treaty 6 Territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta). She chose Duke Divinity School because of the breadth and depth of theological learning and practical experiences it offers. The interdisciplinary nature of her research interests have been nurtured by faculty and staff at the Divinity School and the Ormond Center is one of the places she has found the flexibility to grow academically, professionally, and spiritually. Working with Ormond’s diverse team, who walk alongside clergy, congregations, and communities in becoming agents of thriving, Frédérique has found a place to cultivate language and actions for the work she is doing.

Frédérique’s academic and research pursuits are at the intersection of religion, gender, identity, migration, and trauma. More specifically, she looks at women who have been forcibly displaced and settled in settler-colonial spaces in North America and the ways in which their identities (or identity formation/reformation) play into the already existing narratives of their new “home.” At the heart of her work is empowering those on the margins to share their stories as a form of resistance and healing.

After graduation from Duke Divinity School, Frédérique hopes to pursue a PhD or ThD (doctor of theology), while continuing to work at the intersection of church, community service, and scholarship.

In her free time, Frédérique enjoys playing music, watching a good show, and spending time with her family and friends (online or in person).