The Rev. Mienda Uriarte will begin duties this month as coordinator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s mission work in Asia and the Pacific.
Uriarte is a Presbyterian minister and a clergy member of Pacific Presbytery, with more than 25 years of experience working in the PC(USA) and other religious organizations. Prior to joining the PC(USA)’s World Mission department, she was the case manager for the Refugees of the World program at Kentucky Refugee Ministries in Louisville, Kentucky, where she successfully resettled more than 1,000 Asian, south Asian and southwest Asian refugees. Uriarte had also previously worked as Coordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministries at the PC(USA)’s national office.
“I believe Mienda will quickly fit in as a member of the World Mission team, having previously worked for the General Assembly Mission Council,” said Doug Welch, World Mission’s associate director for mission partners and programs. “She brings her rich experience in the PC(USA to this position, as well as her commitment to ministry to the poor and marginalized, opening up new ways for our work to take place.”
Uriarte received her Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and is working toward a Doctor of Ministry degree at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. She lives in Louisville with her husband Vince Patton.
Uriarte will begin work on September 19, 2011.