Phileena Nikole, founding partner of Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism, has spent her life in social justice work among the world’s poor. A member of the New Friar movement, for nearly 20 years she and her husband Chris served with Word Made Flesh in more than 70 countries building community among victims of human trafficking, survivors of HIV and AIDS, abandoned children and child soldiers and war brides.

Phileena and Chris founded Gravity in 2012 to support the development of Christian consciousness in the 21st century, by making contemplative practice accessible to individuals, communities and organizations who engage the challenging social justice perils of our time.

Named “Outstanding Alumni” by Asbury University and one of Outreach magazine’s “30 Emerging Influencers Reshaping Leadership,” Phileena believes that contemplative spirituality is crucial to authentic, creative, liberating social change.

Phileena is a member of the Red Letter Christians and known for her provocative theological narrative, Pilgrimage of a Soul (IVP 2010).