In the new episode of the YDS “Quadcast” series, Vanessa Avery ‘02 M.A.R. speaks with host Emily Judd ‘19 M.A.R. about lessons learned from her decades of interfaith peacebuilding work and her insights on how architecture can be used as a tool to bring people together.
In the interview, Avery recalls poignant moments that have unfolded at peacebuilding sessions, including one in which a participant realized her idea about Muslims was wrong. ”She was crying,” Avery said, “and she looked at the Muslims in our group and she said, ‘I’m so sorry for having thought this way about you.’” She also elaborates on the power of architecture—”Architecture tells stories about people”—and the ability of hospitality to transform prejudiced ideas. “Hospitality is the way we turn a prejudiced world around,” she says, “one heart at a time.”
Download a transcript of the episode (pdf)