Tina Francis, a Master of Divinity student at Seminary of the Southwest, has been selected as a member of the 2026 cohort of the esteemed Trinity Leadership Fellows program. Sponsored by Trinity Church in New York City the non-residential, fully-funded fellowship brings together lay and ordained leaders from across denominations to cultivate skills in faith-rooted leadership and social impact.
Over the course of two years, fellows engage in online leadership training, mentorship, and collaborative learning. The second year of the program centers on implementing action-based projects in their local communities. According to Trinity Church, the fellowship aims to equip participants with the tools to “heal divides, disrupt injustice, and strengthen their communities.”
“I’m humbled to be included in a cohort full of people doing such meaningful, necessary work in the world,” said Francis. “Thanks to my community at Southwest for the encouragement, and to Trinity Church for this honor. Here’s to showing up with open hands and a hopeful heart—I can’t wait to soak it all in and share the goodness around sticky tables, late-night questions, and the beautiful mess of real community.”
“While it is true that Tina is fortunate to have received this honor, it is even more true that Trinity Church is fortunate to have Tina as part of their program,” shared Dr. Scott Bader-Saye, dean and president. “Throughout her time at Southwest, Tina has displayed an exceptional capacity for learning, discovering, engaging, and communicating fresh ideas. She brings together clear thinking with creative expression. She has proven herself to be a leader, and she has been quick to apply for and take advantage of every opportunity that has come her way. She will bring her deeply grounded spirituality and her centered energy to this experience. I have no doubt she will take full advantage of what is on offer and will gift others in the process.”
Francis joins a growing list of Southwest students recognized by the fellowship. The Rev. Sarah Smith, a 2021 graduate with a Diploma in Anglican Studies, previously participated in the program and now serves as Curate at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
The full list of 2026 fellows is available in Trinity Church’s official announcement here.
