Helping leaders embrace change and reconciliation.

Shani McIlwain works as an independent writer at the intersections of faith, justice, and pop culture. A bestselling author, preacher, speaker, and executive coach, she believes freedom is central to faith and that truth-telling is a spiritual practice.

A ruling elder at Faith Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, and former moderator of the National Capital Presbytery, she has also served as a More Light Presbyterians board member and coach for NEXT Church. Her work is grounded in the conviction that everyone has a place at Christ’s table.

Shani helps communities interrogate power, challenge oppressive systems, and imagine more liberated ways of living and believing. You can find her on Substack with her weekly series Sometimes Church Looks Like and co-hosting the podcast Embracing Race: Conversations with Truth and Intention.