Staff
Beth Katz, Founder and Executive Director
Beth Katz is the founder and executive director of Project Interfaith. Beth got bitten by the interfaith bug in college, where she first got involved in interfaith work as the co-founder of a student interfaith group. Her passion for creating a world where people of all faiths and beliefs are valued and included led her to come back to her hometown of Omaha after graduate school to start Project Interfaith.
Beth frequently speaks and writes on interfaith issues and work. She presents on Project Interfaith’s mission and work at local, national, and international events including at the Istanbul Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion, and at the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
Beth is an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she has taught courses on international conflict resolution for the Political Science department and religious diversity issues in the public schools for the College of Education. She is an Ambassador for the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions and has served on the Mayor’s Clergy Advisory Board in Omaha since being appointed in 2008.
Beth holds a Master of Public Policy and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education from Creighton University.
Ryan Strawhecker, Director of Development and Communication
Ryan comes to Project Interfaith after working as a non-profit consultant at Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc. from 2004 to January 2010. During his time at PJS, Ryan has worked with many non-profits throughout the Midwest.
Ryan has served on the Association of Fundraising Professionals Board of Directors (Nebraska chapter) as the Treasurer in 2009, and is currently the Vice Chair for the AFP 2010 Mid-America Conference to be held in Omaha May 3-4.
Ryan holds a Master degree in English from Creighton University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Millikin University. While at Millikin University, Ryan was the runner-up recipient for the university’s Conant award for creative writing. While at Creighton University, Ryan completed his master thesis and read an academic paper at Arizona State University on Edgar Allan Poe.
Ryan enjoys playing music and participating in sports. He is an avid traveler and takes pride in learning about other people and cultures.
Sierra Pirigyi, Intern
sierra@projectinterfaithusa.org
Sierra Pirigyi is our current intern, assisting with communications and fundraising, as well as different operational and logistical aspects of Project Interfaith.
Sierra currently attends Metropolitan Community College and is working on her Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. She plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska Omaha for a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies, with specializations in International Non-Profit and Middle Eastern Area Studies.
Sierra previously interned with Project WISE, a Denver nonprofit, working with low-income women. Her interests include history, politics and religion. She also enjoys music and theater. Sierra plans to continue to work in the nonprofit field.