Linda Ayala: Engage Training Team Member

My name is Linda Ayala and I’ve been working in Oakland, CA for the last 15 years in emergency housing, non-profit organizational development, community organizing, social services, and health education. My passions/vocations include immigrant & disability rights, popular education and conflict resolution.

I learned Spanish during seven-plus years of volunteer work with the Oakland Catholic Worker house – offering support and refuge to Latin American Refugees.

I currently work full time as the Training & Outreach Coordinator for a public agency committed to quality home care services for elders and people with disabilities.

My educational pursuits included a Masters of Arts in International Peace Studies and a Masters of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education.

I currently live in a multi-cultural neighborhood in with my husband and 3-year-old daughter.I’ve also helped raise my husband’s three children, now 25, 20 & 15 years of age.

Over my many years of affiliation with Pace e Bene, I’ve appreciated the opportunities for exploring the principles of active nonviolence with diverse communities such as Catholic Workers, Spanish-speaking immigrants and community activists.