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Ceni works closely to implement the Polaris Fellowship, supporting cohorts through a year-long leadership acceleration program. She has worked in parish and university ministries, directed retreats, and lived as a residential rector. She presented a TEDx Talk, “The Unexpected Gift of Death”, an exploration of the ways grief grants us the blessing of sameness. She holds a BA from DePaul University and earned her MTS at Duke Divinity School. She is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Ceni is a community-builder, steadfast encourager, an advocate for young adults navigating life in ministry, and a Catholic laywoman intentionally dedicated to ecumenical collaboration. She lives and writes in Chicago.

Chelsea leads marketing and communications for the Polaris team, bringing their mission and work to life through compelling storytelling. With a background in enrollment marketing and educational outreach, she has crafted campaigns for a wide range of programs, with a special focus on photo and video production. Chelsea sharpened her skills as a director, writer, and producer of short documentary films while working with arts organizations and non-profits. She holds a BA in Urban Studies from the University of Minnesota and has earned certificates in Multimedia and Content Production, most recently from the College of Innovation and Design at Boise State University. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and biking, curating a local film festival, and singing and playing guitar.

Akshay manages program and marketing data and analytics by developing dashboards, reporting systems, and digital engagement tools that strengthen leadership development and program evaluation. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in information decision sciences and a minor in computer science, bringing a strong background in data analysis, process improvement, and cross-departmental collaboration. Akshay is passionate about using data to tell stories that empower leaders and communities. Originally from Kerala, India, and raised in Doha, Qatar, he is now based in Norristown, PA. He enjoys exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and creativity through ministry and is dedicated to sharing his experiences as an immigrant and South Indian American through music and writing. In his free time, Akshay loves making music, traveling and discovering new food spots and hiking trails with his wife, Shreya.

Shari leads the Polaris team and develops the network’s research and program offerings. A lifelong Christian, her call was clarified in her early 20s after she was invited to lead in campus ministry. She is insatiably curious about God’s unfolding story and loves hearing how people join the Holy Spirit’s work in diverse and imaginative ways. She has experience discerning vocational next steps with seminary students and ministry professionals, leading teams, preaching, teaching, and designing educational programs and resources. She holds a BA from Grand Valley State University and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. She enjoys bringing people together so they can learn, form friendships, generate new ideas, and collaborate. She resides in Holland, Michigan, with her spouse Jason and their four children Asher, Ezra, Elia, and Ada. They worship together at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan.