countdown to DIAKONIA World Assembly - introducing Regional Presidents

The countdown is on to the DIAKONIA World Assembly in Chicago, and so the next few posts will introduce you to some of the delegates who will be there. It's a good way to begin to make connections, even before the Assembly starts, so when you're there you can give a nodding acknowledgment of people you recognise or better still initiate a conversation with them.

Here are the three Regional Presidents:

DOTAC (DIAKONIA of the Americas and Caribbean)
Deaconess Lisa Polito is the DOTAC Regional President. She was consecrated in 1990, and has served as a chaplain with people with developmental disabilities. Since 2001, Lisa has been at the Lutheran Deaconess Association office in Valparaiso University. Lisa concludes her term as DOTAC President at this year's Assembly.

Deaconess Lisa Polito

DRAE (DIAKONIA Region of Africa and Europe)
Marianne Uri Øverland is the Regional President of DRAE. She is a Deacon in the Church of Norway and works as the director of a Church organisation (IKO) promoting Christian education and running a publishing house.

Marianne Uri Øverland

DAP (DIAKONIA of Asia and the Pacific)
Deaconess Emma Cantor has been Regional President, 2009-2017. She is a Deaconess in the United Methodist Church in the Philippines. She concludes her role as President of DAP at this year's DIAKONIA World Assembly.

Deaconess Emma Cantor