Amy Moritz Bio
I am an experienced facilitator of social change initiatives. Over the last two decades, I have acquired a diverse toolkit with which to guide you and your team as you implement your vision for social change.
I have facilitated change efforts with neighborhood-based groups; rural communities; public libraries; nonprofit start-ups; seminaries; churches; and systems working across multiple stakeholders.
The methods I use are people-centered and include:
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Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)
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Appreciative Inquiry
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Theory U
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Design Thinking
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Participatory Research and Action
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Social Networking
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Liberating Structures
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Developmental Evaluation
All these approaches value the wisdom and experience of the people closest to the opportunity for change and puts them at the center.
Education
I am a lifelong learner. I believe our wisdom and knowledge accumulates through both our lived experience as well as our formal education. I am grateful to have had teachers, formal and informal, who have inspired and shaped me. In many ways, I value the informal the most, but here is a list of my formal credentials:
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Master of Arts in Religion: Memphis Theological Seminary
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Master of Business Administration: Rochester Institute of Technology
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BS Engineering Technology: University of Memphis
Personal
I am married with two young adult children, a son-in-law, and one golden retriever, Pepper. We all love spending time together whenever we can whether it is a weekend away, a homecooked meal together, or a family game night (virtually since we do not all live in the same city). I currently reside back in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee and attend Trinity United Methodist Church where I lead, with others, our outreach including immigration advocacy.
Employment
I am the founding Executive Director for two faith-inspired nonprofit organizations:
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Uptown Alliance Community Economic Development Corporation (2001-2004)
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Center for Transforming Communities (2008-2018)
At Center for Transforming Communities (CTC), I was both practitioner and coach in authentic community engagement that leads to healthy and more vibrant neighborhoods. During this time, I trained and coached eight neighborhood coalitions in Memphis, TN and over 40 congregations.
My first career was with IBM where I worked in marketing, sales and technical support.
Interspersed, I have always found myself drawn to consult with purpose-driven organizations from libraries to churches to social service agencies. Today, I continue to consult with purpose-driven organizations, especially those committed to including people most impacted in creating the change they seek.
Collaborators
Annie Allen, an ordained minister, is a consultant to churches and social profit organizations. Annie specializes in community development initiatives, teaching, training, group facilitation, and retreats.
Christy M.P. Gilmour is a strategist with a passion for developing sustainability for the non-profit community, with a focus on authentic communications/messaging, impactful business/strategic planning, and effective fund development.
Amy is a founding member of the Network for Social Transformation, a network of experienced consultants who strengthen communities through approaches that are asset-based, constituent-driven and that build social connections.