Linda Lawrence Hunt
Linda Lawrence Hunt, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, speaker, and teacher. She is also a three-time cancer survivor who speaks across America on living with boldness, resilience and hope in challenging times. Described as “an eloquent, engaging speaker who winsomely brings her books alive,” her audiences include leaders in such diverse places as theological seminaries, cancer centers, universities, regional and national civic conferences, and bookstores. Her monthly newsletter Soul Space Stories is available on her author website: www.lindalawrencehunt.com.
A mother of three adult children, her life direction changed significantly after the tragic death of her 25-year-old married daughter Krista who was killed while volunteering with her husband in a remote village in Bolivia. Linda and her husband Jim found their garden offered a healing solace for the fierce love and sorrow that burdened their hearts.
In 1999, they co-founded the non-profit Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship which encourages other young adults engaged in a year or more of service with existing agencies (such as Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteers, AmeriCorps) in American urban centers, in developing nations, and with environmental projects. In 2001, they converted a dilapidated barn into a beautiful retreat space called The Hearth and expanded the gardens that serves for Krista Colleague leadership retreats. A cohort class of Krista Colleagues was selected each year, provided Service-Leadership grants and mentorship, and support both before and after their return. Through twenty years, over 330 Krista Colleagues have served in over 60 nations and 53 American cities. Her graduate studies proved an excellent background in helping design initial programs for young adult leaders as she served as Executive Director of the Krista Foundation. Soul Space: Creating Places and Lives that Make a Difference illuminates this encouraging story.
Linda graduated from the University of Washington with a focus on both history and English and earned her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. She is a former Whitworth University professor and director of their Writing Program where she also helped establish their innovative Service-Learning program.
She is the author of Pilgrimage Through Loss: Pathways to Strength and Renewal After the Death of a Child, Bold Spirit: Helga Estby's Forgotten Walk Across Victorian America, and Soul Space: Creating Places and Lives that Make a Difference.