About Us

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in others. -Gandhi

 

Founder and President
Susan Pembroke is a practicing psychotherapist, and founder and guiding teacher of Insight Meditation of Ventura. She began meditating in 1986 and has studied with a number of teachers within the Buddhist Theravada tradition. Susan was drawn to the jhanas (states of concentration) and studied these meditative absorptions with Ayya Khema. One of Ayya Khema's enduring concerns was the revival and support of the bhikkuni sangha—this organization is a continuation of her efforts. Founding the AfB, an organization that specifically supports monastic Theravadan women, is Susan's way of showing gratitude to Ayya Khema and honoring her memory. Susan was the recipient of an Outstanding Women in Buddhism Award in 2009.

 

Vice President
Carol Annable

 

Secretary
Marsha Morrow

 

Treasurer
Randy Graves

 

Board Members
 Donna McCarthy

 

 

ISSN 2156-0099. Published two times per year by Alliance for Bhikkhunis, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

 

Editor-in-Chief
Susan Pembroke

Executive Editor
Jacqueline Kramer

Editorial Board
Sarah Conover
Roseanne Freese
Randy Graves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer with Us
The AfB is always on the lookout for volunteers to join our team. If you share our core values, we’d like to talk with you.

  • Teamwork: The people you work with do make all the difference. Each individual's contribution is valued and recognized. We celebrate one other's successes, and use right intention and goodwill to guide our interactions.
  • Integrity: We value trust, honesty, kindness, right speech, accountability and a willingness to take action without fear of reprisal.
  • Commitment: We believe in an unwavering commitment to volunteer and personal excellence fueled by curiosity, openness, fun, and creativity.

If you’re looking for more in your volunteer career–more excitement, more challenges, and more responsibilities–consider joining the Alliance for Bhikkhunis. We offer the excitement and challenges inherent in helping to support the revival of the global Bhikkhuni Sangha, tempered by the joy and celebration of Dhamma.

Click below to learn about our current positions.