Rev. Ben McBride is an internationally recognized faith leader, activist, and sought-after speaker who has spoken to large audiences in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. McBride is the founder of the Empower Initiative, a capacity building firm devoted to empowering organizations and communities to foster belonging. Previously he served as director of PICO California, the state’s largest faith-based community organizing network. McBride was featured in the Sundance Film Festival award- winner The Force, and in 2020 the Center for American Progress listed him as one of the top faith leaders to watch. McBride lives in Oakland, California, with his wife, Gynelle, and their three daughters.