Rabbi Sandra Lawson (she/her) is one of the first African American, queer, female rabbis who has consciously sought to alter the perception of what a rabbi — and the rabbinate — looks like. Known for tackling difficult questions surrounding Jews and race, Rabbi Lawson has been an active voice in podcasts, essays, media appearances and speeches. She currently serves as Director of Racial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Reconstructing Judaism where she works with senior staff, lay leaders, clergy, rabbinical students, and Reconstructionist communities to help Reconstructing Judaism realize its deeply held aspiration of becoming an anti-racist organization and movement. In this role, Rabbi Lawson is developing a series of anti-racist policies for the institution and its affiliate members. She also serves as a mentor to rabbinical students.