Al Fuertes

Dr. Al Fuertes is a Senior Scholar at George Mason University's Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and faculty director of Mason's Global Education Office programs in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Rwanda, focusing on human trafficking, environmental issues, post-genocide healing, and grassroots peacebuilding. He specializes in community-based psychosocial trauma healing, conflict transformation, and liberation theology, working with displaced populations, government/NGO leaders, and military entities globally.

• Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (2007), George Mason University
• MA in Peace Studies (1997), Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
• Bachelor of Theology (1990), Silliman University Divinity School (magna cumlaude)

His research explores trauma healing as integral to peacebuilding, refugee repatriation, and spirituality's role in conflict resolution. Recent publications examine gratitude practices in education, forgiveness in divided communities, and Karen refugee experiences in Southeast Asia.

Scientific awards include the

• 2023 University Life Partnership Award
• 2019 Global Peacebuilder Award
• 2008 GMU Teaching Excellence Award

As an ordained United Church of Christ minister, Dr. Fuertes also serves as Covenant Minister at UCC Wellspring in Centreville, VA, and sits on advisory boards for human rights and immigration initiatives.