Karen Ridd

Karen Ridd is a Teaching Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies at Canadian Mennonite University. With an MA in Peace and Justice (Governor-General's Gold Medal), she brings extensive field experience from conflict zones in Central America, Cambodia, and Colombia. Her teaching methodology emphasizes participatory approaches developed through collaborations with Training for Change and Mediation Services.

Ridd's research encompasses three primary domains: 1) Nonviolent Resistance strategies in social movements; 2) Restorative Justice frameworks for community healing; and 3) Cross-cultural Conflict Resolution methodologies. Her fieldwork includes protective accompaniment in Guatemala and community mediation in First Nations territories.

Her scholarship, though limited in recent publications, established foundational frameworks for understanding protective strategies in conflict zones. Early work examines the creation of safe spaces through international accompaniment and nonviolent intervention techniques.

Ridd's significant recognitions include:

• Governor-General's Gold Medal
• Canada YM/YWCA Peace Medal (1990)
• Manitoba International Human Rights Achievement Award (1989)
• Peace and Justice Studies Association Teaching Excellence Award (2013)
• Kay and Lorne Dick Teaching Excellence Award (2022)

Community engagement includes Walls to Bridges Collective teaching in correctional facilities, Gesher/Bridge/Jesr interfaith dialogue, and Peacing it Together activist networks. She coordinates theater initiatives including Such Stuff Players and Knavish Hedgehogs youth companies.