Kendra Cordova (they/them) is a revert Muslim. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing and their background includes advanced language and composition, storytelling, literary analysis, world literature, and training as a spiritual life coach.
Kendra was raised with a strict religious education within the Catholic Church, but didn't feel that the teachings reflected their belief in God's compassion and love. They went on to spend time studying world religions and spent years with New Age movements. These teachings were full of healing and compassion, but were still missing an important aspect: the Oneness of God.
In 2019 Kendra was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and felt drawn to study Islam. After reading the Quran and a few years of study, they knew they had found the truth in Islam and converted at the end of 2021.
As a queer person (nonbinary asexual panromantic), and the mother of two special needs children, Kendra has been inspired by the beauty of the Quran and the core Islamic principles including social justice, fostering a personal relationship with God, and the celebration of diversity in God's creation. They have incorporated Islam into their creative life as well, writing sufi poetry and including Islamic imagery in their paintings which have been featured in juries exhibitions in the U.S.
As a host for MPV, Kendra hopes to share the progressive message of Islam and help Muslims who have often felt marginalized in the community to feel seen, heard, and loved through sharing Islamic stories, analyzing scholarly research, and encouraging viewers to share their stories, too.
You can contact Kendra at mpvwithkendra@gmail.com
