Prepare New York, a coalition of New York’s six most prominent
interfaith organizations, is proud to announce the hiring of two interfaith leaders to bolster and
expand efforts on the year-long campaign promoting pluralism in preparation for the ten year
anniversary of 9/11. With support from the One NYC One Nation Fund and The New York
Community Trust, Annie Rawlings, formerly of the New York Presbytery and the Becket Center
at Fordham, has joined the coalition as its Director of Education, and Frank Fredericks, interfaith
social entrepreneur, as Director of Media and Events.
“Prepare New York is thrilled to welcome on staff two individuals with such experience in
interfaith coalition building. Rawlings and Fredericks bring a set of complimentary qualifications
that will deepen the person-to-person educational exchange we envision in the coffee hour
conversations as well as strong media and events presence in New York City and the country
leading up to the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.”
Rawlings is no stranger to interfaith work in New York City. From 2004 until this past summer,
Rawlings was the Interim Associate Executive Presbyter for Social Witness for the Presbytery of
New York City. Previously, she served as the Director of the Beck Institute on Religion and
Poverty at Fordham University, and was Executive Director of A Partnership of Faith in New
York City. Rawlings holds her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary
Rawlings has a long history of engagement in community dialogue, interfaith relations,
peacemaking, and social justice in New York City and San Francisco. She co-founded the New
York State Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform, and has been a leader in developing
ecumenical relationships between mainline Protestants and Evangelicals, who share common
concerns, such as U.S. and global poverty. Her article “Poverty, Truth and Reconciliation”
appeared in the May/June 2002 issue of the journal Church & Society. Rawlings is a Ruling
Elder (Board Member) of Jan Hus Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.
“I am deeply grateful to have an opportunity to draw upon the great good will of so many in our
City who are willing to speak, to discuss, to share, and to teach,” says Rawlings. “And I am
especially proud to be working with such an important effort. Prepare New York represents a
powerful example of collaboration and a shared vision of inclusion. Together, we will have an
impact that none of us could accomplish alone.”
Fredericks is a growing leader in interfaith youth work locally and globally. After graduating from
New York University, Fredericks worked in the music industry, managing artists such as Lady
Gaga, and founding Çöñàr Records. In 2006, he founded World Faith, an interfaith community
service organization, which is now active in nine countries. World Faith has since gained
recognition from the United Nations, being honored with the Marketplace of Ideas Award.
Fredericks has also worked extensive as an online marketing and media consultant, with clients
spanning from NGOs, record labels, corporations, and production companies. As an active
blogger, Frank contributes to various blogs including the Huffington Post, Washington Post, and
Sojourners. Frank has been interviewed on Good Morning America, NPR, New York Magazine,
and various international media outlets.
He shares, “I truly believe we are standing at a pivotal point in American history, and I believe
now is the time, and New York is the place, to reaffirm our values. I am absolutely honored to
be a part of this movement.”