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About Ristina
Ristina Gooden (she/her) is a daughter, sister, friend, auntie, curiosity seeker, pleasure embracer, preacher, baker, reader, writer, music lover, and wanderer. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Gooden holds a BS in hospitality management from The Ohio State University and an MDiv from Vanderbilt Divinity School. She is a doctoral student in the graduate department of religion at Vanderbilt University, concentrating on homiletics and liturgics. Her work focuses on creating new frameworks of sacred rhetoric that interweave pleasure, agency, and wholeness for Black women. Gooden is a Forum for Theological Exploration Doctoral Fellow and serves as the student director and the chair of the Graduate Student Committee for the American Academy of Religion.
What is your area of expertise or field of study?
Homiletics. I am interested in how we talk about pleasure (both sexual and non-sexual) in our sermons in a way that is life-giving and, dare I say it, pleasurable.
Why did you get involved with AAR and how is your work aligned?
As a second-career student, joining AAR was essential for me as I initially knew very little about the academic study of religion. I had a sense of what I wanted to pursue (or so I thought), but AAR opened my eyes to the vastness of the field and introduced me to incredible people who have profoundly shaped my journey. Serving as the student director allows me to represent and support students who, like me, are still navigating their paths. I’m passionate about ensuring that students are aware of the opportunities and resources available to them, and that their concerns, as well as their successes, are heard. Being involved with AAR gives me the platform to make that impact.
What is your favorite AAR member benefit, and how has it helped your career? This might include access to our grants, award programs, and/or various research tools; opportunities to promote your scholarship through our official channels; networking and mentoring; career training through Beyond the Professoriate; and discounts on travel, transportation, and office supplies.
In the face of a challenging job market, Beyond the Professoriate offers me a sense of hope. They help identify transferable skills, refresh your resume, CV, and LinkedIn profile, and expand your network, making the search for a career—whether inside or outside academia—feel much less overwhelming. Special mention goes to the travel discounts. As a PhD student, traveling can be difficult to afford, and these discounts make it a bit more accessible.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to a first-time Annual Meeting attendee?
Most of the study of religion happens outside of the conference center. Pick 2-3 sessions per day, then spend the rest of the time networking and enjoying the city. Also, pack an extra bag for all the books you’re going to buy in the Exhibit Hall.
What book is on your nightstand that you’re reading or intend to read in the future?
Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks by Crystal Wilkinson.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Cooking—hence the book on my nightstand. My grandma taught me when I was a child, and it has become my refuge whenever life feels chaotic (which, during a PhD program, is most days). My main spiritual practice is preparing a big Sunday dinner, even if I’m the only one eating. The sacred process of chopping, stirring, and tasting allows me to commune with my ancestors and find my way back to myself.