Member, Board of Trustees
Term 2026-2029
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Janine Purcell first crossed paths with Unitarian Universalism in 1970 while participating in a summer theater production that rehearsed in the basement of the North Olmsted Unitarian Church. She was drawn to the intelligence, good humor, and commitment to social justice she found there. Decades later, in 2017, she began attending First Unitarian Church in search of a beloved community to complement her own eclectic spiritual journey, and she quickly found a home.

Since becoming an active member of the congregation, Janine has been involved in many aspects of congregational life. She has participated in Greater Cleveland Congregations, the Lay Pastoral Care Team, and the Small Group Ministry Committee. She is also a familiar face at Laughter in Our Lives, the Second Saturday Walking Group, the Poetry Small Group, and the Second Sunday Book Group. She especially appreciates the many opportunities UUCC offers to build meaningful relationships while putting our values into action.

Before retiring in 2023, Janine worked for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she reviewed regulatory data related to reducing medical device use errors. She has studied Nonviolent Communication, completed mediation training at Capital University Law School, participated in the Center for Creative Leadership’s Women’s Leadership Program, and completed leadership training through the Unitarian Universalist Association while attending River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Janine brings a lifelong commitment to thoughtful leadership, compassionate listening, and building strong communities.

It would be a new experience to serve our church as a board member. I look forward to having the opportunity to serve in this capacity.