In September, I began a new role with the Riverside Innovation Hub as the Certificate Programs Development Specialist. In this role I’ll be imagining the future of formation and education at RIH, focusing on ways Augsburg students and individuals from congregations can access our transformative program. As an extension of this work, I will also be deepening RIH’s roots in and connection to the Augsburg University community. This is new and necessary work as RIH builds the path to sustainability.
I am delighted to join an organization that empowers and equips congregations to connect with their neighbors through mutual relationships based on listening. I am excited to learn more about the work congregations are already doing to build more just and life-giving communities where all people can thrive. I am also thrilled to be joining RIH’s wildly talented and dynamic staff. I can’t imagine a better group of colleagues.
I look forward to joining the RIH community, learning alongside you and getting to know the incredible work you are already doing.
Get to Know Gretchen!
Gretchen Roeck joined the Riverside Innovation Hub in September of 2025 as the Certificate Programs Development Specialist.
Gretchen joins the team after serving as the Program Director for The Confluence through the Christensen Center for Vocation at Augsburg University. The Confluence is another way Augsburg invites congregations and their high school youth to contemplate vocation, neighboring practices and theological inquiry on Augsburg’s unique campus. You can read more about the program and its impact here.
Gretchen is also an ordained Episcopal priest who has served faith communities in the Twin Cities metro, particularly working with children, youth, families and young adults. She is passionate about inviting young people into a relationship with God, fostering their personal growth, and walking alongside them in their spiritual and vocational journeys. She is committed to building and sustaining safe, inclusive and welcoming communities that lead towards health and wholeness for individuals and their broader communities.
Creating safe, supportive and loving spaces extends to Gretchen’s personal life. She is the mother of two fun and creative boys. Together they share a home in Minneapolis with their friendly but anxious dog and sweet cat.