Brian Stefan-Szittai Biography
Brian Stefan-Szittai
Program Coordinator
InterReligious Task Force on Central America
Brian Stefan-Szittai came to the InterReligious Task Force staff in 1999. Before joining IRTF, Brian taught sociology at Bowling Green State University-Firelands College and Lorain County Community College (1995-99). Brian also brought to IRTF several years of experience in community organizing and advocacy for immigrant rights in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, a four-county area on the Texas-Mexico border. Brian co-managed a shelter for Central American refugees sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and organized faith communities in support of Central American refugees through the Border Association for Refugees from Central America (BARCA). Also through BARCA, Brian organized neighborhood groups of Mexican immigrant families in rural colonias, subdivisions that lack basic infrastructure, such as potable water, waste water systems, paved roads, school bus service, and garbage collection. During his years in South Texas, Brian served as chair of the Refugee Rights Coalition (1987-89), director of the Peace and Justice Commission at a Catholic parish (1987-89), and co-founder/co-director of the Coalition of Colonia Service Agencies (1992-95). In Cleveland, Brian is active with music ministry at St. Patrick Church and is a member of the Cleveland Catholic Worker Community and board member of the Cuyahoga Community Land Trust.
A native of Massillon, Brian holds a B.A. in political science (Bowling Green State University) and an M.A. in sociology (Syracuse University), with concentrations in ethnic identity and conflict resolution.