Hello. My name is René Velarde.

I'm a PhD candidate in Theological Ethics at Fuller Seminary, where I research the intersection of artificial intelligence, theological ethics, and trauma — asking how emerging technologies can serve human flourishing rather than undermine it.
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I'm also an AI systems architect. I help theological institutions, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations use technology to serve their mission — not the other way around. I've built newsletter systems, analytics dashboards, AI-integrated workflows, and communications infrastructure for organizations like the Hispanic Theological Initiative at Princeton Seminary.

Before this, I spent over a decade in ministry as a pastor, worship leader, and educator across churches and universities. I'm a first-generation Mexican-American, a musician, a writer, and someone who believes the most important work happens at the intersection of things other people keep in separate rooms.
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If I can be of service to you, reach out at [email protected] or find me on Instagram.