How Did I Get Here?: Founders Story

"I never Imagined I would be here...but life has a way of surprising us".

Riana Roston, CIC Founder, shares their story of faith change and transition;

"In 2014, I was completing my religious studies as an undergraduate at Andrews University, a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian institution. Born and raised in this faith, I saw it as the embodiment of absolute truth. Like many of my Adventist peers, I believed my faith was divinely unique. I was convinced I had something others did not—that those who didn’t share my beliefs, even other Christians, were somehow “lost.” I thought I had everything I needed to know about God and that there was no need to seek more. The idea that I might one day say, "I was wrong," never crossed my mind.

How it All Shifted

While in undergrad, I majored in both religion and social work, feeling drawn to a career in human services. For me, it seemed the perfect way to spread the gospel. After graduation, I worked in education, adult and child protective services, case management, you name it, I probably have done it if its social work. However, it was my time working at a shelter for unhoused individuals that left the deepest mark on my journey—and ultimately, on where I am today.

The shelter had a focus on severing folks at highest risk when experiencing houselessness, including trans and BIPOC folks. The shelter was a place I encountered people from all walks of life and this was really new for me. But, I came to value deeply the lives and experiences of these diverse people. For the first legitimate time, I built REAL, meaningful, relationships with queer individuals, people of different races, non-religious people, and those who believed in things I had never even heard of. And it scared me.

These people and their perspectives expanded my consciousness in ways I hadn’t thought possible, shaking the foundations of the beliefs I’d held for so long. Could God be non-existent? Could God be bigger than religion? What was God, really? My understanding of God had always been inherited—never truly my own and on faith. With this, I began embracing things I had previously pushed away. Things like my doubts, my own queerness, my conflictions, etc. Open-mindedness I had once closed started to feel valid and even necessary for my humanity. It was terrifying but liberating, and the freedom outweighed the fear.

Almost ten years later, it finally clicked for me: I could (and should) help others navigate this same experience. This has been one of the most challenging things I’ve lived through—and continue to live through—but I know I’m not alone. Others are out there, just like me, hoping to find their way. I want to help.

Always learning, Always growing

My understanding of God and faith is constantly evolving, and I don’t claim to have all the answers. In fact, I’ve learned to shy away from that kind of thinking. Instead, I created this space to offer the love, support, and community I needed—and still need—to others. This is a place where the journey of questioning and growth is not just accepted but normalized.

You are not alone. You are okay. And you are worthy of finding your own path."

JOIN THE JOURNEY TODAY! Sign up for a consultation with CIC, Leave a comment, add CIC to your socials, lets commune.