Leading with Purpose: Black Women in Ministry Shaping Change honors the bold and transformative work of Black women, who are answering the call to serve, not only within the walls of the Church, but also in the public square.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we invite you to join us in recognizing our  trailblazers. Together, we will learn how we can join movements across the nation while honoring the legacy of those who came before us. This is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action—encouraging each of us to embrace and do the work our souls and the world must have. 

Let us recognize and celebrate the power of Black women in ministry, and the vital role we play in shaping change for generations to come.

Rev. Alisha L. Gordon is passionate about uplifting the dreams of Black single mothers. As the founder of The Current Project, she provides essential financial and educational resources to help Black women thrive. Through her prophetic witness and unyielding pursuit of justice and equity, Rev. Alisha has become a transformative voice in the Church and community. She has earned national recognition for her preaching which focuses on empowerment, justice, and healing. Rev. Alisha is a RISE alum who has received her Bachelor of English from Spelman College and a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

Rev. Cassandra A. Henderson is an ordained Baptist minister, scholar, and activist dedicated to social justice. As the Executive Director of the Interfaith Children’s Movement, she gives leadership and vision to empowering children and families. Through youth advocacy internships, intergenerational programming, and the arts, she has become a trusted voice and national leader for interfaith activism. Rev. Cassandra previously served as a youth pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church and The Breakthrough Fellowship in Smyrna, GA, and is currently a RISE mentor. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College, MFA from Loyola Marymount University, and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

Rev. Dr. Shakeema North-Albert, a Newark native, brings over 20 years of experience in youth development and urban ministry. As CEO of Covenant House New York, she leads efforts to empower marginalized youth through trauma-informed, strength-based approaches to healing. Drawing on her profound experience in urban ministry and transformative leadership, Dr. Shakeema actively shares her expertise on youth advocacy and leadership both internationally and nationally. Dr. Shakeema is a RISE alum who has received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Duke Divinity School.

DATE & TIME
Monday, March 10, 2025
6:30 PM EST