CONTRIBUTORS
Aspire: The New Women of Color Bible

Reverend Estrelda Alexander is Associate Dean for Community Life at Wesley Theological Seminary, and co-founder and president of the Association of Full Gospel Women Clergy. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Trinity College. She is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Columbia University (M.A.), and is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Theology at the Catholic University of America.

Professor Linda L. Ammons is Associate Professor of Law at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, OH, where she teaches Administrative Law, Legislation, and Women and the Law. She has also served as a legal expert for the California legislature and numerous organizations on the subject of battered women. She has published numerous articles for national scholarly and popular press publications.

Dr. Pamela June Anderson is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University (B.S.), Howard University Divinity School (M.Div.), and United Theological Seminary (D.Min). She is the National Secretary for Ministers for Racial and Social Justice, Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr./Molefi K. Asante/Cornell West Scholar, author, and highly acclaimed seminar/workshop leader, preacher and pastor. Dr. Anderson has contributed to a number of publications and is the author of Heavenly Hints/Earthly Events: A Chat with Churchfolk.

Reverend Chestina M. Archibald, lecturer, educator, editor and author, is pastor of Braden United Methodist Church and serves as Director of the Wesley Foundation at Fisk University. She is the editor of Say Amen: The African-American Family’s Book of Prayers, co-editor of Divine Inspiration, and author of Secret of the Psalms.

Mrs. Marcia B. Armstead is founder and president of the Complete Family Seminars, a consulting service to improve the spiritual, psychosocial and physical quality of life for families. She authors, designs and conducts seminars nationally and internationally. She is scriptwriter and producer of an employee training video, a former columnist for an Orlando business magazine, and a talk-show guest on two television programs.

Reverend Angela D. Aubry is a public school teacher. She also teaches at the Greater St. Stephen College of Ministry and Theological Seminary and the Victory Bible School. She has master’s degrees in Theological/Historical Studies and in Biblical Literature from Oral Roberts University. She is a member of Victory Fellowship, where she is a leader in the Singles’ and Women’s Ministries, Music Ministry and Evangelism Ministry.

Reverend Lisa Miller Autry was ordained in January 2004 and continues to preach and teach locally, nationally and abroad. She is the co-founder of Eirene Christian Fellowship, where she serves under the leadership of her husband, who also serves as pastor. She is also the founder and president of The Autry Consulting Group, Inc., a financial consulting firm to banks, small businesses and churches.

Reverend Karen E. Mosby-Avery, writer, consultant and the mother of twins, is former pastor of Good News Community Church United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL, a multiracial, multicultural, bilingual inner city congregation. She is a graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and a Ph.D. candidate at Garrett. She serves on various local and national committees and advisory boards for the United Church of Christ, the National Council of Churches of Christ, and the Center for the Church and the Black Experience at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Reverend Mary Anne Allen Bellinger is an advisor, consultant and a member of numerous local and national programs and boards, who has traveled widely as a preacher for political observation and religious dialogue in Cuba, West Africa, England, Guyana and other countries. She is an ordained minister in the Baptist church and an ordained Itinerant Elder in the A.M.E. church. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School (M.Div.).

Reverend Cynthia B. Belt is pastor of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in Gambrills, MD, and New Beginnings Fellowship United Methodist Church in Severn, MD. Reverend Belt is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program with an emphasis on The African-American Church and Its Ministries.

Ms. Keya Belt is the daughter of Reverend Cynthia B. Belt. Ms. Belt serves on the leadership team of her church, New Beginnings Fellowship United Methodist Church, where her mother is the pastor. She also serves on the Youth Council for the Annapolis District.

Ms. Jetola Anderson-Blair is a Regional Human Resources Advisor for a major chemical company in Houston, TX. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the State University of New York at Plattaburgh and an MBA in Management from Villanova University. Ms. Anderson-Blair is a member of Friendship Community Bible Church in Houston, where she is a member of the teaching and ushering staff.

Reverend Winfred Blagmond is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div.), with a focus on Urban Ministry. She is pastor of Strawbridge United Methodist Church in New Windsor, Maryland.

Reverend Michele Cotton Bohanon is an Assistant in the Prayer Ministry at the First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ, and is involved in the social justice and civic organizations for the Paradise Valley School District.

Reverend Toni R. Booker is the Youth Minister at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist Church in Renton, WA. Her ministry involves educating young people about God and their accountability to him. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Portland State University, Portland, OR.

Dr. Ann Bouie is Visiting Scholar for the U.S. Department of Education National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students in Washington, DC. She assists policy makers and practitioners in designing and implementing programs and support services in the area of education. She holds a Ph.D in Policy Administration and Analysis, an M.A. in Secondary Education, and an M.A. in African and African-American History from Stanford University.

Reverend Cookie Frances Lee Bracey is a pastor, chaplain and professor. She serves as pastor of the St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Trevose, PA, chaplain of the United States Air Force Civil Air Patrol, the Methodist Hospital and Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. She is a graduate of Temple University and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Reverend Nina Bryant is a chaplain and a clinical pastoral educator, serving in ministry at Alta Bates Medical Center in Oakland, CA. She is a trainer of seminary students, lay leaders and clergy in grief counseling and other compassionate care ministries. She is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Reverend Marion Wyvetta Bullock is the Executive Director of the Division for Congregational Ministries (DCM) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Her duties include directing churchwide ministries in the areas of worship, Christian education, evangelism, youth, social ministry, hunger education and multicultural and language/culture-specific resources. She is a graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology and Hartford Seminary.

Attorney Candace Lorelle Byrd received her law degree from Howard University. She has been active in the State Bar of Georgia’s Moot Court Committee and the High School Mock Trial Program, a program in which high school students conduct a trial and compete on the local and state level. She is an active member of the music ministry at World Changers Church International in College Park, GA.

Minister Terri L. Byrd is a graduate of Southern University A & M College. She is a member of Church Point Ministries, Inc. Minister Byrd is a writer of short stories, poems, songs and plays.

Reverend LaJuana D. Caldwell is a minister with the Church of God. She holds a Master of Theology Degree from the International Seminary, Plymouth, FL. Reverend Caldwell is the Director of Christian Education at Harvest Temple Church of God in Forestville, MD.

Dr. Iva E. Carruthers is general secretary of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference. She is a noted researcher, historian and published writer. She is a graduate of Northwestern University with an M.A. in Counselor Education and a Ph.D. in Sociology. She also holds a master of theological studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Reverend Jacquetta Chambers is pastor of McMillian United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, TX. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University Brite School of Divinity with a Master of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling and has currently completed the course work for her Doctor of Divinity Degree.

Reverend Monica Anita Coleman is a pastoral assistant at Metropolitan Interdenominational Church in Nashville, TN. She is founder and coordinator of “The Dinah Project,” an organized church response to the crisis of sexual violence in the community. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School (M.Div.) and certified the study of religion, gender and sexuality.

Dr. Suzan D. Johnson Cook is the founder and senior pastor of the Bronx Christian Fellowship. She also serves as the first woman president of the historic Hampton Minister’s Conference. She is a graduate of New York’s Columbia University Teacher’s College and Union Theological Seminary (M.A. and M.Div.) and United Theological Seminary (D.Min.). She is the author or editor of several books, including Sister to Sister: Devotions for and from African American Women.

Reverend Charmayne Cooke is a native of Boston, MA, who has worked in the field of broadcasting for the last 25 years. An ordained Baptist minister, Reverend Cooke resides in the Washington, D.C., area.

Reverend Maria-Alma Rainey Copeland is pastor of Mizpah Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO. She is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University (B.A.) and Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary (M.Div.). She has completed her academic studies for the Doctorate of Ministry degree at Eden Theological Seminary.

Dr. A. Elaine Crawford is a graduate of Virginia Union University School of Theology (M.Div.). She earned her Ph.D. in Historical/Theological Studies from Union Theological Seminary. Currently she serves as Program Coordinator for the Womanist Scholars Program, in the Office of Black Women in Church and Society at the ITC, and as Adjunct Professor in the Religion and Philosophy Department at Spelman College.

Reverend Alice J. Burnette Davis, attorney, is the Minister of Community Outreach, Executive Director of the Family Life Center Foundation, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study teacher and member of the Economic and Community Development Corporation. She is responsible for working with various church and community groups to plan and implement church-related community activities. She earned her Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Reverend Katherine J. Davis is an ordained Elder, Central Texas Conference, United Methodist Church, and associate pastor of First United Methodist Church, Arlington, TX. Her areas of responsibility include the Singles Ministry, Commission on Religion and Race, Church and Society, AIDS Care Team, and Better Home Ministry to Homeless Families. She is a graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Center at Gammon Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Reverend Sandra Demby is pastor of the Hereford Charge in Baltimore County, MD. She is a graduate of Morgan University (B.S.) and Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Reverend Alice Dise is a member of Vernon Park Church of God, Chicago, IL, where she is a member of the ministerial staff and Superintendent of Sunday School. Reverend Dise is author of Black Women in Ministry in the Church of God, Preparation For Teaching: The Inner Life, and contributing author in Called To Minister, Empowered To Serve.

Reverend Troy Janel Harrison-Dixon is pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Wilson, NC. She earned a Masters of Divinity degree and a Masters of Theology degree from Eastern Theological Seminary. She is a Bible study teacher, Christian educator and seminar/workshop leader.

Reverend LaSandra Melton-Dolberry is Associate Minister, New Creation Church, where she has enjoyed a multi-faceted ministry as director in the areas of children, youth, young adult and women’s ministries. She is a certified crisis counselor, completing the Crisis Intervention Counseling Program at University of California, San Diego. She is a contributing author in the second volume of Sister to Sister: Devotions for and from African American Women.

Reverend Marcia L. Dyson is a social and cultural critic, writer and public relations and marketing specialist. A graduate of Chicago State University, her most provocative essay to date is her honest, self-critical and deeply probing examination of ministerial misconduct, sexual exploitation and gender oppression in the black church, which was featured in Essence Magazine, entitled “When Preachers Prey.”

Dr. Violet Lucinda Fisher is currently an ordained elder and serves as associate pastor at St. Daniel’s United Methodist Church in Chester, PA. Her ministry has extended throughout the islands of Bermuda, Jamaica and Haiti, and in Africa where she served as a missionary in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue is the first woman to serve as president of Payne Theological Seminary. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a Master of Science from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Education from Harvard University. Dr. Fitchue is also a published poet and a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Dr. Margaret Elaine McCollins Flake is an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church and is copastor at Allen AME Church, Jamaica, New York. She is also the Educational Director of Allen Christian School, which she co-founded with her husband and pastor, Dr. Floyd H. Flake. She received a M.A. in English from Boston University, a M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. from Union Theological Seminary.

Dr. Abena Safiyah Fosua is a pastor, professor, speaker and author, who has written for Upper Room Publications, Cokesbury’s Daily Bible Study, and for Urban Ministries. Her first book was Mother Wit: 365 Meditations for African-American Women. She earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Oral Roberts Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Afrocentric pastoring and preaching.

Reverend Beverly Jackson Garvin is Minister to Youth at Christ United Methodist Church in Detroit, MI, and she is Executive Director of Lifelines Ministries, Inc., International, a womanist ministry for mother-daughter relationships. She is a graduate of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Ms. Portia George has been active in Christian education for more than 25 years. She is founder of “Kingdom Kids,” a program designed to help children of all ages in their journey to know Christ. She is also the sole proprietor of PG Enterprises, the author of three African-American Christian children’s books and director of the American Baptist Mission Speakers Bureau.

Ms. Shá Givens is an author, motivational speaker, licensed minister and global humanitarian. As the president and founder of I Can Fly International, Givens established two adult literacy schools and children learning centers within drought-stricken villages in Kenya, East Africa, and set up food programs that feed over 1,000 villagers each month. She works diligently for equality and human rights for underprivileged women and children living in third world countries around the world.

Dr. Arlene W. Gordon is Associate for Resource Center Development and Educational Ministry Advocates Support in the Congregational Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA). She has mentored and worked with youth and young adults and led numerous workshops across denominations. She is a graduate of United Theological Seminary (D.Min) and San Francisco Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Dr. Cynthia L. Hale is the founding pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, GA. Dr. Hale’s natural talent in music led her to study at Hollins College in Virginia. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. Dr. Hale was listed on Ebony magazine’s Honor Roll of Great Black Women Preachers.

Reverend Ceclia Swafford Harris is pastor of the Hazel Crest Community Church and an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. Reverend Harris has designed curriculum and taught at Pembroke Institute. She received her M.Div. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Mrs. Hattie G. Harris is a retired educator who received her formal training from Benedict College, Columbia, SC, and Furman University, Greenville, SC. She is pursuing a Master of Christian Education Degree from Erskine Theological Seminary, Due West, SC. She is a member of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Simpsonville, SC, where she serves as Director of Christian Education.

Ms. Vanessa Hartsfield, author, speaker, seminar leader and massage therapist, has a Physics Degree from Spelman College, a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate in Massage Therapy from the Atlanta School of Massage. She is also certified in Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage and Cranial Sacral Balancing. She studied Tuina in Beijing, China, and has taught at the Atlanta School of Massage.

Reverend Kellie V. Hayes is co-pastor of New Liberation AME Church in Landover, MD. She is a graduate of Hampton University where she studied Fashion Merchandising/Marketing and received her B.A. She received her Master’s of Theological Studies with an emphasis in Systematic Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary. While serving as Assistant Youth Pastor at Ebenezer AME Church, along with her husband, they were instrumental in the development and implementation of a Manhood/Womanhood Adolescent Rites of Passage Ministry.

Reverend Raye Evelyn Haynes is an active member of Second Baptist Church in Vallejo, CA, where her goal is to establish a Christian Counseling Center for women. She is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, with an M.S. degree in Counseling and Pupil Personnel. She is active in mission work in Senegal, West Africa.

Reverend Barbara Ann Heard is associate pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ, where she is active in the community. Reverend Heard is a supporter of “Family Rescue,” a shelter for abused women and children. She was previously employed as Instructor of Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She is a graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Ms. Kelly Hill is the author of Destined For Greatness—12 Keys to an Extraordinary Life. Her mission is to help people uncover their purpose, take action on their dreams and live with passion. As a speaker and success coach, she travels across the country inspiring audiences to reach their full potential. She is also an award-winning filmmaker and has appeared as a guest expert on major television and radio shows.

Dr. Lottie Jones Hood is the pastor of First Congregational Church in Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, the Honorable Harold Hood, judge on the Bench of the Michigan Court of Appeals. She is the author of numerous books, including Stigma, Its Effect on the Woman Alcoholic and The Role of the African-American Church in the Prevention of Drug Abuse. She has a Masters in Management, Supervision and Public Administration, a Master of Social Work, a Master of Divinity, a Doctor of Education, Human Services Administration, and a Doctor of Divinity.

Dr. Janet Hopkins pastors two churches on the west side of Chicago. She received her doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary and is an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

Ms. Arnesa A. Howell is a freelance writer and health care reporter in Washington, DC. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.A. in Journalism.

Reverend Darlene Moore-James is the first female pastor of Hartzell Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Slidell, LA, a member of the St. Tammany Ministerial Alliance and a mentoring pastor for incoming pastors for the St. Tammany Ministerial Alliance. She is a speaker and workshop leader and the recipient of the “Women Who Have Made a Difference” Award. She is a graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (M.Div.). She is the author of “Sista Pearl” and “I am the Preacher’s Child.”

Reverend Deborah L. Shumake JaPhia, author, playwright, producer, director, retreat coordinator, is a member of the Greater Christ Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. She is Founder/CEO of God’s Woman, The Magazine For Women Who Love and Serve Jesus Christ, the radio talk show of God’s Woman Magazine “On The Air,” and proprietor of God’s Woman Publishing, Inc., Company. She is currently enrolled at the University of Chicago, Graham School of Publishing.

Dr. Diane H. Johnson serves as Associate Minister at Galilee A.M.E. Church. She and her husband own Gospel Notes Records and Books in Oxon Hill, MD. She earned an MA in Education, an MBA and an MDiv from Howard University, and a DMin from United Theological Seminary.

Reverend Frankye Anthea Sourie Johnson is an ordained Elder and member of the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is the pastor of the Warren Memorial United Methodist Church in Ardmore, OK, where she is leading the church in reaching out to all those, especially African-American women, who have been overlooked by the church and society.

Reverend Katurah Worrill Johnson is currently serving as Associate Pastor at College Avenue United Methodist Church. Reverend Johnson received her M.Div., concentrating in Biblical Studies, from Gammon Theological Seminary at Interdenominational Theological Center, and holds a B.A. in Journalism from Georgia State University. She is a member of the Mayor’s Steering Committee Against Domestic Violence and serves as co-workshop leader of Children Coping with Divorce for the county’s divorcing parents.

Reverend Wilma R. Johnson currently serves as pastor of New Prospect Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. She is the first woman in the city of Detroit to pastor a prominent, traditional black Baptist church. She has taught, conducted workshops and preached for more than 25 years. She and her husband David have two sons. She is a graduate of Marygrove College with a Masters of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministry.

Reverend Jolene Josey, Associate Minister at Eastside Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA, has worked for 22 years in a non-traditional job for women, commonly called “The Trades,” where she has been the only African-American female in the “The Trades” in the Tacoma area. She is also working with other women who are interested in entering the trades, and women in transition, whose lives have been one of drugs, alcohol, prostitution and abuse.

Mrs. Marjorie L. Kimbrough holds a Masters Degree in Christian Education from Interdenominational Theological Center. She held the positions of Instructor in Christian Education for ITC and Professor of Religion at Clark Atlanta University. Her book, Accept No Limitations: A Black Woman Encounters Corporate America, won the 1991 Georgia Author of the Year Award in the area of non-fiction.

Reverend Bonita A. Kitt is a graduate of The American Baptist Seminary of West, Berkeley, CA, where she earned two Masters Degrees. Reverend Kitt is the Minister of Comfort at the Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, CA. This ministry provides grief support to the congregation and the community through counseling and referrals. Reverend Kitt is also a Hospice Chaplain and Volunteer Coordinator with GranCare Home Health and Hospice.

Dr. Linda Lee, a pastor’s wife, is currently the District Superintendent of the Detroit East District Annual Conference. Previously, for three years she was the Pastor of the Covenant Avenue Methodist Church in Detroit, MI. Dr. Lee holds a D.Min Degree and a M.Div. from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. She is the mother of three children.

Reverend Ginger D. London, Bible study teacher, author and counselor, is the founder and host of “Heart To Heart,” a Christian radio talk show. She earned two Masters of Arts Degrees from Oral Roberts University Graduate School of Theology and Missions. For several years she worked with battered women’s programs as a telephone crisis counselor and an outpatient counselor for abused women and their families. She is the author of Understanding Your Calling, Discerning Your Boaz, and The Making Of A Spiritual Diamond.

Dr. Carolyn B. Love co-pastors with her husband at the Truth For Living Ministries in Jacksonville, FL, where her personal deliverance from drugs, alcohol and depression are all tremendous witnesses to the awesome power of God. She is president and founder of Truth Bible College and Seminary, president and founder of Fresh Word Outreach Ministries, and she serves as a local host for the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

Ms. Victoria Lowe is a nationally recognized, respected and celebrated teacher, speaker and entrepreneur. She is the author of 10 Spiritual Principles of Successful Women.

Mrs. Dinah Page Mannes, volunteer counselor, high school teacher and director of a halfway house, is the Assistant Director of the Educational Opportunity Center at Rogers State University. She earned a Masters Degree in Counseling from Oral Roberts University and is a doctoral candidate in Adult Education at Oklahoma State University.

Mrs. Ann Shenethia Manuel holds a degree in Social Studies and Education from the University of Oklahoma and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas. She is currently an administrator at Carl Albert State College and is pursuing a limited license in the ministry.

Dr. Dolores E. Lee McCabe, Minister of Evangelism at Zion Baptist Church of Ardmore, PA, is also Assistant Professor of Social Justice and Counseling and Assistant to the Provost for Multicultural Affairs at Eastern College in St. Davids, PA. She received a Master of Education in Counseling from Antioch University, a Master of Divinity Degree and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She also studied at the Jungian Institute in Switzerland, specializing in dream interpretation.

Minister Terri McFaddin-Solomon is an ordained minister, author, speaker and songwriter with two Grammy Awards to her credit. She is the author of God Made Me Beauty-Full, Only A Woman and Sapphires and Other Precious Jewels. Minister McFaddin-Solomon attended Temple University and later graduated from Virginia Union University. She also holds a Masters Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Chaplain Emma Louise McNair is the mother of six children and the grandmother of eight. She is Staff Chaplain at the Methodist Medical Center. She is the first black woman in the Mississippi Conference and the state of Mississippi to receive a certificate as a certified chaplain (fellow) of the College Chaplains, Inc.

Reverend Bernadine Grant McRipley is a writer for PC (USA) Stewardship of Public Life (SPL) Health Care quarterly and editor for EcoJustice Quarterly Magazine. She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and an ordained clergywoman in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Reverend Andrea L. Middleton is pastor of John Wesley United Methodist Church in Clarksburg, MD. She is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina (Master of Education). She has worked in the field of telecommunications as a tutor of English composition and literature, and as a word processing instructor.

Dr. Ella Pearson Mitchell, former Dean of the Chapel at Spelman College, has preached and taught across America for over five decades. She holds an M.A. in religious education from Columbia University Teachers College and Union Theological Seminary and a D.Min from School of Theology, Claremont, California. She is the editor of three volumes of “Those Preaching Women,” a contributor to “Black Church Lifestyles,” and a writer of various articles for church-related publications.

Dr. Sherry Davis Molock, author and speaker, is Associate Professor of Psychology at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She conducts research in the area of suicidal behaviors, and on infertility and adoption in the African-American community. She earned a Master’s degree and a Ph.D degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is working on her Masters of Divinity degree at Howard University Divinity School.

Evangelist Alberiene Riene Adams-Morris, poet and licensed missionary in the Church of God in Christ in Gary, IN, holds a degree in Culinary Arts. She is also a teacher in the Gary school system, program counselor for the mentally and physically challenged in various group homes in the area. She is a contributing author in the Sister to Sister devotional series.

Ms. Victoria Christopher Murray is a renowned author of Christian fiction. She self-published her first book, Temptation, which was later published by Walk Worthy Press. Murray has won numerous awards for Temptation and her subsequent books. Her work has been on the Essence Bestseller List and has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award.

Reverend Naomi E. Peete, author, evangelist, preacher, artist and singer is Associate Minister at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, WA, and Senior Faculty Member and Professor of Biology at City University Graduate School of Education in Tacoma, WA. She received a Master of Science Degree from Morgan State University in Science Education and a Master of Pastoral Studies from Seattle University.

Reverend Anita Adams Powell is an Associate Pastor/Minister of Faith Development who previously served as Associate Director of Admissions and Adjunct Professor at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She holds a Master of Arts Degree from Wesleyan University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Ms. Constance Richards is a junior high and high school teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of the West Indies. She holds a Master of Music Degree from Howard University in Piano Performance and is presently completing another M.A. in Vocal Performance.

Ms. Shewanda Riley has been a producer for Armed Forces Radio and Television, radio host and announcer, and writer. She is an executive assistant/scheduler for a Texas congresswoman. Previously she was Adjunct Professor in writing at Richland Community College, Assistant Director of Communications for New Creation Christian Fellowship. She is a member of The Potter’s House and works with PHASE, the singles ministry.

Reverend Monique Robinson, a native of Los Angeles, CA, is the pastor of women's discipleship and a pastoral counselor at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA, where she was ordained as a minister of the gospel. She is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling. She is the author of the book, Longing for Daddy: Healing the Pain of an Absent or Emotionally Distant Father.

Reverend Sheila Ford Robinson, director of religious programming and a religious announcer, is the creator of an audiotape and book of Christian poems and songs for children. She is an active member of the Bible Way Christian Center in San Jose, CA, where she is director of the singles ministry.

Reverend Jannah Scott is Assistant in Evangelism and Community Outreach Ministry at First Institutional Baptist Church, and Research and Statistical Analysis Chief for the Arizona Department of Health Services. She received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, in Health Policy Studies. She also completed doctoral course work in Political Science at Brown University.

Reverend Angela Stewart Sims is an Accounting Manager in Bethesda, MD. She is a graduate of Howard University School of Divinity (M.Div.).

Dr. Kathryn R. Smallwood is a widow with three adult children and three granddaughters. She is a graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA. She has designed a mentoring program for Family Resources and East End Cooperative Ministries, and served as interim pastor in Richwood, WV.

Dr. Malvina V. Stephens is a native of Port Arthur, TX. She is a full time staff member of Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, CA. She is the Director of Prison Ministry and Coordinator of Congregational Care. She earned her Masters of Divinity from The American Baptist Seminary of the West and her Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Reverend Dorothea J. Belt Stroman, a pastor’s wife, is an ordained Deacon and Elder presently serving as pastor of Albright Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington, DC. She is a graduate of Howard University Divinity School (M.Div.).

Reverend Deborah Tinsley Taylor, registered nurse, poet, singer and liturgist, writes and performs original works that celebrate God’s love. She has conducted Bible studies based on the “Silent Voices of Women in the Bible, Woman’s Word,” a monthly discussion of writings by women Biblical scholars and theologians. She writes workshop-based curriculums for inter-generational Sunday Schools, and is an advocate for women. Several of her poems were published in Taking Back My Yesterdays, edited by Dr. Linda H. Hollies.

Reverend Meriann Taylor is an author, psychotherapist and family therapist, who specializes in pastoral care, counseling, couples and family therapy, HIV/AIDS, and women’s health. Reverend Taylor is director of The Black Church HIV/AIDS National Technical Assistance Center of The Balm in Gilead, Inc., Instructor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Blanton-Peale Institute and New York Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University Divinity School (M.Div.).

Reverend Jacqueline Thompson is a graduate of Howard University School of Divinity where she earned a Master’s of Divinity Degree. While at Howard she received numerous honors and awards for exhibiting qualities of excellence in scholarship, preaching and ministry. Currently she serves as the Minister of Youth at Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

Dr. La Verne Tolbert is founder of Teaching like Jesus Ministries, a Christian education training group. Dr. Tolbert earned both her masters and doctor of philosophy degrees from Talbot School of Theology/Biola University. She continues her role in higher education as an adjunct professor at Biola University and at Haggard School of Theology/Azusa Pacific University. She is also Director of Christian Education Ministries at Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles.

Togetta S. Ulmer is first lady of the Faith Central Bible Church. She is a leader with a proven track record in both spiritual and secular arenas. She is a conference convener and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education from Southern Illinois University.

Reverend Tanya S. Wade is the first African-American female ordained in the Presbytery of Baltimore. She also became the first female assistant pastor ordained and installed in the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church’s l49 year history. Currently she is Director of the Baltimore County Delta Community Outreach Center in Randallstown, MD, and the Parish Associate of Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church. She has developed, written and implemented several enrichment curriculums, Christian education studies and Christian plays.

Reverend N. S. “Robin” Walker is administrator at Beth Eden Housing Development in Oakland, CA. Reverend Walker is a graduate of the American Baptist Seminary of the West (M.Div.). She is an active member of Allen Temple Baptist Church, where she serves as Research Assistant to the senior pastor and the co-pastor.

Reverend Elaine P. Walters is Assistant Pastor and Church Administrator for St. Paul AME Church in Indianapolis, IN, consultant to Indiana University Purdue University School of Social Work, and Executive Director of Indiana One Church, One Child Program, Inc, a program that prepares families for foster care licensing and adoption. A pastor’s wife, mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great grandmother of one, she holds a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Ministry.

Reverend Cheryl D. Ward, a native of Oakland, CA, was called to preach at the age of twelve. She is founder and pastor of New Liberation Community Church in Oakland, CA. The church is non-denominational and ethnically diverse. She is the author of I Have Fallen and I Can Get Up. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Preaching from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley and plans to pursue a Ph.D in Homiletics.

Minister Katara A. Washington is a writer, editor and Christian education trainer. She is the co-executive editor of The African American Pulpit, a preaching journal. She holds a B.A. from Dillard University, a master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, and a master’s of divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Dr. Elizabeth D. Watson is Associate Professor of Social Work and the Director of Admissions in the Department of Social Work at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. She teaches at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University and is currently in the dissertation stage of a Ph.D program in Educational Leadership. She has written for several magazines and contributed to a series of women’s devotional books.

Reverend Joan C. Webster is a worship leader, intercessor, teacher/preacher, counselor and church administrator. She earned an MDiv and MA in Christian Education from Oral Roberts University. In l993 she began Shalom (Peace) Family Fun Camp, a violence prevention summer camp. Shalom has grown and is now a year-round program under the umbrella of Operation 2008 Bridges for Youth, Inc.

Dr. Joan L. Wharton served as the first woman secretary of the historic AME Ministerial Alliance of Baltimore and Vicinity. She received a master’s degree from Howard University Divinity School and a doctorate degree from United Theological Seminary. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves a pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Long Green, MD.

Reverend Barbara J. Whipple is Associate Minister at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she is also a part of the Prayer Ministry, Missionary Outreach Ministry and the Evangelism Ministry. She is a graduate of Coppin State College, Family Bible Institute College and Seminary and the College of Notre Dame.

Reverend Bessie Whitaker is the Assistant Bible Study teacher at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, CA, where she is a member. She completed her undergraduate studies at Southern University, her graduate studies in engineering at Tuskegee Institute, and her M.Th. from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Dr. Leah Elizabeth Mosley White, while serving the Greater Faith Baptist Church, also serves as the administrator of the New Psalmist Christian School, the largest accredited African-American Christian School in the Baltimore area. She is the first African-American woman to be called to pastor a Baptist church in Baltimore. She earned a Master of Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University, a M.Th. from Saint Mary’s Seminary and University, and a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary.

Dr. Bernadette Glover-Williams is a graduate of Eastern College, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Blanton-Peal Institute, and holds a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary. She serves as Assistant Pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Perth Amboy, NJ.

Reverend Mary Newbern-Williams is Associate for Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges for the Presbyterian Church (USA). She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education and a Master of Divinity degree. She is a writer and has performed in a number of plays and theatrical productions.

Yolanda Williams is the Chief Administrative Officer of Faithful Central Bible Church led by Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer. She oversees the 10,000+ member church’s Information Technology, Facilities, Media and Human Resource functions. Williams received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Hampton University and a masters of arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Antioch University.

Reverend Portia Turner Williamson has been Professor of Biblical studies at the university and graduate school level, graduate school teaching assistant, professor of New Testament and Associate Dean of the Master of Divinity Program at several universities and divinity schools. She earned the M.Div. degree from Virginia Union and has completed course work for a Ph.D in religion at Duke University.

Ms. Cheryl Wilson is an active member of Valley Kingdom Ministries, Intl in South Holland, IL, where she is the contributing editor for GRACE TODAY Magazine. She is also an Assistant Editor for an independent Christian curriculum publisher. She is a graduate of Roosevelt University with a BS in Organizational Communication and is currently pursing a MS in Training and Development.

Reverend Jane E. Wood is the first African-American to serve as Associate Pastor of St. Paul-Lusby United Methodist Church. She is a graduate of Wesley Seminary Course of Study School and continues to work toward her degree in Sociology with a concentration in Family Studies at the University of Maryland University College. She is also a volunteer in the Rockville Detention Center as well as the Homeless Program for the Women in Rockville.

Reverend Lois A. Wooden is Associate Minister at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, DC. She is also a retreat facilitator, revivalist, teacher, counselor and Chaplain of the Chevy Chase Chapter of the Order of Saint Luke the Physician. She is a graduate of Virginia Union University School of Theology (M.Div.).

Reverend Cynthia E. Woods is the Protestant Chaplain at Georgetown University and Associate Pastor of the National Memorial Church of God, a growing multicultural congregation in Washington, D.C. She holds a B.S. in Human Development from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary with distinction as a Benjamin E. Mays Fellow.

Mrs. Beverly Yates, pastor’s wife, mother and grandmother, is a retired registered nurse. She is past president of Chicagoland Christian Women’s Conference.

Other contributors include: Kenya Moore, Aladrian Elmore, Kimberly Yancy, C. Bell, C. Wofford, M. Robinson and W. Bullock.