Sisterhood Across Generations
Through sharing knowledge, guidance and support, and accountability, mentorships can have a profound effect on the growth and development of individuals, both in their personal and professional lives. They also work to shape the next generation of leaders. In this webinar, we are bringing together a panel of experienced Black women clergy and lay leaders with young Black women to explore the transformative power of intergenerational learning (mentorship). This conversation aims to encourage young Black women to find, cultivate, and thrive through mentoring relationships. There is no cost to attend this webinar.
Speakers
Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie
Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie is the Dean of the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt. She is the first woman and person of color to occupy this role. She is a pioneer in her own right as she was the first to serve as Director of Leadership and Organizing at Children’s Defense Fund, first to serve as the Director of Racial Justice Ministries at Scarritt Bennet Center, first woman and person of color to serve as Dean of Chapel at Bethany College, first woman to serve as Chaplain at Jarvis Christian College and the first woman to be ordained by the Chirstian Church (Disciples of Christ) at New Covenant Christian Church. Rev. Cherisna is also the founder of the Co-Conspirator Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization seeking to create space for individuals to confront and eradicate systemic, social, structural, and institutional racism and provide opportunities for healing from racial trauma. She is a co-contributor for 5 book projects, a mentor, social entrepreneur, community organizer, antiracist activist, an international teacher and preacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Communications from Kean University and a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School. During commencement, she was awarded the coveted Florence Conwell Prize for outstanding preaching.
Rev. Chesla Nickelson
Rev. Chesla T. Nickelson, M.Div, MAMFT, is a minister, consultant, and coach, working with individuals, groups, and institutions, on mental health, sexuality, and faith formation. Her expertise lies in the nexus of sexuality, spirituality, self-care, and social justice. Rev. Chesla earned a Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Spelman College followed by a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary. Her education, training, and experience frames her bold vision that intersects counseling, sexuality, spirituality, and faith formation. Currently, Rev. Chesla serves as one of the ordained ministers of Root Cause Christian Church, a Licensed Resident in Marriage and Family at the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, a Mental and Spiritual Wellness Professional with The Root Cause Collective and a Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator.
Rev. Dr. Christal Williams
Rev. Dr. Christal Williams is a graduate of Jarvis Christian University and Christian Theological Seminary, and received her Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. She is a Trustee of Christian Theological Seminary and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Church Foundation and the Board of Directors for Global Ministries and National Convocation. She was ordained in 1998 at Southport Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN. She was previously the Regional Minister in Tennessee for 8 years and the Associate Regional Minister in Illinois/Wisconsin for 17.5 years.
Taphelyn Tapeh
Tapehlyn Tapeh is a passionate and creative storyteller dedicated to amplifying diverse and underrepresented voices. She’s a proud double alumna of Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelors in Screenwriting/Playwriting and Masters in Business Administration. She is the recent recipient of NBA’s Young Adult Leadership Development grant which provided support to the Seeds of Faith Garden that Tapehlyn sprouted at her church, Faith Christian Church, in South Los Angeles, CA. Apart from being the leader of the garden ministry, Tapehlyn also serves as the Youth and Young Adult leader at her church where she emphasizes the importance of sacred listening and the hearing of God’s word to her peers.