Speakers

Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith

Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Faith Engagement at Bread for the World in Washington D.C. She brings global, national, and local experience as a faith thought leader, journalist, speaker, and author. She holds a doctorate degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, is former executive director/minister of the Church Council in Indianapolis, Indiana, a governance member with World Council of Churches, and a president of Historic Black Churches.

Dr. Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi

Dr. Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi, PHR, DTL, is a Special Assistant to the Continental Overseer (SATCO) of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in The Americas (North Central and South), Jordan, Turkey and UAE(United Arab Emirates) for CSR(Corporate Social Responsibility). She is also the President of Hope for You Inc, a humanitarian organization that promotes Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and Community Initiatives for over 1000 RCCG churches in the Americas and beyond. She is also the wife of the Senior Pastor, RCCG Lighthouse for the Nations, Mansfield, Texas. She has over 30 years of experience as a skillful teacher, international speaker, missionary, mentor, and community organizer/advocate.
Presently, she serves on the Pastoral team with her husband and happily married with three children. She also serves as a Member of Board of Regent for Bakke Graduate University located in Dallas. Dr. Funmilayo is also part of organizations including Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America, (PCCNA) , Global Women in Leadership and World Evangelical Alliance etc.

Rev. Carolyn Adhiambo Adhola

The. Rev Carolyne Adhiambo Adhola is an ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Kenya, Bondo Diocese. She has been a lecturer of Church History at St. Paul’s University. Carolyne is the Founder of both Daughters of Zion Widows and Orphans and Shalom Orphans Rescue Center Foundation in Bondo, Siaya County.

Ms. Abiola Afolayan

Ms. Abiola Afolayan is the new Senior International Policy Advisor at Bread for the World. She brings over 10 years of international and legal experience. She returned to DC after over three years in Europe, Africa and the Middle East with the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP). Her prior foreign affairs, legislative and public diplomacy experience includes as: Foreign Affairs and Women’s Issues Advisor for a senior member of Congress on Capitol Hill; at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and with the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, among other roles. She recently completed a book entitled “A Seat at the Table for Women, Girls and Movements: A Manifesto on Peace and Security.” Her trade, humanitarian, development, peace and security field work with the UN, non-governmental organizations in Kenya and Sierra Leone and Ghana is also extensive.

Pastor Bunmi Ajagunna

Pastor Bunmi Ajagunna has more than 20 years of pro-active and results-oriented experience in Learning & Development, Talent Acquisition, Business Partnering, Total Remuneration and Business Analysis. Expertise spans multiple industries and sectors across domestic and international markets. Offers a rare blend of Human Resources and Business Analysis leadership backed by excellent academic and professional knowledge. Long-running experience in managing project lifecycles including project and engagement economics. Award-winning leadership skills in effectively coordinating cross-functional teams for the attainment of company goals.

Apostle Onleilove Chika Alston

Apostle Onleilove Chika Alston is the founder of Prophetic Whirlwind Ministries and author of “Prophetic Whirlwind: Uncovering the Black Biblical Destiny.” Alston is the lead organizer at Urban Youth Alliance International-BronxConnect. She serves in leadership with the United States Coordinator for Mothers of the Nations and as the faith-based coordinator for the Global African Business Association. She holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University.

Ms. Vanessa Barboza

Ms. Vanessa Barboza is a PhD student in Sciences of Religion (UMESP), Master in Education, Identities and Cultures at (UFRPE/FUNDAJ), postgraduate in Social Assistance Policy Management (UNICAP) and Bachelor in Social Work (UFPE). She is a professional passionate about training processes and collective practices, education and citizenship. She works autonomously through the Dagbá Aprezagens brand, I was a Social Mobilizer at the NGO Nossas, in the Mapa do Acolhimento project and a member of the Inspired Individuals Program of the NGO Tearfund (UK) which is a global program to encourage social leaders involved in humanitarian causes. Between 2020-2021 she was a leader supported by the Baobá Fund through the 1st Marielle Franco Black Female Leadership Acceleration Program and for the development of activities in political-pedagogical advisory and social research in the defense of human rights, racial and gender equity and strengthening of democracy. Other professional experiences are in teaching higher education in Social Work courses (regular form of Distance Learning), political-pedagogical advice in independent social organizations, management of social services in the public service and consultancy.

Rev. Patricia L. Bradley

Rev. Patricia L. Bradley is the primary United Nations Representative of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is also the Co -Founder and Co -Chair of NGOCSW/NYC Women and Girls of African Descent Caucus. She is a retired Foreign Service Officer of the US Department of State.

Ms. Stephanie Buggs

Ms. Stephanie Buggs is the new Digital Communications and Marketing Specialist, Black Millennial Engagement at Bread for the World. Assists the Deputy Director, Organizing and Deputy Director, Communications and Marketing in developing a digital communications strategy to expand our network with a primary focus on engaging Black millennial audiences and to support Bread for the World’s educational and advocacy objectives to end hunger and poverty at home and abroad. She also co-manages the web and social media digital platforms, as well as assist with integrating digital engagement tools into a coordinated online and multimedia strategy.

Mrs. Vanessa E. Clayton

Mrs. Vanessa E. Clayton is the Connectional Chairman Life Members Council of the Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. She was one of the founding members of the local Young Adult Missionary Society before it became an official Department in the General Society. Since then she has served as a leader in every department of the Missionary Society. She currently serves as Mission Education Director at her local church, Walters Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, Bridgeport, CT. She serves as the Ecumenical Liaison to Bread for the World housed in Washington, DC. Mrs. Clayton has also worked as a Middle School Teacher in New Haven, Connecticut having retired in 2020.

Ms. Sandra R. Chambers

Ms. Sandra R. Chambers is the President of the New York-Washington D.C. Region Women’s Missionary Society of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME). In this role, she was appointed by the International President of the CME Church to be representative to Bread for the World in Washington D.C. She is a member of the St.John CME Church in Washington D.C. The church organized by 41 formerly enslaved persons in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Naomi Jordan Cook

Naomi Jordan Cook has been a licensed minister at Zoe Ministries Church in New York. She is a co-owner of The VGC Group, a leading global digital consultancy that helps entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations make money online by designing and building eCommerce systems and mobile apps. She is also a fellow for Black Churches 4 Digital Equity, serving New York and New Jersey. She also serves on the board of Pan African Women of Faith. At Virginia Union University, she is currently working on her DMin project, “No More Digital Divide: Educating the Church on Using Technology Platform for the Betterment of Our Community.”

Mrs. Simony dos Anjos

Mrs. Simony dos Anjos is a Social Scientist for the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). She has a Masters in Education, and currently she is an Anthropology PhD student at Universidade de São Paulo (USP). She is also a member of the Rede de Mulheres Negras Evangélicas (Evangelical Black Women Network), São Paulo’s Black Women March, and the Women Social Movement of Brazil. She advocates in defense of the Secular State, Gender and Race Equality in Evangelical Churches. She is also a mother of two children.

Ms. Florence French Fagan

Ms. Florence French Fagan is the Florida Senior Organizer with Bread for the World. Florence has 10 years of experience working in the non-profit management industry. Florence focuses her energy on building coalitions and community-based partnerships that make a life-changing impact on local and state levels while drawing support from the federal government. Florence mobilizes and organizes individuals and coalitions across the state to advocate for equitable programs and policies that will end hunger and poverty.

Rev. Dionne Gravesande

Rev. Dionne Gravesande is Head of Church Advocacy at Christian Aid, she is part of the Policy and Public Affairs Dept. Christian Aid is the official relief, development and advocacy agency of 41 sponsoring churches in Britain and Ireland, and it is part of the worldwide church community. Christian Aid’s work is founded on Christian faith and powered by hope. It acts to change an unjust world by providing practical love and care for neighbors in need. It is driven by the gospel of good news to the poor, and inspired by the vision of a new Earth where everyone lives in justice, peace and plenty. Dionne is responsible for leading the department’s work on faith and development in the context of global policy and advocacy priorities. Her work is embedded in the organisation’s mandate to to expose the scandal of poverty and to challenge and change structures and systems that favour the rich and powerful over the poor and marginalised. Dionne a regular contributor to the Keep the Faith magazine which is a non-denominational publication aimed at a Pentecostal and Evangelical audience.

Dr. Selenir Kronbauer

Dr. Selenir Kronbauer is an assistant professor at the Escola Superior de Teologia-EST in Brazil, coordinator of the Grupo Identidade and editor of the Periodical Identity! (2005-2021). Executive Secretary of the World Forum on Theology and Liberation/WFTL (2018-2021). He has experience in the area of Education: Basic Education, Professional Education and Higher Education (Graduate and Post-Graduate), mainly in the following subjects: Teacher Training, Educational Management, Supervisory Action, diversity, black people and education, education, theology and society and religion and education. She Dr. Selenir Kronbauer is an assistant professor at the Escola Superior de Teologia-EST in Brazil, coordinator of the Grupo Identidade and editor of the Periodical Identity! (2005-2021). Executive Secretary of the World Forum on Theology and Liberation/WFTL (2018-2021). He has experience in the area of Education: Basic Education, Professional Education and Higher Education (Graduate and Post-Graduate), mainly in the following subjects: Teacher Training, Educational Management, Supervisory Action, diversity, black people and education, education, theology and society and religion and education. She graduated in Pedagogy from Centro Universitário Feevale Novo Hamburgo (1997), Specialization in School Supervision from UFRJ, Master’s in Theology, Religion and Education from Escola Superior de Teologia (2005) and an MBA in Educational Management from FACOS (2015).

Dr. Mutale Mulenga-Kaunda

Dr. Mutale Mulenga-Kaunda is adjunct scholar and researcher at United Church of Zambia University currently based in Incheon, South Korea. She is an experienced post-doctoral researcher with a history of working in the higher education industry. Mulenga-Kaunda holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Ms. Carmela McKeller

Ms. Carmela McKeller is a former Wall Street business systems consultant, an analyst, project manager and business consultant. She moved to North Carolina in 2006. She is the chief operating officer of the nonprofit Different Spirit Student Advocacy organization and the administrator of the RKS Law legal firm in Fayetteville. She was also a candidate for the District 6 seat on the Cumberland County Schools school board in North Carolina. McKeller was also a candidate for an at-large seat on the Cumberland board in 2014. McKeller has volunteered in the school district as a member of the PTA, a classroom volunteer and as a member of the school improvement team.

Mr. Ryan Quinn

Mr. Ryan Quinn is the Deputy Director for Government Relations at Bread for the World in Washington D.C. He provides departmental and organizational leadership on Bread’s advocacy campaign strategies. Lead and develop organization’s policy and advocacy strategies on international hunger and poverty, specifically around food aid and food aid reform, as well as trade, nutrition, and climate change. Lead coalition around food aid reform. Monitor and analyze policies of U.S. Government, multilateral, and national governments around global hunger and malnutrition, and developed recommendations to improve these policies. Recommend appropriate legislative strategy. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and grassroots supporters.

Miss Andressa Silva

Miss Andressa Silva is a micro entrepreneur with a business focused on Private Tutoring English As A Second Language for Brazilian students. She has vast experience in teaching and leading young learners. As a skilled leader she often partners with International Organizations and works on the ground with vulnerable children where she also serves as a Portuguese Translator for International volunteers, helping them to better connect with the local communities. She is also serving as a Youth Leader at São Paulo’s Memorial Church in Brazil.

Miss Heloisa Calmon Souza

Miss Heloisa Calmon Souza has a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and a Veterinary Medicine degree. Currently, she works as Public Servant of the Health Department of the City of São Paulo. She is also a Member of the board of the Rede de Mulheres Negras Evangélicas in Brazil (Evangelical Black Women Network), and she serves as a Social Service Leader at First Baptist Church in Taboão da Serra in São Paulo, Brazil.

Ms. Sesheida Young

Ms. Sesheida Young is Convener of Pan African Young Adult Network (PAYAN), Bread for the World; a dedicated entertainer and instructor, providing social conscious awareness through artistic performance, spiritual enlightenment, education, and community betterment through inclusivism. She is an honored member of the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI), currently the Young Ambassador Fellow of Special Programs.