RISE Mentorship Program Presents – Discerning Vocational Pathways: Black Women in Ministry
The path God places before us may lead beyond what we imagined for ourselves. The RISE Together 2026–2028 Webinar Series begins with four dynamic leaders whose journeys have required them to pause, resist, create, and continue discovering their passions for ministry. Through their stories and perspectives, they will share the creative and innovative ways they have discerned vocation and found pathways to purpose. Rooted in the wisdom and lived experiences of Black women, this conversation welcomes people of all backgrounds into stories that challenge what we have known and open our imagination to where God might lead.
Date & Time:
Monday, October 5, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Online Session
Meet the Speakers:
Reverend Dr. Diane Angella Bogues has unmatched energy and an unforgettable presence. She brings that same spirit to her work as a preacher, educator, theological leader, and mentor with the RISE Lancaster/Northern California cohort. As Dean of Students at Iliff School of Theology, Dr. Bogues provides leadership for student success, enrollment, and spiritual care. At the heart of her work is a commitment to accompanying those discerning calls to ministry, shaped by her experience in theological education, mentoring, community development, and pastoral ministry. Ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, her own ministry journey includes more than 22 years at Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago. Dr. Bogues holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Illinois, an MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Reverend Dr. Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes is courageous and on a mission for God, creating new possibilities wherever that mission leads. A third-generation preacher, public theologian, innovation strategist, pastor, and author, her work bridges faith, culture, and leadership. She serves as Co-Founding, Co-Lead Pastor of The Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn, New York, and Director of the Technology, Innovation & Digital Engagement Lab at Union Theological Seminary. An alumna of the inaugural RISE cohort and former RISE Mentor, Dr. Gabby travels the country preaching, coaching leaders, and helping others imagine what is possible. Her book, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections on the Work of Liberation, has sold more than 10,000 copies worldwide, and her work has been featured in numerous film and media projects. Dr. Gabby is a graduate of Hampton University, New York University, Yale University, and Duke University.
Reverend Amanda A. N. Alexander is creating a lane all her own, carrying a freedom that makes room for all of who she is. A current Sister Sojourner with the RISE Atlanta 2026–2028 cohort, Amanda is an educator, speaker, coach, ACPE Certified Educator, and Program Manager for the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She brings her gifts into spaces where faith, learning, and care meet, integrating psychology, theology, education, healthcare leadership, and spiritual care. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Columbus State University and a Master of Divinity from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. Her learning continues as she pursues a Doctor of Healthcare Administration at Morehouse School of Medicine. She is passionate about creating transformative spaces that foster self-awareness, courage, liberation, and meaningful learning.
Reverend Dr. Dwylene Butler is a brilliant theologian and leader who believes deeply in the Black Church’s capacity to be a place of hope and healing. A current mentor with the RISE Richmond cohort, she serves as Executive Minister of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she has poured her gifts into ministry for more than 20 years. Grounded in Womanist Theology and Black Liberation Theology, her work includes Christian education, curriculum development, and ministry formation. A graduate of Virginia Union University, Dr. Butler earned her M.Div. with honors as a Kern Scholar from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and her Master of Theology from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. In May 2026, she completed her Doctor of Ministry at Union Presbyterian Seminary with a dissertation titled The Dance of Redemption: A Womanist Framework for Discipleship in the Black Church.