Pastoral and prophetic leaders, scholars, community activists, and seminary students are gathering on Thursday, March 8 to Saturday, March 10 to launch the groundbreaking initiative, RISE Together: A National Mentorship Network. Conference registration available here. 

This three-day Launch and Leadership Forum will achieve the following objectives:

• Provide safe, supportive spaces and networking opportunities for women ministers and community leaders, scholars, activists, and students. 
• Offer a social justice and pastoral voice in support of women of color.
• Facilitate professional connections for innovative and non-traditional ministry.
• Empower and equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools that benefit the Church, academy, and community.

The RISE Together Launch and Leadership Forum is free and open to the public. Some meals will be provided for a fee (Breakfast $8 | Lunch $15). For those traveling to New York City from out of town, there is a special rate for RISE Together conference attendees at the Aloft Harlem  ($175 king | $190 double beds | book before 2/15) and at the Marriot Residence Inn Manhattan/Central Park ($189.00  single bed | $209 double bed | book before 2/8).

Click here to RSVP!

RSVP Deadline: Tuesday, March 6

Conference Schedule 

THURSDAY
(6:00 – 8:30 PM)

Conference Registration Opens at 4:00 PM

Opening Program Begins at 6:00 PM
Self-Care for Pastoral and Prophetic Leadership with Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond
Presidential Reception

FRIDAY
(8:30 AM – 8:30 PM)

Conference Registration Opens at 8:00 AM (For those who do not register on Thursday Evening)

Continental Breakfast (Optional $8 – 8:30 – 10:00 AM)

Opening Worship | Reverend Dr. Lisa Allen-McLaurin (10:00 AM)

Lunch (Optional – $15)

Workshop Session 1 (1:30 to 3:00 PM)
Option A: The Spiritual Formation of a Preacher | Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart
Option B: Called to Do What: Discerning Vocational Possibilities | Reverend Jihyun Oh, Reverend Dr. Patricia Murphy and Dr. Su Pak

Workshop Session 2 (3:15 – 4:30 PM)
Option A: Claiming Your Preaching Voice for 21^st Century Leadership | Reverend Dr. Martha Simmons
Option B: Adaptive Leadership: Using Your Courageous Voice to Manage Change | Reverend Dr. Amy Steele
Option C: Creating Safe and Sacred Spaces to Empower Women | Reverend Dr. Maritz Ortiz Cruz & Reverend Dr. Myrna Thurman-Malone

Dinner (On your Own)

Community Conversation (6:30 – 8:00 PM)
The Status of Women of Color in the Church and Academy: Challenges and Opportunities

Moderator: Dr. Eboni Marshall Turman
Conversation Partners:
Reverend Gail Song Bantum
Dr. Leslie Callahan
Dr. Teresa Delgado

SATURDAY
(8:30 AM – 1:00 PM)

Continental Breakfast (Optional $8 – 8:30 – 9:30 AM)

Sessions 1 (9:30 – 10:00 AM) 
Emerging Entrepreneurs RISE