An Invitation to Stretch
Date: October 17, 2024 7:00 pm - October 17, 2024 9:00 pm
Venue: Online & In-Person at Epiphany Chapel
An Invitation to Stretch:
Reconstructing Our Theological Assumptions
Public Lecture — Thursday, October 17 at 7pm
Join Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond, President of New York Theological Seminary, for the 2024 Somerville Lecture at the Vancouver School of Theology. This free public lecture provides an opportunity for students, theologians, steadfast church-goers, rigorous questioners, unabashed analysts, and anyone with a bit of curiosity and openness to explore common theological assumptions. In true Christian spirit and with the verve of a passionate educator, Dr. LaKeesha Walrond will carefully examine our spiritual beliefs and practices to draw up an expansive, love-infused alternative to dogmatism.
Rev. LaKeesha Walrond (PhD) is an educator, visionary leader, sought after speaker, and consummate change agent. Dr. Walrond earned her undergraduate degree from Spelman College; a Master of Education, Master in School Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York, NY, where she later served as a trustee for three years.
Dr. Walrond answered her call to the ministry in 1995 and began her journey in ministry serving as an Associate Minister at Zion Temple UCC in North Carolina for six years. She later served as the Executive Pastor and Chief of Staff of First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, NY for thirteen years. In June of 2019, she became the first woman President of New York Theological Seminary, committed to preparing faith and thought leaders to engage relevant, restorative, and revolutionary ministry.
Dr. Walrond is passionate about creating and stewarding communities of learners. Her career also includes eleven years as a teacher in the public education system in North Carolina. She brings her expertise and commitment to learning to both her ordained ministry and leadership in the academy.
In an effort to authentically reach the hearts of women, Dr. Walrond launched the Getting to Greatness (G2G) Women’s Conference in 2013. G2G provides opportunities for women’s empowerment through leadership development and spiritual, mental and psychological wellness. She is the author of two books. My Body is Special (2017) is the first of her six-part “Let’s Talk About It” (LTAI) children’s book series, written to help end sexual violence against children. Her first e-book, Stronger Than Your Worst Pain: A Spiritual Guide to Activating Your Inner Power (2018), empowers women to recognize their passion, power and potential to overcome life’s most difficult challenges.
Dr. Walrond is happily married to The Reverend Michael A. Walrond Jr. and they are blessed to be the proud parents of two beautiful children: Michael III, and Jasmyn Dominique.