Dr. Justin Adour
Director, Church Partnerships
Justin has been ministering in NYC since 2008 having served as a pastor in the Bronx, a chaplain at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a campus minister, and a pastor at Redeemer East Side. He now serves as Senior Pastor of Redeemer East Harlem (REH), a church he co-planted with his wife, Angela. He earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Intercultural Studies, with his master's focus in Urban Missiology. Additionally, he earned a second master's degree from Reformed Theological Seminary, NYC. He also holds a doctorate (D. Min.) from North Park Theological Seminary, where his writing and research focused on developing justice-oriented churches and church plants. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Public Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. For more, check out his writing at untilzion.com
Dr. Rachel Atkins
Director, Civic Discipleship
Rachel Marie Brooks Atkins is a member of Bridge Church and lives in Crown Heights Brooklyn (by way of Philly). She earned a PhD in public and urban policy from the New School's Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment. Her research examines issues of racial and ethnic economic inequality, especially among entrepreneurs and tech industry workers. She also studies the ways public policies either reduce or expand existing economic inequalities. She is married to her husband Jason and has two sons James (5) and John (1.5).
Rasool Berry
Director, Communications
Rasool Berry serves as teaching pastor at The Bridge Church in Brooklyn, New York. He also is the Director of Partnerships & Content Development with Our Daily Bread Ministries. Rasool graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies and Sociology. Rasool is a sought-after writer on the intersection of faith and culture and has had his work featured in Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine, The Witness, and more. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Tamica, and their daughter.
Charlotte Crabbe
Executive Administrator
Charlotte Crabbe has worked in nonprofit faith-based work for the last 15 years. Whether it’s working with college students or high school students; her creativity and ingenuity has always brought people together for meaningful gatherings and change. She is the founder of Cultivate Vibrance, a faith-based organization that inspires black women in leadership to be well, lead authentically and live vibrantly.
Wendy Myers-Jennings
Criminal Legal System Working Group Leader
Wendy loves Jesus and is passionate about participating in God's work of restoring people and systems. During the day, she works as a public defender in the Bronx. She lives in the Bronx with her husband and plants and attends New Life Bronx Church.
James Roberson
President
James grew up just outside New York City. He received his Bachelor of Arts from James Madison University. He got his start in ministry over twenty years ago at James Madison University, Howard University and University of North Texas. He remains diligently focused on social justice issues and has developed programs for youth empowerment, substance abuse, AIDS, and domestic violence. He received his Master’s degree from Southeastern Seminary and has planted several churches throughout the nation.
George Sarkissian
Director, Policy & Civic Engagement
George Sarkissian serves as an Elder at Uptown Community Church. George is also Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs at the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. In addition to coordinating the myriad policy initiatives across HPD teams, serving as the primary liaison with City Hall, stakeholders, and other agencies, George leads HPD’s external affairs efforts, including both government affairs and communications.
Cidra M. Sebastien
Director, Organizing
Cidra is an educator, organizer, auntie, and member of Renaissance Church NYC. She has developed culturally relevant activism curricula; published OpEds about the possibilities for youth leadership development and the impact of immigration policies on young people; appeared on radio and television outlets; and contributes to local and national policy-making regarding investing in the advancement of young people. Cidra is an avid runner and reader whose imagination is fueled by the arts, travel, and learning from others.