Dr. Heather E. Burton is a powerhouse in equity, education, and faith-based leadership.  As Senior Director for Faculty and Institutional Diversity at Case Western Reserve University, she leads initiatives to advance equity, inclusion, and justice across academic departments. She is the founder of Courageous Conversations, a platform for racial equity and dialogue and Sisterhood Symposium, empowering Black women in academia and leadership. She is an ordained minister and author of “Dear Black Women: It’s Our Time” . Dr. Burton empowers communities through scholarship, mentorship, and faith-rooted service that uplifts and inspires.

Minister Allison Jaynes Colvin is a devoted spiritual leader, mentor, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She has been an educator for many years following the footsteps of her father. Serving at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, she uplifts others through prayer, teaching, and compassionate outreach. As First Lady alongside Rev. Dr. Jawanza Colvin, she blends grace, wisdom, and purpose, inspiring lives through faith, service, and transformative ministry.

Rev. Frances Cudjoe Waters J.D. is a visionary faith leader, attorney, and advocate for justice and spiritual renewal.  She blends legal expertise with prophetic ministry, empowering communities through preaching, teaching, and transformative outreach. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a passionate voice for equity, she inspires change at the intersection of faith and law. She delivered a Ted Talk entitled “Black Women: Wrapping Our Pain In Pretty Packages”. Rev. Cudjoe-Waters is the Founder & CEO of the African American Renaissance, Dallas, TX and serves as an Associate Minister at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Rev. Dr. Lisa Maxine Goods  is a trailblazing pastor, scholar, and justice-seeker currently serving as the Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio—the first woman to hold that role in the church’s 170+ year history  A dynamic preacher, scholar, and justice advocate, she holds a Doctor of Ministry and is pursuing a Ph.D. in African American preaching. Her ministry blends prophetic voice, pastoral care, and community transformation.  Rev. Goods is known for Womanist and prophetic preaching, addressing racial and gender-based trauma through sacred rhetoric.

Rev. Michele Teague-Humphrey is the pastor of Imani United Church of Christ in Euclid, Ohio. A passionate advocate for justice and healing, she ministers on issues like domestic violence, abuse,  and spiritual empowerment. Founder of LEAH Ministry and author of Soulful Prayers for Women, she leads with compassion, community outreach, and a commitment to transformative faith.  She serves on advisory boards for Cleveland Clinic and the United Church of Christ. She was honored by the City of Euclid with a tree planted in her name for community service.

Kimberly Kisner is a proud Cleveland native and game changer in communications and change management. With more than 30 years of experience across communications, marketing, and organizational transformation, she has driven impact at leading organizations including Vizient Inc., WEWS NewsChannel 5, Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, and InterContinental Hotel Group. An alumna of Clark Atlanta University and the University of Phoenix, Kimberly is also a self-published author of Laid Off but Not Laid Out and former host of It’s Ya Girl Kim on Twitch. Passionate about fostering community, she created the HBCU Social Plus mobile app—“the digital yard” connecting students, alumni, faculty, Divine 9 members, and supporters. Building on that vision, she is now launching the HBCU Social card game, celebrating the culture and traditions of HBCUs in a fun and engaging way.

Dr. Janet Morgan, MD is a respected internist based in Cleveland, Ohio, with over 35 years of experience in adult care. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, she serves as an Internist at Cleveland Clinic’s Beachwood Family Health Center. She is affiliated with several hospitals including Hillcrest, Akron General and South Pointe. Known for her compassionate approach and clinical excellence, she specializes in preventive care and chronic disease management. Dr. Morgan is a devoted member and servant leader at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, she blends clinical excellence with compassionate care. She is the trusted doctor to many of the women that are members of Olivet.

Dr. Edweana Robinson Haynie, MD is a dedicated Internist with over 40 years in medicine.  A graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, she is an Adjunct Professor at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and former Diagnostic Radiologist for the Cuyahoga County Jail. Her Specialties are General Practice, Radiology, and Public Health. She is a Community Leader and volunteers her time to faith-based outreach and as a respected voice in public health initiatives. She blends her clinical expertise with compassion as she empowers individuals and communities through education, advocacy, and service rooted in purpose, healing, and holistic wellness. Edweana is a devoted member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Lekisha Rogers is a retreat and workshop facilitator devoted to empowering women of faith with over 20 years of experience. A seasoned social service professional supporting youth and families, she brings compassion, authenticity, and spiritual insight to every gathering. Through engaging workshops and retreats, Lekisha equips women with practical tools and biblical wisdom to navigate life’s challenges, embrace their purpose, and grow stronger in faith and community. She is an active member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

She serves as the Regional Executive Minister of the Cleveland Baptist Association (Cleveland, Ohio) as of January 1, 2024.  On June 1 2024 she became the Acting General Secretary of the North American Baptist Fellowship (NABF), the first woman to hold that position.  She has held other leadership roles in denominational bodies including: immediate past President of Baptist Women of North America (BWNA), past Vice-President of the Baptist World Alliance Women’s Department.  She has a strong emphasis on leadership development, especially for faith-based organizations, clergy, and lay leaders.  She has global ministry experience: she’s spoken, served and studied in places such as India, Norway, Switzerland, Jamaica, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Germany.  

She has a history of youth and college-age ministry: for example, she held leadership roles in youth development at her earlier church. 

Rev. Cynthia Smith is a dedicated spiritual leader and educator serving at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. With a heart for discipleship and a gift for teaching, she leads Christian Education initiatives that nurture faith, deepen biblical understanding, and empower believers of all ages. She is known for her thoughtful approach to ministry, blending theological insight with practical application. Rev. Smith plays a vital role in developing curriculum, leading Bible studies, and mentoring emerging leaders within the church community. Her ministry reflects Olivet’s legacy of justice, compassion, and spiritual growth, and she continues to inspire through her commitment to faith formation and lifelong learning.

LaToya Smith serves as a member of the advisor council to the Women of Olivet at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. Blending her commitment to service with a strong educational background and hands-on experience in accounting. LaToya embraces the opportunity to empower women and girls to discover their God given purpose. LaToya is living aboard in Tokyo, Japan. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring the next generation, reading and traveling.

Cheryl Vance Thomas is a dynamic Project Manager and Events Specialist with over 30 years of experience driving performance, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across healthcare and corporate sectors. Known for her leadership, precision, and collaborative spirit, she excels in managing complex projects and impactful events. Cheryl’s interests and passions include fostering spiritual growth and community connection. She is a member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church where she is the Chair of the Women of Olivet Ministry and Chair of the 2025 Reignite- A Faith Filled Reset Retreat.

Dr. Joi Robinson Tidmore is a compassionate  Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB/GYN) with over 25 years in women’s health. She is a graduate of Florida A&M and University of Alabama School of Medicine. She is affiliated with UH Lake West Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Known for her community advocacy, dedication to holistic care and health equity, she blends clinical excellence with a heart for service. Dr. Tidmore actively engages in outreach, education, and faith-based initiatives, empowering individuals to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually through informed, inclusive, and purpose-driven care.  She is a member of Olivet and has taken care of many women of Olivet and delivered many babies of Olivet as well.

Manya Stewart Watson is a 200-hour yoga teacher with over 30 years of practice and a 41-year career in healthcare. Rooted in faith and service, she trained with My Village Yoga to make yoga accessible to underserved communities. She leads a weekly community class in Richmond Heights and a monthly volunteer class for incarcerated women.  She has been a Mammogram Technologist for over 35 years at University Hospitals. Many women will only go to Manya for their mammograms because they trust her. Manya weaves Godly love,self-love, health, movement, peace, and gratitude into her life and teaching. She is a member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Tiffany Williams attends Olivet Institutional Baptist Church and serves in various ministries. She is co-leader of the OIBC Teen Ministry and a member of the Voices of Olivet, Social Justice and Women of Olivet ministries. Tiffany is a STEM Teacher in the CH-UH School District and is working towards her principal license. She and her husband, Stephen, enjoy eating, travelling, spending time with their fur baby, Serenity, and spreading the love of Jesus Christ.

Benjamin Rose Institute

Since 1908, the skilled and compassionate professionals at Benjamin Rose have supported the aging journeys of adults and those who care for them through the discovery, development and delivery of accessible, centralized programs and services that ensure each person is heard, treated with dignity and positioned for a better tomorrow. Benjamin Rose provides the Greater Cleveland Area with in-person and telephone-based programs addressing wellness, financial needs and housing. They conduct research related to the everyday issues faced by older adults and their families—then use their work to develop innovative solutions.Benjamin Rose fosters informed engagement with public policy issues impacting the field of aging.