Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a preacher, conference speaker, author, documentarian, dynamic leader, and much more. She is the President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, representing 37 denominations and 30 million people worldwide advocating for social justice, peace and ecumenical unity. Under her leadership, the NCC received a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life. She is the first African American woman to serve in this position, as well as, the first female bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Bishop McKenzie is an active leader in social justice, having served on the White House Commission of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women Religious Leaders by the Huffington Post. She is also the founder of Selah, The Leadership Encounter for Women, and the author of six books on leadership and personal growth. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Howard University, and United Theological Seminary, she is a passionate mentor and global educator who leads with unwavering faith, wisdom, and dedication to service in everything she does.