Staff
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Michael A. Walrond Jr. is the Senior Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem, New York. Walrond—affectionately known as Pastor Mike—is quickly rising as one of the most prolific and sought-after teachers and preachers in the country. Considered a visionary, cultural architect, and game-changer by his peers, Pastor Mike has not only catalytically changed the traditional perspective of the black church, but he is also shifting the paradigm of Christian understanding and culture. Within two years of his leadership at FCBC, the church experienced exponential growth, tripling its membership. Over the past thirteen years, membership at FCBC has grown from 300 to over 10,000 members.
Educator, innovator, and game changer, LaKeesha Walrond is one of the most sought after teachers and preachers in the nation. Her reach extends from several Christian denominations, colleges and universities, to global missions in India, South Africa, Canada and the Caribbean. Her newest endeavor is writing books to end sexual violence against children. Her first book, ‘My Body is Special,’ is set to release in November 2017. Eva, the main character in the book, helps other children understand the importance of taking good care of their bodies. She helps them develop a plan if they ever feel unsafe. Subsequent books will teach children to advocate for themselves in the midst of friends, family, and strangers.
Desiree Elder—originally from Southern California—serves as the Associate Pastor of Arts and Spiritual Formation at First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in New York. She dually serves as the Executive Visionary of The Dream Center, a multi-generational space in Harlem that focuses on free inventive programming designed to awaken dreams.
Reverend Michael Walrond III, affectionately known as Pastor Tre, was born in Galveston, Texas. He was raised in Durham, North Carolina then completed his early education in Rockland County, New York. Reverend Walrond is a 2014 graduate of Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion. He accepted his call to Ministry in the Fall of 2012. He then continued his education at Duke University School of Divinity where he obtained his Master of Divinity degree in May 2017.
A member of FCBC since 2004, Dawn, has since that time utilized her organizational and administrative gifts and skills in service to the church in a number of volunteer and administrative capacities. A 2002 graduate of Mercy College, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational management, Dawn brings to FCBC over 25 years of Customer Service, financial management and audit control and oversight having worked with Chrysler Financial Services in those senior management positions. Prior to assuming her current position as Operations Manager in 2015, Dawn served as Assistant Business Manager at FCBC where she assisted in the daily management of the finances of the Church. As Operations Manager, Dawn is responsible for the everyday supervision of the team of employees assigned to ensure that the FCBC facilities are ready for use by our Pastoral and administrative staff; ministries; service teams; guests and visitors as well as with the creation of, and adherence to, systems, protocols and procedures regarding the care, maintenance and safety of the church premises.
TAMISH likes to describe herself as a communicator. She uses her VOICE to communicate via song, writing (songwriting), and speech, to inspire, educate, and empower all of humanity (especially women, people of color, girls, and fellow millennials).
Dr. Lena L. Green is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist and fatherhood practitioner. In her more than 20 years of direct practice and management experience as a clinician, professor and administrator, Dr. Green has had a tremendous impact on countless New Yorkers. She is skilled in various areas of mental health, program planning, development, clinical supervision and building strategic partnerships.
Syreena Howard serves as the Executive Visionary at The Dream Center being the strategic and operational lead for programs, staff and volunteers guided by TDC’s mission to offer visionaries and dreamers opportunities to Dream Big and Live Bold!
STAFF
Dante’s story reads like so many who grow up with the natural gift of singing. Born in Rochester, New York, he was raised by a loving grandmother and together they sang gospel and blues. Dante moved to New York in 2003 to pursue is musical dreams, working with the likes of Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Drake, Mario Winans and a host of other renowned musicians and deejays.
