The Black Women’s Leadership Experience Launches

This past summer, three young adult Black women and three Black women Disciples leaders gathered together with NBA staff in Washington, D.C. to launch the inaugural cohort of the Black Women’s Leadership Experience (BWLE) residency program.

“The Black Women’s Leadership Experience is just that, an experience. Or really a series of experiences,” said Rev. Monica Wedlock Kilpatrick, NBA’s Vice President of Organizational and Leadership Development. “This program related to Black women is to create communities of compassion and care that are built on the values of authenticity, healing, creativity, and self-love.”

The BWLE supports Black women, ages 23-30, in their spiritual and vocational pursuits. One of the ways the BWLE provides growth, support, and development for these young adult leaders is through its Residential Program. The Residential Program is a 24-month residential leadership development program providing a platform for participants to discover their path by supporting their identity formation, health and wellness and leadership development.

The program offers full-time, paid work in a local service or justice organization, a facilitated program curriculum centered in Womanist studies, a facilitated wellness curriculum, mentorship and a final project. For the initial cohort, which began in July 2024 and runs through May 2026, residents are living and working in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The inaugural BWLE residents are:

Azsia Greene, from Kaufman, TX, is excited about the personal and professional development opportunities afforded to her by the BWLE. “The Black Women’s Leadership Experience will help me shine brightly by enhancing my leadership skills and expanding my network, allowing me to channel my passions,” she says. Azsia serves at the Young Playwright’s Theater as her worksite.

Aliyah Perkins of St. Louis, MO, is delighted to be part of a community of Black women leaders. “I believe in the power of solidarity and shared experiences,” Perkins remarks, “and I’m eager to connect with and learn from other like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.” Aliyah serves Girls, Inc. of Metro D.C.

Kristen Valentine, who hails from Danville, KY, is appreciative of the resources she has gotten out of the program already. “Choosing this program was the best for me because it embodies the qualities that I am looking for. Sisterhood, growth, support system, and so much more has been offered since I chose to start this journey, and I am excited to see how we all impact each other after these two years.” Kristen’s worksite is the Ward 8 Health Council.

The NBA is grateful for three mentors guiding the residents throughout their time in the program. Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie, Dean of the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University, signed up because “being a conversation partner to Black women isn’t simply something I do, it is who I am.” Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center Marriage & Family Therapist Rev. Chesla Nickelson became a mentor “because of all the Black women who have said ‘Yes’ to me on my journey.” Similarly, Rev. Dr. Christal Williams, Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana, states that “if ever I am in a position to accompany another Black Woman on her life’s journey, I will suddenly rise up, look in a mirror and say, ‘As I see her, I am seeing myself. Seeing and being seen is important.’”