Young. Black. Female. Aspiring Pastor. Budding Practical Theologian. Tatayana Richardson explains, “These words not only help to define me vocationally but are also the words that set me up to be uniquely qualified for this scholarship.”
This fall she continues her education in Black church studies and pastoral and prophetic congregational leadership at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville.
Tatayana also serves as director of children and youth at Hillcrest United Methodist Church. “I have taken my own marginalized identities and begun using them to think about how they might be framed to create and teach children and youth theologies that foster strong voices and even stronger people of faith.”
Her long-range plans include a vocational call as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and continuing her education in pursuit of a doctorate in practical Theology.
To the scholarship donors she says, “Now I can spend the upcoming academic year focusing on my vocation and my community instead of having to spend time worrying about finances and how to make ends meet as a graduate student. As a result of your generosity, I will be able to continue living into my calling without worry or stress. Thank you so much!”
The Chris Andersen WomenLead Scholarship recognizes the need for diverse leadership in ministry, nonprofits and civic organizations and seeks to accelerate the extraordinary leadership of diverse women of faith to lead change by using their talents to educate, advocate and activate.
Donors have the opportunity to