Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Described as a Transformational Preacher, Dynamic Leader and Ministry Trailblazer, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson is an inspiring example of what God can do with a life committed to the call. She currently serves as the beloved Senior Pastor of The Allen Temple Baptist Church in her native Oakland, California. Her 2019 election made history nationwide as the first woman called to serve as Senior Pastor of this historic African American Baptist Church founded in 1919. Before being called in this capacity, Dr. Thompson served as the Assistant Pastor at Allen Temple and as Youth Minister at Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington, D.C., the first woman to serve in both capacities.
Committed to excellence in scholarship, Dr. Thompson received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity in Washington, D.C. While at Howard, she received the Nannie Helen Burroughs Award for Academic Excellence and the Henry G. Maynard Award for Excellence in Preaching and Ministry. Believing in the importance of both orthodoxy and orthopraxy, Dr. Thompson continued her studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where she was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree in African American Church Leadership.
She is a member of the NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Various chapters have recognized her activism and leadership, honoring her with the Community Excellence Award and naming her Distinguished Woman of the Year. Among other honors, Dr. Thompson has been inducted into the distinguished Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers. Dr. Thompson continues to break barriers and make history. In July 2026, she became the first woman elected to serve as First Vice President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.—a groundbreaking achievement and a powerful milestone in leadership.
Dr. Thompson is a gifted preacher, administrator, and published author traveling and ministering extensively nationally and internationally often in arenas previously unchartered by women. In addition, she has been called upon by local and national print and electronic media as an opinion leader to offer perspective and hope amidst the pressing issues of the day. She is currently on the teaching staff of the Berkeley School of Theology in the area of Public Theology and Preaching.
Her mission is to see transformation in others' lives, and she is humbled by every opportunity to serve.
Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque
Rev. Zina Jacque, Ph.D., is a pastor, educator, executive leader, and change agent whose life and career have been devoted to serving others and “sending good into the world.”
Before answering her call to ministry, Dr. Jacque spent 20 years in higher education, serving institutions including Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Mills College, and the University of California. She later earned her Master of Divinity, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and a doctorate in Theology from Boston University. Her ministry journey has included service in urban, suburban, small, and mega churches, including the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church.
Dr. Jacque has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Chicago Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology. She was the first Executive Director of the Boston Ten Point Coalition, a violence-reduction initiative, and founder and first Executive Director of the Pastoral Counseling Center of Trinity Church Boston. She currently serves as President and Chair of the Board of National Senior Communities, supporting a network serving more than 28,000 residents.
A co-founder and host of Courageous Conversations, Dr. Jacque has helped create meaningful dialogue around inclusion, belonging, and connection. She is also the creator of A Sacred Pause, which has gained a significant social media following.
Described as a voice of hope, a source of grace, and a person of faith, Dr. Jacque grounds her life in John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you…that you should go and bear fruit.”
Above all, she is grateful to be a sinner saved by grace.
She is also a daughter of Allen Temple Baptist Church!
Rev. Dr. Carole McKindley-Alvarez
Reverend Dr. Carole McKindley-Alvarez is an ordained preacher and has been an active member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church since childhood. She has served in the usher board, music ministry, women’s ministry, and Christian Education ministry. She was the first woman appointed to the Board of Trustees and the first woman Chair.
Dr. McKindley-Alvarez is a Leadership Institute of Allen Temple (LIAT) graduate. She served as Executive Pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church before being elected Senior Pastor-Elect on May 19, 2024 (Pentecost Sunday), with a majority vote. Installed as the 4th pastor of Bethlehem MBC on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Dr. McKindley-Alvarez received her Clinical Psychology doctorate degree in 2003. She’s been a professor in undergraduate and graduate institutions for 25 years. Dr. McKindley-Alvarez has been an executive for 20 years providing leadership on organizational systems change. She is a consultant providing governmental, profit, and non-profit organizations Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) strategic planning, trainings, and executive coaching. Dr. McKindley-Alvarez is dedicated to individual, family, and community healing.
Dr. McKindley-Alvarez is a life-long resident of Richmond, California, a city she is proud to call her home. She is the wife of Joseph V. Alvarez, Jr., mother of six children, grandmother of eight, and “adopted” mother/Godmother to several. If asked where her source of strength comes, she would say from her solid spiritual foundation. Dr. McKindley-Alvarez recognizes the shoulders she stands on: Her Ancestors, Her Family, and Her Community.
To all she says, “Thank You.”
Rev. Dr. Najuma “JuJu” Smith
Rev. Dr. Najuma “JuJu” Smith, MBA, D.Min., is a pastor, preacher, author, and community leader dedicated to helping individuals discover and boldly live out their God-given purpose.
At the University of Southern California (USC), Dr. Najuma serves as the Assistant Director of the Center for Religion and Civic Culture and Program Manager for the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement. Expanding her impact in higher education, she also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. Across these roles, she works closely with faith communities to drive civic engagement, mentorship, and social change.
She accepted her call to ministry in 1994 under the mentorship of Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray and went on to become the Founding Pastor of Word of Encouragement Community Church.
A passionate advocate and mentor, Dr. Najuma is the creator of “…And She Can Preach!”, a network that uplifts emerging women preachers. Guided by her commitment to community safety, she also established “It’s Not Okay,” a specialized awareness program that trains faith leaders to prevent and address sexual violence.
She holds advanced degrees in management, business administration, and theology, including a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, and has authored five books.
She is the mother of Dillon, Dorian, Zuri, and her angel son, Daniel. Embracing her mother’s lifelong advice that “you can do anything you set your mind to,” Dr. Najuma balances her impactful career with a love for fitness, travel, music, movies, and dancing.