Introducing the 2025 Trinity Leadership Fellows Cohort
Meet the talented cohort of emerging leaders determined to use their faith to create positive change in our world.
Since 2022, the Trinity Leadership Fellows program has educated, inspired, and connected faith and community leaders from across the globe, providing participants an opportunity to learn from experts in the field while forming transformational relationships with peers and mentors. Part of Trinity’s commitment to build generations of faithful leadership, the program gives graduates the tools they need to heal divides, disrupt injustice, and strengthen their communities.
Today, Trinity is thrilled to welcome the newest cohort of Trinity Leadership Fellows. These 27 candidates were selected from more than 2,400 applicants representing 105 countries and a variety of faith traditions.
Rob Garris, executive director of the program and Trinity’s managing director, Leadership Development, noted the exceptional caliber and diversity of the cohort. “This group of fellows perfectly represents the ethos of the program,” he said. “They are dynamic leaders, inspired by their faith to serve their communities, and committed to forming a lifelong network of learning and mutual support across their denominational, faith, and international differences. This group now reaches from Vietnam to Ethiopia to Colombia, and for the first time will bring together Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim fellows.”
The 2025 fellows will convene for a weeklong, in-person session at Trinity Church in New York City this September. During the first year of the program, they will take online courses to strengthen the core competencies needed for effective leadership. The second year of the fellowship will be dedicated to implementation projects. In September 2027, these fellows will be inducted into the Trinity Society of Fellows, where they will join a global network of leaders faithfully serving their communities.
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 Trinity Leadership Fellows!
2025 Trinity Leadership Fellows
Ben Cahill-Nicholls
Ben Cahill-Nicholls is CEO of Clergy Support Trust, which in 2024 supported 22 percent of Church of England ministers with their finances and well-being. Under Cahill-Nicholls’s leadership, CST has quadrupled its grant-giving, and introduced new engagement, training, and research programs. Concurrently, Cahill-Nicholls is parish priest of a growing rural church. Born into his mother’s Jewish faith, Cahill-Nicholls became a Christian as a teenager, studied music at Cambridge University, and worked in education before ordination. A fellow of the Westminster Abbey Institute, school governor, and theatre obsessive, he is currently writing a 1930s murder-mystery musical. Cahill-Nicholls lives with his wife, two young children, and two cats.
Brian Petersen
The Rev. Brian Petersen is the priest-in-charge of St. Brigid’s Episcopal Church, a new Episcopal community in Oceanside, California. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2022 after completing a Certificate of Anglican Studies at Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Prior to ordination in the Episcopal Church, Petersen served as a church planter starting communities for homeless youth in Portland, Oregon, and New York City. Rev. Petersen’s ministry work focuses on creating accessible and inclusive spaces for people to encounter the divine, especially those excluded by the traditional church. He and his family live in Oceanside, California.
Edda Wolff
As a nonbinary Episcopal priest with a passion for social justice and empowerment, Edda Wolff brings a deep commitment to ecumenical and cross-cultural work. Wolff thrives on meeting new people, listening to their stories, and learning from their experiences and dreams. Since earning a PhD from the University of Durham (UK) and being ordained in the Church of England, Wolff has served in diverse roles across Europe and North America, including interim minister, bishop's missioner, and diocesan committee member. They've worked in Germany, France, Canada, the US, and Switzerland, and they are now excited about their new role as missioner to the Episcopal Mission Congregation of St. Nino’s in Tbilisi, Georgia, which started in February.
Dominique Chantell Atchison
The Rev. Dominique Chantell Atchison has spent her career at the intersection of faith, justice and public service. Most notably, Rev. Atchison served in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration as executive director of the Center for Faith and Community Partnerships. Her justice and equity–centered vocation was born at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, where she was raised under the leadership of the Rev. Samuel DeWitt Proctor and the Rev. Calvin Otis Butts III. Rev. Atchison is a graduate of Oberlin College and Union Theology Seminary. She was ordained by the United Church of Christ at Judson Memorial Church. She is a proud native and resident of the South Bronx. Rev. Atchison is also a singer, performance artist, blogger, and foster parent (aka “Mama D”).
George Nunez
George Nunez, founder and CEO of Bronx Tech Hub, is transforming the Bronx's tech landscape. Born and raised in the Bronx, he is passionate about bridging the digital divide and empowering underrepresented communities. Through Bronx Tech Hub, Nunez fosters tech education, entrepreneurship, and access to innovative resources, driving economic growth and diversity in tech. As a tireless advocate for equitable technology access, he is committed to making the Bronx a beacon of tech success and inclusivity.
Hannah Norem
The Rev. Hannah Norem is the associate pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hickory, North Carolina. At Holy Trinity, she focuses on equipping and empowering people across generations to live lives of faithful service to all. She received her Juris Doctor and Master of Divinity degrees from Wake Forest University and is a member of the North Carolina Bar. Norem is passionate about leveraging institutions to create the greatest good in a world needing God's grace.
Olando Marlon Charles
Olando Marlon Charles is a passionate advocate for social justice, equality, and mental health. He is currently a minister-in-training at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem. Previously, as the CHOW Institute coordinator and organizer at the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, Charles worked to improve the lives of thousands of restaurant workers nationwide. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality and 10-plus years in workforce and program development, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives for marginalized communities and workers' rights. As a former Faith Fellow and current board member of the Queer Detainee Empowerment Project (QDEP), Charles has supported individuals transitioning out of immigration detention, offering assistance in health, education, legal advocacy, and emotional wellness while addressing systemic barriers faced by LGBTQIA, TS, and gender-nonconforming undocumented individuals. Charles also serves as a board member of the O’Brien Dennis Initiative for Male Survivors of Sexual Violence and as president of The Men of Faith Group, championing efforts to bridge divides between religion and sexuality. His advocacy has earned him prestigious honors, including being named one of the 2021 40 Under 40 NYC Labor Rising Stars, featured in City and State Magazine, and a recipient of the 2024 Caribbean Media Impact Award, featured in Caribbean Life Magazine. He holds associate degrees in law, English, and sociology from the University of Cambridge and a certificate in theology (ministry and leadership) from New York Theological Seminary, and he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in labor and urban studies at CUNY.
Laura Romero
Laura Romero is a 24-year-old lawyer with a deep passion for defending human rights, particularly in Afro-Colombian communities. As a child, she was educated in a Catholic school where she received Christian values from the age of 5. At 12 years old, she joined the Casa del Rey church, a place that profoundly impacted her spiritual and social life. Her calling for justice led her to study law with the firm intention of defending people's rights. During her university years, Romero was an active member of the DÍA research group, where she was responsible for investigating SDG 4: "Quality Education." It was through this process that she adopted the motto "Living to serve," which has guided her life and work ever since. Over the years, she has volunteered at various organizations, including a Christian foundation where she taught values of Jesus and English to the most vulnerable communities in her city. She has also supported head-of-household women in a foundation, helping them gain the skills and tools they need to move forward. Today, Romero has the honor of working in the Colombian Congress, supporting the Afro-Colombian Commission. In this role, she collaborates on the creation of legislative initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life — particularly for the Afro-Colombian community — through effective public policies and a comprehensive approach. Her life has always been focused on service and the well-being of others, and she aims to continue working to ensure that more people have access to their fundamental rights, especially in the most vulnerable sectors of our society.
Kenneth Addo
Kenneth Addo, professionally known as DarkMatter, is a visionary rapper, producer, and recording artist whose creative journey explores the cosmic realms of storytelling. His artistry transcends traditional storytelling, blending personal narratives, cultural landscapes, and cosmic themes into a transformative listening experience. Originally from New York City, Addo relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2018 to pursue a master’s degree at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security on a full, merit-based tuition scholarship. Beyond his music, Addo is deeply committed to his church since 2019 — New Bethel Baptist Church. He has participated in musical theater productions at New Bethel and other churches, performed faith-based songs from his repertoire during church events, and actively supported various ministries. Addo’s passion for advocacy and education shines through his work with programs like Leaders of Color, where he helped lead initiatives addressing disparities in education. His background in organizing community events and managing digital platforms demonstrates his dedication to engaging diverse audiences and supporting global communities.
Mohammed Ahmed
Mohammed Ahmed leads a team of probation officers for the state of New Jersey. He was born in Bangladesh and raised in New York City. He is a proud product of NYC's public school system, including the City University of New York, where he earned two bachelor’s degrees. He is also a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Having been both a local and federal officer, he is an expert in community-based and court-ordered supervision. A master of communication and collaboration, he holds a leadership role in the Middlesex County Gun Violence Reduction Initiative, which brings together resources from within the community to help reduce recidivism and help justice-impacted individuals make meaningful change.
Micheale Kiros
With more than six years of expertise in crisis response and health-program management, Dr. Micheale Kiros is a committed medical practitioner and humanitarian leader. He has led extensive emergency initiatives in Ethiopia, organizing hundreds of volunteers to provide vital healthcare and gender-based violence services during the Tigray conflict. He is currently working with Humedica e.V. as a field office coordinator. Kiros thrives at managing resources, guiding teams, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders because of his faith-inspired dedication to justice and service. In addition to becoming a doctor of medicine, he is currently working toward a master's degree in humanitarian aid and international cooperation.
Jaymes Mooney
The Rev. Jaymes Mooney is the senior pastor of the Historic Saint Bartley Church in Huntsville, Alabama, which is the oldest African American congregation in the state of Alabama. The congregation has experienced significant growth under his leadership. He holds a Master of Arts in theology from Fuller Seminary and is a doctor of ministry candidate at Howard University. He is the founder of The Bartley Bridge, which has launched a funded Entrepreneurs Academy for teens, and he is co-founder of MAC, a weekly mentorship program in middle and high schools in the Huntsville City School System.
Nichole Middleton
The Rev. Dr. Nichole Middleton is a faith-driven leader and advocate committed to justice and transformation. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, she provides spiritual care, hope, and empowerment to individuals in challenging spaces. A dynamic speaker, strategist, and organizer, Rev. Middleton works to expand her impact by advancing faith-rooted social justice initiatives. She is dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their journeys of redemption, inspiring change, and fostering empowerment for those in need.
Frances Onyemaechi Udukwu
Frances Onyemaechi Udukwu is a social entrepreneur committed to faith-driven entrepreneurship, social finance–backed community development, and collaborative public service. As a venture builder and program manager at All On Partnerships for Energy, she supports impact investments in renewable energy to expand rural electrification. She holds a master’s in social business and entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics, aligning with her mission to empower ventures that drive dignity, justice, and opportunity in emerging markets. A graduate of the CFAN School of Evangelism, Udukwu leads the women’s prayer department and hospitality team at House of Freedom’s Holy Hill Lagos, while contributing to church planting efforts. She is currently a candidate at Remnant Christian Network’s Adullam Theological Seminary, deepening her theological foundation for mission-driven leadership. Udukwu integrates faith, business, and impact to advance transformative change.
Nosheen Masood
Dr. Nosheen Masood serves as head of the department of biotechnology at Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. An expert in molecular biology, she focuses on personalized cancer treatment. She has authored books, supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students, published impactful research, and secured funded projects. In February 2024, she attended the Women in Executive Leadership Development course at the University of Queensland, Australia. Masood actively promotes breast cancer screening awareness in both her university and underserved areas of Pakistan. Passionate about empowering women, she fosters leadership through education and support. Known for her vibrant, inclusive personality, she inspires many in her in her field.
Peter Levenstrong
The Rev. Peter Levenstrong is the associate rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, where he leads innovative ministries rooted in creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement. Creator of Living Stories Sermons, Levenstrong transforms traditional preaching into intergenerational storytelling experiences, fostering dialogue and connection. He oversees youth and family ministries, adult formation, and hybrid worship initiatives while exploring the intersection of faith and emerging technologies. A Yale Divinity School graduate, Levenstrong is passionate about adapting ancient Christian practices for modern congregations and equipping faith leaders to navigate change. He lives in Oakland, California, with his family.
Tamario Howze
The Rev. Tamario Howze, pastor of Long Memorial AME Zion Church in Durham, North Carolina, is a community advocate and devoted husband and father. He holds a BA in business, an MS in industrial and systems engineering, and an MS in divinity from NC A&T State University and Duke University, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of health science degree at Campbell University. Howze’s ministry empowers underserved communities through mentorship and faith while providing resources and mental health support. Howze has a heart for community and continually seeks ways to serve.
Thao Nguyen
Thao Nguyen is an active education advocate and the founder of a family-centered learning model in Vietnam. She strongly believes in the power of family education and the role of parents as leaders, inspiring and empowering their children in today’s rapidly changing world. With a master’s degree in TESOL and an MBA, she combines unwavering faith in education, relentless dedication to learning, and a heart for community service. Each year, she inspires thousands of parents across Vietnam to support their children in mastering English, fostering holistic development, and building a vibrant, positive community of families.
Davíd Eli Patiño
Davíd Eli Patiño hails from Medellín, Colombia. Their scholarship and community work focuses on immigrant, queer, and transgender experiences of faith and spirituality, postcolonial and decolonial ethics, and nonviolence. They currently serve as an interfaith chaplain at Stanford Health Care. They have also served as a chaplain fellow at Stanford University and as a chaplain resident in 2020 at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Patiño is currently a postulant in the Episcopal Diocese of New York and holds a BA from Stanford University, an MA from Union Theological Seminary, and an M.Div. from Bexley-Seabury Seminary.
Richard Benson
Richard Benson is an attorney and energy consultant, as well as a founding alumnus fellow of CEO Action for Racial Equity, a corporate advocacy coalition that promotes scalable and sustainable public policies and corporate practices advancing social justice and societal well-being. Benson earned his JD from Indiana University. He is deeply involved at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement in the Diocese of Chicago with a strong focus on sustainability, outreach, and building stronger connections between people.
Linda Etim
Linda Etim is a candidate for a Master of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary of New York and an aspirant for ordination within the Episcopal church. She has 20 years of experience in global development, conflict mitigation, and crisis stabilization. She has held senior roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Department of Defense. Most recently, Etim served as the White House National Security Council's senior director for global development, health, and humanitarian response.
Hillary Susan Nyagilo
Hillary Susan Nyagilo is a graduate of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya. Her faith has taught her to cultivate a mindset that emphasizes service to others. She is the founder of Uji for Education, a community-based initiative that provides children from impoverished backgrounds in rural Kenya with uji, or porridge, every day they go to school. Nyagilo is a firm believer in starting where you are, using what you have, and doing whatever you can to help those in need.
Tosin Kayode
Tosin Kayode, a geoscientist and passionate advocate for social impact, serves as the research and program manager at Fairaction International, a charity dedicated to developing resilient water services in rural areas. He's also a sustainability consultant at Essential Need, focusing on water infrastructure accessibility. Kayode is engaged in spiritual leadership at the Hall of Prayer Experience, where he promotes safe water access and improved nutrition. Kayode educates and mentors youth in sustainable innovation. He leads social enterprises committed to environmental sustainability and advocates for affordable water, hygiene, and agriculture services.
Shaunna Payne Gold
Dr. Shaunna Payne Gold is an equity and inclusion strategist, educator, coach, retired higher education administrator, ordained clergy, and podcaster. Gold is a serial entrepreneur, starting with Gold Enterprises LLC, an industry-agnostic equity, inclusion, and social justice consultancy. She is also co-owner of Goldfield Media, with [Un]phased Unedited as the anchor podcast with over 200 episodes. Gold's new publishing company, Vox Aurea (Golden Voice), highlights historically excluded lived experiences through omnimedia. She is mom of two sons (Trai, 14, and Kendrick, 11), a Silver Star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and a member of The Open Church in Baltimore, Maryland. She hails from Altavista, Virginia.
Conner Huey
Conner Huey is the political director for a Washington State senator and a co-founder/vice chair of the democracy renovation nonprofit America Undivided, which works to educate young Americans on how to have difficult political conversations and how to advocate for civic education policy. Huey is a proud native of Bremerton, Washington, a rural Navy town in Washington State. With a BA in government and history from Harvard University, he has centered his work around renovating American democracy, earning awards for his research and being invited to speak at 12 different conferences on various themes of democracy. Huey will start the Trinity Leadership Fellows program in 2026.
JD Bauman
JD Bauman is the founder of Christians for Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping Christians to maximize their career impact on the world’s most pressing problems. In this role, he leads a global team that organizes conferences, provides career mentorship, and fundraises for international development initiatives. Passionate about evidence-based philanthropy, Bauman leads the Christian effective altruism movement, bringing a thoughtful Christian presence in a largely secular arena. He enjoys connecting and encouraging both impact-driven young professionals and experienced faith-based leaders. He is a member of St. Luke’s Cathedral in Orlando, Florida, and a master of divinity candidate at Virginia Theological Seminary. Bauman will start the Trinity Leadership Fellows program in 2026.
Tina Francis
Tina Francis is pursuing her master of divinity at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, as a postulant for Holy Orders from the Diocese of Olympia. Born to South Indian parents and raised in Dubai, she grew up at the crossroads of South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. At 17, she moved to Canada, where she earned a BA in communications and a diploma in television broadcasting. Francis’s storytelling career has spanned photography, writing, television, radio, and public speaking. Her faith deepened at the Living School for Action and Contemplation, where teachers like Richard Rohr taught her to embrace the mystery of God’s presence and live into the questions. She now serves at St. Julian of Norwich Episcopal Church in Austin, where she shares life with her husband and their son. She loves her mother’s masala chai, the great indoors, and poetry. Francis will start the Trinity Leadership Fellows program in 2026.