Dr. LaKeesha Walrond

Educator, visionary leader, sought after speaker, and consummate change agent, Dr. LaKeesha Walrond is a force faithfully encouraging those she encounters to embody their infinite possibilities. In June of 2019, she became as the first woman and first African-American woman to serve as president of New York Theological Seminary, committed to preparing faith and thought leaders to engage relevant, restorative, and revolutionary ministry.

A native Texan, Dr. Walrond earned her undergraduate degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga., a Master of Education, Master in School Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy in special education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York, N.Y. Dr. Walrond has a passion for children and education. She worked in the public-school system in North Carolina for eleven years as a teacher, a coordinator for special education programs, an assistant principal, and as a principal.

Dr. Walrond is a dynamic speaker who has addressed a number of national and international

audiences. She has received numerous recognitions including honors by the New York Liberty WNBA Basketball Association, the National Action Network, the MC Donald’s GospelFest, NCNW, NAACP, her alma mater, Spelman College and Union Theological Seminary. She served on the board of trustees at Union Theological Seminary for three years. Mayor Bill DeBlasio named October 26, 2019, “Rev. LaKeesha Walrond Day” in New York City.

Dr. Walrond began her journey in ministry serving as an associate minister at Zion Temple United Church of Christ in North Carolina. She served as the executive pastor and chief of staff of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem, N.Y. for thirteen years.

In an effort to authentically reach the hearts of women, Dr. Walrond launched the Getting to

Greatness Women’s Conference (G2G) in 2013. G2G holds conferences, retreats, workshops, and panel discussions promoting women’s empowerment, leadership development, spiritual, mental and psychological wellness.

She is the author of two books. My Body is Special (2017) is the first of her six-part “Let’s Talk About It” (LTAI) children’s book series. Written to help end sexual violence against children, this book provides parents, children, and child advocates with problem solving tools to prevent unhealthy touching. Her first e-book, Stronger Than Your Worst Pain: A Spiritual Guide to Activating Your Inner Power (2018), empowers women to recognize their passion, power, and potential to overcome life’s most difficult challenges.

Dr. Walrond is happily married to the Reverend Michael A. Walrond, Jr., and they are blessed to be the proud parents of two beautiful children: Michael III, and Jasmyn Dominique.