Bishop Vashti McKenzie Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, born on May 28, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a distinguished leader in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and a prominent figure in various social and religious communities. She is the daughter of Ida Murphy Smith Peters and Samuel Edward Smith. Bishop McKenzie pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, and later earned a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity. In 2000, Bishop McKenzie made history as the first woman elected and consecrated as a bishop in the AME Church's over two-century existence. Throughout her tenure, she served as the presiding bishop in several regions, including Southern Africa—covering Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Lesotho—and in the U.S. states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas. Beyond her episcopal duties, Bishop McKenzie has been deeply involved in educational and social initiatives. She served as the chair of the Board of Trustees at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, where she played a pivotal role in campus development and growth. Her commitment to social justice is evident through her appointment by President Barack Obama in 2009 to the inaugural White House Commission on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In April 2022, Bishop McKenzie was appointed as the Interim President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), becoming the first African American woman to hold both positions. Her leadership focuses on enhancing ecumenical relationships and addressing contemporary societal challenges. An accomplished author, Bishop McKenzie has penned six books, including "Not Without a Struggle," "Journey to the Well," and her latest, "The Big Deal of Taking Small Steps to Move Closer to God." She also founded Selah Leadership Encounters for Women, a program dedicated to empowering women in their personal and professional lives. Her contributions have earned her recognition, such as being named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women Religious Leaders by the Huffington Post in 2014. Bishop McKenzie is married to the late Dr. Stan McKenzie, a former NBA player, and is the mother of three adult children and grandmother to two. Her life and work continue to inspire and influence communities both nationally and internationally.