Meet the dedicated team behind the Sankofa Faith Children’s Initiative. Rooted in love, faith, and a deep commitment to our children, we bring vision, creativity, and spiritual care to every aspect of the work.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Bishop Andrea E. Vassell
Rev. Dr. Andrea E. Vassell grew up with and carries within her a love for service. This value she learned from her mother who taught her children service founded in care and justice. Her chosen careers as a Registered Nurse, Faith Leader and Justice Advocate are the embodiment of these life premise. She is committed to creating a world of freedom, justice and equity for all regardless of gender. Being Zachary’s mom, Dr. Pei’s wife and spending time with her large family are some of her greatest joys.
Bishop Vassell currently serves as the Bishop of Global Ministries in TFAM-The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. Here, she convenes TFAM Global Presbyters and other Radically Inclusive faith leaders and organizations across the world to advance culture change in their regions through faith at the intersection of gender equity, LGBTQIA+ justice, and healthcare.
She is the Director of the Sankofa Faith Children’s Initiative, a bold and new trans-denominational initiative of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) to train and empower churches to intentionally engage young children in their faith communities in the practice and rituals of congregational worship and prayer. Our passion is to empower and nurture a long-lasting faith in all children by creating innovative and impactful spiritual experiences that facilitate the “catching” of faith through a variety of methods. These methods include deep sensory connection with rituals and practices of the church as well as liberating and embodied spiritual experiences which stem from a diversity of African cultural sensibilities.
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Rev. Sue A. Webley
Rev. Susan “Sue” A. Webley is an award-winning ordained minister and leader dedicated to uplifting and educating others. As an Associate Pastor at Rivers of Living Water Ministries, UCC, and the National Minister of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM), Sue amplifies the voices of young people while advocating for the rights of marginalized individuals. With nearly two decades of experience working with youth and young adults, she inspires the next generation through education, advocacy, and spiritual guidance. In her role as an Assistant Co-Director for the Sankofa Children's Faith Initiative, Sue champions holistic growth and youth empowerment, ensuring that young people are supported in every aspect of their development.
Radical inclusivity and social justice are at the heart of Sue’s ministry. She is committed to creating affirming spaces within religious communities, celebrating individuals in their authenticity. Her passion for inclusion is also reflected in her work as the editor of the anthology At the Table: Words of Faith, Affirmation, and Inspiration for LGBT Believers of Color, which brings messages of hope, love, acceptance, and reconciliation to those who have been marginalized.
Beyond her ministry, Sue is the founder of Kara Solutions, established in 2020 to support faith-based and community organizations in navigating the digital space. Through Kara Solutions, she provides essential digital services, including graphic and web design, social media management, and strategic consulting, helping others maximize their impact in a digital world. A firm believer in the transformative power of words, wisdom, and witness, Sue hosts INSPIRE!, a weekly broadcast inspiring individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives. She also hosts The Confident Navigator podcast, guiding listeners to confidently navigate the digital space.
A Brooklyn native at heart, Sue currently calls Ohio her home, where she continues to inspire through her leadership in faith, advocacy, and media.
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Nubian Flunder, L.Ac.
Nubian Flunder, L.Ac. is a holistic health practitioner, seasoned medicine woman, and multi-faith spiritualist who has dedicated over 25 years to empowering others, disrupting oppressive systems, and healing intergenerational trauma. As a Bay Area native, her life's work is heavily inspired by diversity in nature, spirituality, music, food, and culture. She is an acupuncturist with a Master of Oriental Medicine and the owner of a holistic wellness company where she encourages the need for diverse approaches to health and spirituality.
She is a community member, daughter, partner, and mother to two beautiful young men who have deepened her commitment to building healthy families that contribute to healthy communities.
Join us in reimagining what worship can be when children are centered, celebrated, and empowered.
Come walk with us as we nurture the next generation of faith.