Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy
Vandalyn Kennedy is a transformational leader, educator, international speaker, mentor and entrepreneur, whose voice and vision have made lasting impact across sacred and secular spaces. Born in Brooklyn, NY into a family of educators, entrepreneurs, and faith leaders, she began college at age 16 and earned 2 degrees from Sarah Lawrence College (Education), 2 degrees from the Ivy league halls of Columbia University (Music & Music Education), and degrees from Union Theological Seminary (Leadership and Preaching). She also completed the Black Theology and Leadership Institute at Princeton Theological Seminary and the Compelling Preaching Exemplar Program at Christian Theological Seminary, where she was featured in the renowned Legacy Preaching Series. A gifted leadership strategist and change agent, Vandalyn brings transformative leadership into every space she enters, adding value, igniting growth, and helping people and organizations realize their highest potential. Vandalyn is proficient in the Spanish language and has preached across the U.S. and in countries including Israel, Paris, London, Panama, El Salvador, Spain, and the Dominican Republic. She was the first Youth Pastor of her childhood church and has spent decades in nonprofit youth advocacy and ministry leadership. A former educator and administrator in the New York City public schools for over 18 years, she now works as an adjunct professor in NY city and sits on the Chancellor’s Interfaith Advisory Council for the New York City Department of Education. She is also a member of the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops Consortium and was a keynote speaker on the mainstage of the 2019 Hampton Ministers’ Conference.
Vandalyn has served on the national level of the Church of God in Christ for over 25 years, holding roles such as Dean of Education for the International Music Department, International Youth Choir Coordinator, National Praise and Worship Leader, Jurisdictional Minister of Music, and now Chairlady of the International Youth Department, providing strategic oversight for youth, young adults, and leaders across the globe. Her degrees and experience in organizational leadership led her to found Bridging the Gap Inc. (BTG), a human capitals solutions firm providing leadership development across both sacred and secular sectors. Under BTG, she launched The Academy, a virtual leadership and education platform, and recently hosted her first Global Leadership Summit in Paris, France. She also leads a five -month Emerging Leaders Cohort equipping rising NYcity leaders in ministry, business, and civic spaces. Vandalyn is the author of the newly released books First Things Firstand 21 Things I Wish Someone Told Me About Youth Ministry and has been published in multiple academic journals and books. She has been recognized as one of COGIC’s “150 Most Influential Women” and was featured in the acclaimed New York Times as a “Woman in the Pulpit to watch. Her desire is to live a life that glorifies God and fulfills her unique purpose. With God’s help, her voice continues to resonate across generations, sectors, and nations, building people, bridging gaps, and birthing lasting change.