Center for Continuous Learning

As a Non-Denominational Pentecostal, Rev. Nyya Toussaint has supported the ministry of Non-Denominational, Holiness, United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran, and Assemblies of God churches. His global outlook has drawn him to serve communities in Latin America & the Caribbean, the Middle East, and throughout the United States. He participates in several interreligious initiatives including Union Seminary's Theologizing the Caribbean's Decolonization initiative and the scholarly association for Vodou studies (KOSANBA). Nyya earned his Master of Arts in Religion from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York under the academic mentorship of Rev. Samuel Cruz, Ph.D. (Trinity Lutheran Church - Sunset Brooklyn). He also holds a M.A. in International Affairs from The New School and a B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Religious Studies from Florida International University. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in History from Florida International University and his research pertains to the social movement of Pentecostals and Vodou practitioners from 1950-1999 in low-country North Carolina and Haiti. Nyya is a founding member and the Creative Director of Lanbi ak Manchèt which operates as an online platform for artists, political leaders, and faith practitioners to catalyze culture bearing at the intersection of spirituality and global affairs. Hundreds of people have gathered for Nyya’s public programs on Black culture and spirituality and his recorded events garner thousands of playbacks. Nyya is the lead creator of Duolingo’s Haitian Creole course for English speakers. He is a board member of KOSANBA, Year 5 Fellow of the Intercultural Leadership Institute, and member of the Haitian Studies Association and the Political Theology Network. More information about Nyya can be found at lanbiakmanchet.com

The Rev. Dr. Older Azard is the Senior Pastor of Bethel Haitian Baptist Church in New Jersey and has 27 years of experience in the Education field. As a Haitian minister, he faces the needs of his fellow immigrant brothers and sisters daily. God has called him to serve those on the margins, and his church provides ESL classes to help newcomers learn English and the American system, among other services.

Minister Sarah Smith is a Haitian American native of Connecticut. She is a licensed clinical social worker, a graduate of Yale Divinity School, and on the ordination track in the American Baptist church. Sarah's ministry interests reflect her passion for mental health, migrant communities, and social justice. She now resides in Florida with her husband, Wilkens Smith.