About YLA
Our staff & volunteers
Meet the dedicated leaders and volunteers working behind the scenes to bring the Young Leaders Arising Conference to life. From vision and administration to planning and logistics, our team is committed to creating a meaningful, organized, and Christ-centered experience for every attendee.
Elder Kelly Adams, Esq.
Conference Host & Visionary
Dr. LaFaye Bland
Executive Leadership Team
Cynthia Mindo
Executive Leadership Team
Kesha Cannon
Conference Administrator
Dr. Devonnae Grasty
Assistant Conference Administrator
Isaiah Rogers
Director of Conference Planning & Logistics
Our History
Young Leaders Arising (YLA) began in March 2026 under the umbrella of the Christ Centered Leadership Network (CCLN) with a vision to develop leaders who are spiritually grounded, equipped, and prepared to serve with excellence.
Established as a three-day leadership and ministry development conference, YLA creates space for both emerging and current leaders to strengthen their spiritual disciplines, develop practical leadership skills, and gain tools for effective ministry.
From its beginning, YLA has centered its experience around identity, character, structure, and activation—challenging leaders not only to discover who they are called to be, but to develop the discipline and capacity necessary to walk faithfully in that calling.
As YLA continues to grow, its purpose remains clear: to develop Christ-centered leaders who are prepared to serve faithfully, lead effectively, and make an impact in ministry and beyond.
Our Foundation
Young Leaders Arising is rooted in biblical truth and Christian faith. Our approach to leadership, ministry, and personal development is shaped by Scripture and centered on Jesus Christ.
We believe:
- In God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
- That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Savior, and Lord.
- That the Bible is the inspired Word of God and serves as our foundation for faith, leadership, and daily living.
- That Christ-centered leadership is demonstrated through a life of obedience, integrity, service, spiritual discipline, and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
