With a spirit of Christian missions and her eyes on what's ahead, Sanjena keeps walking -- encouraging, guiding, and opening doors for others along the way. And through it all, Sanjena continues to say, "Walk with me."

Good Day,

I greet you today with a heart full of humility, gratitude, and unwavering faith in God who orders my steps. It is with deep reflection, prayer and a sincere love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church that I stand to officially announce my aspiration to be elected to the office of President of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in July 2027.

This is not a decision I take lightly. It is a call rooted in years of service, strengthened by mentorship that members of our church have invested in me from childhood to now, and affirmed through countless testimonies of faith and perseverance. I aspire to serve because I believe in the power of women leading boldly, serving faithfully, building bridges across generations, and across organizations, oceans, countries, and continents.

Our Church stands at a pivotal moment. As missionaries, we are called not only to respond to today’s needs, but we are also called to prepare for future challenges. We must equip our young women, honor our legacy, and extend our reach beyond the walls of tradition, without losing the essence of who’s we are. For we know we are mission driven, people focused, and anchored in the Word and Witness of God.

When entrusted to this sacred responsibility, I pledge to lead with integrity, to listen with compassion, and to serve with a spirit of excellence. Together, we will strengthen our societies, expand our global impact and ensure every woman in our Zion knows her worth, her purpose and her power in Christ.

This aspiration is not about me – it’s about what we can accomplish when we stand united, pray boldly, and move forward with God as our guide.

I invite you to walk with me, to pray with me and partner with me on this journey. Let’s walk together – rooted in our faith, committed to our mission, and prepared to do the work of the Kingdom. Walk with me.

May God continue to bless each of you, the Women’s Missionary Society and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Sincerely,

Sanjena V. Clay 

Aspirant for Connectional WMS President

Chandelle R. Ivy is elated and grateful for the opportunity to serve God and His people. Through the ministry of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she has been called and afforded the ability to give back and use her gifts, skills, and passions to the betterment of the work we are all charged to do. 

An integral member of the Second Episcopal District under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate, Chandelle announced, with the blessing of Bishop Jackson, to the district at the Summer Summit and Planning Meeting her aspirations to seek the office of Connectional 3rd Vice-President of the WMS.

Chandelle R. Ivy currently serves as the Connectional Treasurer of the WMS-AMEC. In this position, she is tasked to maintain the fiscal soundness of the ministry, as well as report the financial posture of the ministry to WMS leadership. In addition, as Treasurer, she was instrumental in obtaining and managing the Health & Human Service Grants awarded to the WMS in the amount of over $200,000.00. Chandelle also reimagined, recalibrated, and relaunched the vision of the WMS Branding Boutique. This initiative serves a dual purpose to the WMS-AMEC – providing additional financial resources to support the work of missions across the 20 Episcopal Districts of African Methodism and making the brand of WMS AMEC more visible wherever we go.

Chandelle has served the WMS in various other roles, including the Treasurer of the Second Episcopal District WMS and Member-at-Large of the Second Episcopal District WMS. As Member-at-Large of the Second Episcopal District WMS, Chandelle played a vital role in the planning of the very 1st Young Women’s Initiative Conference held in Charleston, SC. Furthermore, she worked very closely with the District 3rd Vice-President in revamping the district membership reporting forms, ensuring that we received accurate numbers and up-to-date information. In 2016, Chandelle was awarded the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society Sarah Allen Award, presented at the WMS Breakfast during the 50th Session of the General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Other positions Chandelle holds throughout the church are the Accountant of the Second Episcopal District and a Trustee Board Member of Payne Theological Seminary.

Professionally, Chandelle R. Ivy has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years, currently serving as a Senior Manager at one of the nation’s leading credit unions. She manages a bi-coastal staff to achieve and meet all regulatory deadlines.

Although she has an extensive finance background, Chandelle recognizes and heeds the voice of God. In this next season of her life, God is calling her to use the totality of her gifts and talents to advance missions through Membership and Recruitment initiatives.  Believing her spiritual mantra “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13)”, Chandelle knows and trust the paths God leads her down and new doors He continues to opens for her.

At the close of the 2nd Episcopal District's Planning Meeting and Summer Summit, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson officially endorsed Sister Chandelle Ivy as an excellent qualified aspirant for the office of Connectional WMS 3rd Vice President. Bishop Jackson, "I know 2nd Episcopal District we are going to support our own, Chandelle Ivy". A rousing standing ovation and cheers followed.