FOUNDER | Ministry Director

Makenzi is a speaker and Bible teacher originally from Seattle, WA. She founded Abide in 2020, launching a weekly devotional intended to encourage women to deepen their relationship with Jesus. She has organized and led Bible studies and retreats, both in church and para-church contexts. An advocate for joyful discipleship and bible literacy, her aspiration is to cultivate resources and community for women to become committed followers of Christ, grounded in the Word of God. Presently, Makenzi works at the Resound Project focusing on women’s ministry and is pursuing her MDiv at Reformed Theological Seminary in New York.

COMMUNITY LEADER

Glyn lives in Santa Barbara and her work revolves around the principles of regenerative agriculture, which she believes can make a significant positive impact on the environment. She is deeply passionate about God's creation and finds joy in helping others see the intricacies of Jesus through the beauty and complexity of nature and everyday life. Her ultimate desire is to guide and disciple others to recognize the fullness of God in the world around us.

COMMUNITY LEADER

Ashley Lewis, a former NYC Hip Hop dancer, seamlessly combines her roles as a mental health advocate and ambassador of God's grace in Georgia, where she lives with her husband Tom. With a deep dedication to making others feel acknowledged, understood, and cherished, Ashley empowers women to fully embrace their identity in Christ. Through this journey, they discover comfort and meaning as they experience the unwavering love and acceptance of Jesus.

COMMUNITY LEADER

Jamilah is a New York City native and is a works in early childhood education. She has a deep desire to learn and discover more about who the Lord is and would like to encourage other women to find who they are in Christ. Life is a challenge and as she grows in the Lord she seeks to help women to also go through the difficulties of life with Jesus.

Madison is a multifaceted writer who creates content & provides creative direction for small businesses and individuals. She forms and nourishes relationships with other creatives through artistic drive and connection. Madison was born, raised and currently lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Graham King.

Bailey moved to New York three years ago from Florida and loves calling Brooklyn home. Working for a boutique hospitality public relations agency, Bailey loves creative strategy and helping brands tell stories - similar to how she feels her role in the kingdom is to be hospitable to people and help give words to their stories.

Sarah currently works in IT Compliance for a professional services firm in Austin, TX. Amid the demands of her career, Sarah finds joy in writing and journaling, which have constantly served as an avenue for her to experience the presence of God in her life. Sarah has a deep desire to study Scripture, uncover more about God's character, and encourage others through her writing.

Gemma is a former pastor of Oaks Church, Brooklyn and recently transitioned with her family back to Northern Ireland after 12 years of living in the US. She is married to John and is mom to four kids - Ember, Livi, Finn and Kit. She recently graduated from a masters program in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership and now works as an adjunct professor teaching the Bible in Christian Spiritual Formation online with Friends University, as well as offering Spiritual Direction. She loves baking bread, coffee dates with her husband, camping in their Volkswagen Vanagon and curling up with a great book. She also loves Makenzi and is delighted to champion her on her journey with Abide!

Hannah currently works as a Project Coordinator at a Global Executive Search Firm in New York City. She manages the process of improving the way the world is led by helping organizations appoint the top, qualified and diverse executives for C-suite positions. Hannah has also dedicated her life to serving at her local church, Fount NYC. Hannah serves by helping new members/Christians apply their gifts in their journey with Christ, Jesus. Connecting the dots for people is her happy place. Her ministry can be found at the intersection of justice, the New York Marketplace and the local church.

After serving for 40 years in a myriad of roles in young life—both in the PNW and in France—Jody joined the staff of Our True Legacy in 2021 to develop the women’s side of the mission. Jody’s gifts and passion have always been to encourage, build up, train and disciple women leaders, and simply walk alongside them. She has been married to her husband Bill for over 38 years, and loves partnering with him in ministry as they’ve always done. They live in Tacoma, WA and have 3 adult married children, 4 grandchildren and 2 grand dogs.

Diana currently works as the Global Field Operations Coordinator at City to City, a non-profit organization helping leaders cultivate gospel movements in global cities primarily through church planting. A lifelong New Yorker, Diana is a wife of nearly 29 years, mother of three, and the founder of Anchored Woman, LLC (an event-based Bible study community where women are equipped to engage God’s Word through creative Bible Journaling). She loves to travel, is an avid reader and lover of classic movies.