IMA REPRESENTATIVES

Our IMA Executive Board

Read the teams bio's here

Read Tamara's Bio Here

Rev. Tam’s roots are the Quechan Indigenous Nation (pronounced Kwuh-tsan), where she proudly represents her Indigenous culture. Tamara’s grandmother, whose English name was Denise Dugan, and who was also an Indigenous boarding school survivor bears great influence on Tamara’s life and ministry today. Denise, a praying woman, and a gifted seer in the land, first introduced Tamara to the medicine wheel when they were sitting together on the corner wall of Pipa Market located on their reservation. From this long-held curiosity around medicine with her grandmother, Tamara would go on to learn the medicine for the soul. The kind of medicine that would come through preaching, teaching, and Indigenous ceremonial healing practices that have the power to transform those who experience it.

Making full proof of her ministry and professional life, Tamara has an earned master’s in business (MBA), is a Yale University MDiv graduate where she was bestowed the Charles S. Mersick award, a prize for effective public address, especially in preaching. She acquired her accredited diploma for congregational ministry from Andover-Newton Theological Seminary and is a current PhD student at NAITTS an Indigenous Learning Community. Then, through the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) ordaining ecclesiastical body, she is endorsed for public ministry. As of June 2025, Tamara will be the first Indigenous woman ordained in the ECC in its 140-year existence making history. Tamara currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Orchard Covenant Church in Indian Orchard MA and is the newly elected President of the Indigenous Ministers Association in the ECC. If you didn’t know, Tamara loves prayer and creating spaces for others to heal; however, that healing may come.

In her other life, she is a business administration guru and communications strategenious, specializing in marketing, branding, graphic design, web, publications, and other forms of media. Tamara doesn’t do it alone, she is wonderfully loved and supported by her husband, the esquire Michael Ravelo. Together, they have one daughter Stephanie.

Pastor Miluska E. (Milly) Silencio is many things. As an educator, a spiritual advisor, a mentor, and a former undocumented immigrant/ DACA Dreamer – among so much else. Milly supports her community with a unique passion and vibrancy. Her current professional experience includes past service as the Executive Pastor with Reconcile Brooklyn church plant, and as the founder of Hoping Greatly, where she uplifts others through her story of resilience as a formerly undocumented immigrant. She holds degrees from CUNY Hunter College and Alliance University, currently pursuing her doctorate in Fuller Theological Seminary as well as being a licensed clergy with the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Ms. Silencio has served church plants since 2005, was active in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) campus ministry, and was co-founder as an IVCF alumni of The Mentor Movement. She worked in higher education administration at Hunter College, served as an enrollment manager, faculty, and youth seminary coordinator for City Seminary of New York (CSNY). As part of CSNY, she was a researcher with Dr. Maria Liu Wong & Dr. Geomon George on “Engaging the Present and Envisioning the Future: Leadership Development in an Urban Youth Seminary.” As a writer, she contributed her story Restaurando Esperanza in “Keeping the Faith: Reflections on Politics & Christianity in the Era of Trump & Beyond.”

Milly serves in the Immigrant Connection NYC team as their Assistant Site Director, and is a Coach for pastors/church planters, leaders and future women pastors. In her free time, she can be found catching up on Netflix shows with her hubby, enjoying her baby boy Benji’s smiles, and having piña colada cheers with friends.

The Reverend Kimberly Wright serves as the Senior Pastor of The Church of the Resurrection, a mission-driven congregation dedicated to the transformative power of God in reaching, saving, and uplifting individuals, families, and communities. Known for her dynamic preaching, sound biblical teaching, and compassionate leadership, Pastor Wright leads with clarity, conviction, and unwavering commitment to biblical principles. Her ministry is marked by excellence, integrity, and a servant’s heart. Her life stands as a powerful testimony to God’s ability to deliver, restore, and redeem those who are broken or lost.

Rev. Wright began her journey with The Church of the Resurrection in 1991, serving first as youth pastor and then as assistant pastor. Under her leadership, the church has grown significantly, both spiritually and numerically. In January 2009, she led the congregation in transitioning to a newly constructed church and community facility. This vibrant hub now hosts a wide array of ministries and programs that impact hundreds of lives weekly. Pastor Wright envisions a church that is open and engaged 24 hours a day, serving God’s people and fostering continuous spiritual growth and outreach.

Beyond her pastoral role, Rev. Wright is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Life and Faith, where she has established and expanded impactful programs that reflect her deep commitment to holistic community development. These include after-school youth development, college preparation and retention initiatives, summer camps, and Saturday reading enrichment programs. What began as a volunteer effort has flourished under her visionary leadership, serving hundreds of children and adults throughout the community.

Pastor Wright also brings a wealth of experience in counseling and supporting diverse and vulnerable populations, including individuals struggling with substance abuse, troubled youth, single mothers, incarcerated individuals, people affected by HIV, and those experiencing grief. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology (graduated with honors), a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at New York Theological Seminary.

Her leadership extends far beyond her local congregation. Rev. Wright has served on the Board of the East Coast Conference and the Pilgrim Pines Camp Board of Directors, contributing her insight and experience to regional and national ministry efforts. She is a proud member of the African American Ministers Association and of the Indigenous Ministers Association.   She is also widely regarded as a mentor and leader to women across the business, ministry, and non-profit sectors nationwide, guiding many in their spiritual, professional, and personal growth. She is the 2025 recipient of the Irving C. Lambert award for outstanding work in urban ministry..

Rev. Wright’s lifelong mission has been to serve the most vulnerable, advocating for social justice and empowering individuals through faith, education, and compassionate action. Her dedication to community betterment is further reflected in her service on several local boards, her mentorship of youth, and her involvement in grassroots initiatives that tackle systemic issues and uplift underserved populations.

Above all, Pastor Wright is a devoted mother of four children, who remain her greatest inspiration and motivation. Through her ministry, leadership, and deep commitment to service, she continues to live out her divine calling, demonstrating daily the transformative power of faith in action.

Minister Annette Mathew is an Indigenous Taíno leader who blends faith, finance, and a heart for people in all she does. She loves God, loves helping others get financially free, and is most at home serving behind the scenes, what she calls her “back-of-the-house” ministry.

With a strong background in business development, portfolio management, and strategic transformation, Annette has helped organizations realign their goals, energize teams, and build data-driven systems that actually work. She’s known for bringing clarity where there’s confusion and joy where things feel stuck.

Annette cultivates inclusive, adaptable spaces where people thrive, both in the boardroom and Bible study circles. And speaking of Bible study… if you’re in a group with her, there’s a good chance the topic will turn to finances. She believes freedom is possible, and she’s always ready to help you find your way there, with spreadsheets, scripture, and a smile.

What We’re Working On

The IMA Executive Team is actively engaged in strengthening and expanding the connection between the Indigenous ministry within the Evangelical Covenant Church and with one another. Our current focus areas include:

• Relationship Building

Strengthening connection and mutual care among Indigenous ministers, ECC leaders, and ministry partners through regular gatherings and ongoing communication.

• Budget Creation

Establishing a sustainable and transparent financial plan to support the long-term vision and needs of the IMA.

• Learning Circles

Creating spaces for spiritual formation, leadership development, and storytelling grounded in Indigenous wisdom and lived experience.

• Resource Library

Curating theological, cultural, and practical resources to equip Indigenous leaders and those who walk alongside them in ministry. Each of these areas is grounded in our commitment to community, cultural integrity, and faithful leadership.

A Prayer from the IMA Executive Team

Creator, thank you for calling us to lead with love, to serve with humility, and to walk in the wisdom faith and build upon the footsteps of those who came before us. Guide us as we build relationships, steward resources, and make room for healing and hope. May our work reflect your wisdom. May our words speak truth. May our ministries be led by your Spirit and sustained by our community. Bless every leader, every nation, every story represented in this circle. And may all who visit this space know they are part of something living, growing, and good. Amen.