Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross

Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross, affectionately called Rev. Dr. L, is a womanist dedicated to helping people make connections across difference.  Her work is focused on the intersection of sexuality, religion, sexual ethics, race, gender, equity and leadership.  She has been featured in blogs, articles, panels and podcasts.  Rev. Dr. L has presented nationally at conferences sharing her expertise to support others who are pursuing healing, wholeness and liberation. 

Rev. Dr. L is the founder/CEO of Will You Be Whole, a co-founder of UGRC/Black Pride RVA, pastor of Restoration Fellowship RVA, and an adjunct professor at VCU.  She holds a Bachelor of social work, Masters of Divinity and Theology and a Doctor of Ministry where her project was titled “Making Room: Womanist Healing Space for Black Womxn’s Sexual Wholeness”. She is committed to equipping people with the tools and resources to become healed, whole and free.  Rev. Dr. L spends her free time with close friends and traveling.

Rev. Chesla T. Nickelson

Chesla T Nickelson is a consultant and teacher, working with institutions, groups, and individuals on mental health, anti-racism, sexuality, and faith formation. Her expertise lies in the nexus of sexuality, spirituality, self-care, and social justice. 

Chesla has earned a Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Spelman College and a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis). Her education, training, and experience frame her bold vision that intersects counseling, sexuality, spirituality, and faith formation.

An ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Chesla’s ministry and community/nonprofit experience are broad, having served in various capacities: congregational transformation, leader development, youth and young adult ministries, denominational/executive work, education, and sustainable development partnerships around the globe. Committed to communication and empowerment of women, she has co-edited and has been on the editorial board for magazines committed to women’s education, inspiration, and empowerment. 

In her community/non-profit work, Chesla has led a variety of programs and initiatives like chaplaincy services for nonprofits, spirituality groups for homeless veterans, workshops and therapy groups for young adults preparing for marriage, and anti-racism training and assessment, just to name a few. Regardless of the task or setting, she is driven singularly by her core passion: helping people develop healthy, liberating relationships with God, self, and others, and fostering authentic selves and liberative community.