Velda is currently serving in ministry as the Director of the Center for Justice Ministries at North Park Theological Seminary. The Center for Justice Ministries offers theological educational to equip seminarians, leaders, and lay people with skills for doing Justice Ministries within their churches, organizations, and communities. Velda completed a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies with an emphasis on Social Justice and Ethics from North Park Theological Seminary.  She is ordained to Specialized Ministry in Social Justice in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Velda began employment with North Park University in 2000 as the Senior Admissions Counselor for the Master of Arts in Community Development Program. Velda was promoted in 2004 to Assistant Director of the Center for Justice Ministries and Assistant Dean of Multicultural Development at North Park University.  Other employment includes 8 years at Chicago Area Project.  Chicago Area Project (CAP) is a nonprofit social service agency responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and development to over 40 community based organizations focused on youth and family services in Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois.  Velda held various positions with CAP as a program developer, the director of development, and as a government affairs and legislative educator of youth development and community empowerment in Springfield, IL.  Other valuable work experience includes: The Chicago Foundation for Women as a major grants development officer.

Velda’s biblical, theological, and spiritual growth is a result of being a member of Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago’s south side for over 20 years; ordained Deacon at Trinity UCC in 1989; participated in the Ministers in Training Program at Trinity; and taught adult bible study classes for over 10 years.

Velda answered her call to ministry in 1998, and began taking courses at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. She later transferred to North Park Theological Seminary and completed her degree in 2006.  She has preached in various churches throughout the country and has taught and lectured in various courses at North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary.