About Heaven

Heaven Berhane is a formidable womanist theologian, preacher, and dynamic wedding officiant. As an influential moderator, host, and mental health advocate, she navigates the intersections of faith, social impact, and strategic leadership with unwavering determination. With over a decade of experience in social work, direct service, campaign building, and clinical work, she is dedicated to creating impactful and memorable experiences for all those I serve.

 

Heaven started her wedding officiating journey in 2019, and it has since become one of her greatest passions. She tailors each ceremony she officiates to reflect the unique love story of the couple, ensuring a personalized and heartfelt experience.

 

In her current role as RISE Director at the Center for Justice Innovation, Heaven is at the forefront of addressing the complex issues of intimate partner violence and gun violence in historically marginalized communities. This position follows her impactful tenure as Associate Pastor for Programming & Community Engagement at FCBC NYC, a leading innovative and community-driven church.

 

In 2021, Heaven led and founded the monumental Hope for Harlem humanitarian relief block party, a testament to her commitment to community service. Collaborating with DC-9 and State Senator Brian Benjamin, the event addressed the needs of the Harlem community. 

 

Heaven's advocacy extends to civic engagement, with successful campaigns to increase voter turnout in 2020 and boost census reporting in Harlem. During the pandemic, she spearheaded community initiatives, including overseeing a six-week vaccination site in partnership with the NYC Mayor's Office that vaccinated over 1500 individuals, particularly seniors in Harlem. Recognized for her impactful contributions, Heaven received the New York State Senate 2020 Commendation Award for her role in the Harlem Community Task Force. This task force engaged in policy issues, addressed police brutality, and collaborated with anti-gun violence organizations to lower community violence rates. She made it to the City & State Manhattan Power 100 list in 2021.

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Heaven has hosted a variety of events and moderated numerous panels with organizations like Color Vision and Hard2Guard, which are always striving to create inclusive and impactful experiences. Whether I am officiating a wedding, moderating a discussion, or consulting on a social impact project, my goal is to foster connection, understanding, and positive change.

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Before entering divinity school, Heaven worked as a licensed clinician in social work, engaging with communities around poverty, child welfare, public housing, mental health, and unemployment. She continues to be a fierce advocate, leading workshops on mental health issues for various organizations and teachers.

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Heaven's journey, beginning as a refugee from Eritrea 31 years ago, has shaped her commitment to advocacy and service. Currently residing in Harlem, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Social Work from The Howard University, and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. Notably, Heaven serves on the Yale Alumni Fund Board of Directors.