Dr Kenneth D. Howard (Melek Moshe)
Founder
Dr. Howard is the founder of Great Awakening International (GAi), one of the largest Hebraic communities within the Awakening Movement, which provides Afro-Hebraic awareness, spiritual leadership, missiology, and fosters cultural heritage preservation and education.
He is an esteemed educator, mentor, and leader with over two decades of experience in theological education, higher education, and community development. Residing in Shelby Township, Michigan, he is known for his commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that enables all individuals to thrive according to their unique abilities and talents.
Dr. Howard blends higher education with civic leadership. He teaches philosophy, ethics, logic, and world religions at Wayne County Community College District and Oakland Community College, while also serving as a Professor and Doctoral Advisor at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary.
Additionally, he spent nearly two decades providing spiritual and administrative leadership as a Christian Pastor at New Breed Church and driving social betterment initiatives as the founder and president of the New Breed Community Development Corporation.
Extending his impact beyond academia, Dr. Howard is a dedicated leader in the nonprofit and faith-based sectors. Through Great Awakening International and his service on numerous community boards, he actively champions social change, community outreach, and Hebraic cultural heritage education. His contributions have been recognized with various awards, including the “Metro Detroit’s Most Influential Leaders Award.”
Dr. Howard is married to Tawana McDowell, and they have four children. He continues to be a dedicated advocate for Torah-based education, cultural explorations, community service, and faith-driven initiatives.
Moriyah Yashar’el
GAi World Missions Director
Moriyah Yashar’el is a dedicated resident of Broward County, South Florida, where she embraces her roles of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. With over 30 years of leadership and teaching experience, she founded Samaritan Hope Empowerment Service in 2011, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering and uplifting the local community. In 2015, Moriyah established the S.O.U.L Academy (Students of Unlimited Learning, INC) , a private school that successfully operated for ten years, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for the local youth.
Currently, she serves as the Director of Great Awakening International’s World Missions, where her passion lies in supporting marginalized communities and individuals in need. Moriyah’s lifelong commitment to serving those less fortunate as well as her community outreach efforts continues to inspire those around her. She understands marrying passion with action is key.
Valeria Shepherd
Finance Director
Valeria Shepherd resides in Deerfield Beach, Florida. She is a devoted wife and a skilled businesswoman with expertise in business software applications. With a strong background in finance, she has experience in data processing and has worked as a real estate investor, and appraiser. Currently, Valeria is a life insurance agent, travel advisor and has been a school bus operator for over 20 years.
Valeria is no stranger to missions and believes deeply in giving back. She has a passion for helping others and is eager to serve in any capacity that allows her to assist those in need. She understands the mandate from ABBA YAHUAH to reach out to the lost sheep of Yasharel and invite them to return to Him. In humility, she embraces her calling, ready to fulfill the work she is enabled to do.
Ariyah Martin
Spiritual Support Director
AriYah Adaku Martin, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, born and raised in the vibrant Bronx, NY. As a devoted wife and mother, she embraces her family roles with love and dedication. With over 20 years of leadership experience, AriYah is a certified life coach, a licensed realtor, and a Certified Full Spectrum Holistic Doula, reflecting her multifaceted skill set.
Driven by a profound passion for mission work, she has traveled to various countries over the decades, sharing the love and heart of Yahuah through giving, serving, singing, and teaching. Currently, AriYah serves as the Spiritual Support Director of the Great Awakening International World Missions, where her unwavering commitment to service continues to inspire and uplift those around her.
Denora Williams
GAI World Mission Administrator
Denora was born and raised in White Plains, New York, and currently resides in Paulding County, Georgia. With over 20 years of experience in administration and human resources, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her endeavors. Denora co-owned and operated a travel agency with one of her daughters, transforming her childhood curiosity about travel into a lifelong passion.
Denora has a deep love for mission work and a genuine commitment to helping others. She believes in honoring every individual’s worth, purpose, and dignity. Faithfully, she offers her time, skills, and resources with heartfelt service. Above all, Denora believes that even the smallest act of kindness can create space for healing, hope, and joy.
Denora Williams
GAI World Mission Administrator
Denora was born and raised in White Plains, New York, and currently resides in Paulding County, Georgia. With over 20 years of experience in administration and human resources, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her endeavors. Denora co-owned and operated a travel agency, transforming her childhood curiosity about travel into a lifelong passion.
Denora has a deep love for mission work and a genuine commitment to helping others. She believes in honoring every individual’s worth, purpose, and dignity. Faithfully, she offers her time, skills, and resources with heartfelt service. Above all, Denora believes that even the smallest act of kindness can create space for healing, hope, and joy.