Dr. Nelson Okanya is a prominent Kenyan-American theologian, leadership consultant, and religious leader known for his work in global missions and "serving leadership." He currently serves as a Visiting Fellow at Elizabethtown College's Young Center (Fall 2026), where his research focuses on the missional aspects of Anabaptism from a global perspective. He is Chair of the Global Mission Fellowship: He leads this network facilitated by the Mennonite World Conference, which supports Anabaptist-related churches and mission groups worldwide. Okanya is the former President of Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) from 2011 to 2018, becoming the first African-born president of the organization. Dr. Okanya's work is deeply informed by his international upbringing and extensive academic training: a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies (DIS) from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. Born in Migori, Kenya, Okanya often describes himself as a "Kenyan shepherd boy" at heart. His leadership style emphasizes serving leadership, a model he contrasts with self-interested power by using the biblical example of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. He is an advocate for "cross-fertilization" in the church-the idea that Western religious institutions should listen more closely to the rapidly growing Christian voices in the Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America). He is married to Pastor Carmen Horst Okanya, the Lead Pastor of James Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster, PA, and has two sons, Barak and Izak.