B.R.I.D.G.E. Nations is governed by a board of directors committed to spiritual covering, strategic oversight, and Kingdom integrity.
Our board provides prayerful counsel, legal accountability, and mission-aligned governance to ensure that every effort—from training to trips—is rooted in biblical purpose and built to multiply.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Ashlei Evans, Founder & Executive Director, B.R.I.D.G.E. Nations
Dr. Ashlei Evans is the visionary founder and Executive Director of B.R.I.D.G.E. Nations, the global missions and leadership training arm of The Ash Exchange International. With over a decade of experience in education, leadership development, and cross-cultural ministry, she is committed to mobilizing servant leaders and discipling nations through biblically grounded, culturally intelligent training. Dr. Evans holds a Doctorate of Education in Literacy from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, a Master of Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Houston. She has served in leadership and instructional roles in both U.S. and international school systems, including time in the United Arab Emirates where she also led women’s discipleship groups. Her journey in global missions began in 2017 and has expanded to include teaching, curriculum development, and ministry training across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Prior to launching B.R.I.D.G.E. Nations, she served as a missionary course publisher and facilitator with BEE World, equipping pastors and church leaders in regions with limited access to theological education. As Executive Director, Dr. Evans oversees strategic partnerships, curriculum design, and international mission development, leading with integrity, innovation, and a deep heart for Kingdom collaboration.
Natalie Blake, Chair
Natalie is a devoted wife, mother, minister, business owner, and Chief Learning Officer. She is a seasoned Learning & Development executive with over two decades of progressive leadership experience working alongside award-winning institutions. As President and Chief Learning Officer of Imbibe Learning, she leads a full-service consultancy that delivers world-class learning solutions to healthcare, legal, nonprofit, finance, small businesses and ministries. Her multifaceted expertise spans Compliance, Ethics, Risk Management, Human Resources, and Organizational Learning & Development, with proven success in enterprise-wide implementations and change management programs. A University of South Florida graduate, Natalie holds certifications as an Implementation Manager, Project Manager, and Master Trainer. Beyond her corporate achievements, Natalie demonstrates exceptional commitment to global service and ministry leadership. She serves on the boards of Cheery Children Education Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, and Still a Mum, a Kenya-based charity supporting families affected by stillbirth, miscarriage and infant loss. As an ordained leader, she is currently leading The Liberty Church Houston church plant in Houston, Texas, and is the founder of Journey to Holiness, where she disciples and mentors’ teens and young adults. Having traveled extensively across six continents, she hosts annual mission, social impact, and tourism trips to African countries. As a dedicated wife and mother, Natalie combines strategic business acumen with genuine passion for human development, creating lasting impact through innovative learning solutions and global service.
Tonja Watkins, Treasurer
Tonjalechi Watkins is a devoted daughter of the Most High God, a loving wife, and mother of three beautiful daughters. Living a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit, she is the visionary founder of Sweet Agape Cookies and Eza Juice Company LLC's, two purpose-driven businesses built on God’s Word. Every product and encounter reflects his love and a commitment to Kingdom excellence. In 2011, Tonjalechi launched Rainfall of Hope, a nonprofit born from a God-given vision to empower young girls from diverse backgrounds. Focused on mentoring girls ages 4 to 7, the program instills the unshakable truth that with God, all things are possible. It’s more than mentorship, it's a transformative movement raising a generation grounded in faith and purpose. Tonjalechi holds a B.A. in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master’s in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Leadership from the University of Phoenix. With a foundation in IT and a leadership style marked by integrity and vision, she bridges strategy and faith across every platform she touches. Her life is a testimony of obedience and resilience. In every space business, nonprofit, or ministry Tonjalechi leads with confidence, humility and a clear mission: to glorify God and ignite transformation through love, truth, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Dinah Akridge, Secretary
Dr. Dinah E. Akridge resides in West Virginia, where she shares a life of faith, purpose, and partnership with her beloved husband, Ernest. Together, they serve as devoted leaders of their local church’s Marriage and Family Ministry, and coordinating the First Fruit Friday prayer services. Their hearts for service were also evident during their two years of nursing home ministry, where they offered encouragement, prayer, and companionship to the elderly. As a woman of deep conviction and grace, Dr. Akridge is a multi-faceted leader whose life’s work and mission revolve around faith, education, creativity, and service. She is the founder of Distinguished Women Ministries, a faith-based platform dedicated to equipping and inspiring women to walk in excellence, purpose, and poise. Through this ministry, she publishes a monthly newsletter titled "Poise and Praise." She also hosts a weekly podcast that blends devotional reflections with practical encouragement for living as a woman of godly distinction. Dr. Akridge is also an accomplished author and songwriter who endeavors to bring messages of hope, healing, and worship to life through written and spoken words. Her published works include the heartwarming yet prophetic children’s book Down and Out in Halfville and a praise devotional journal titled And My Heart Will Praise Him. Each of her projects serves as a testament to her creativity, love for people, and, most importantly, her passion for the things of God. As a songwriter, she has penned powerful compositions such as Sun and Shield, More than the Morning, and My Beloved (Our Wedding Song), infusing them with poetic beauty, grace, and worship. Academically accomplished and committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Akridge holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies. Her passion for teaching and empowering others is evident in her work as an educational consultant and etiquette consultant, where she blends professional excellence with grace and discernment. She has recently expanded her ministerial reach, earning her exhorter's license through the Church of God, marking yet another chapter in her ongoing journey of spiritual leadership and service. At the heart of all her endeavors is a discreet strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her faith in God, love for her family, and a heart for the community. Whether leading in ministry, mentoring women, writing, or composing, Dr. Akridge is committed to walking in purpose and helping others do the same, guided by poise, praise, and the love of Christ.
