Rev. Joaquin Willis
Associate Pastor; Founder/President Emeritus
Miami Connection
Rev. Dr. Willis has driven community development in Miami through CEG's efforts in affordable housing prototypes and the 2011 bid to redevelop Liberty Square, Miami's oldest public housing project. His Miami Youth Garden Inc. engages faith communities in leadership development, urban agriculture, and environmental justice to uplift underserved neighborhoods. He has received accolades like 2012 Black History Month Civic Honoree and awards for community empowerment and development.
About
Rev. Dr. R. Joaquin Willis is a triple graduate of Howard University with degrees in Political Science, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry, and he served as a chaplain in the 1991 Gulf War. He pastored several United Church of Christ churches nationwide, including as senior pastor of Church of the Open Door in Miami from 2002 to 2017. In Miami, he founded and led the Miami Youth Garden Inc. (MyG), a nonprofit focused on human and community development through programs like Seed to Harvest leadership training. He established the Collective Empowerment Group (CEG) of South Florida, serving in roles from president to emeritus, and participated in major initiatives like the Miami Waymark 2.0 joint venture for Liberty Square redevelopment. Currently, he is associate pastor at Koinonia Worship Center in Pembroke Park and remains active as an adjunct professor, columnist for the South Florida Times, and board member for organizations like the 79th Street Corridor Development.