Iya Antoinette was initiated in the Lukumi tradition 2007 as a Priest of Sango. In 2014, trained as a Eucharist Layperson of Trinity Church Wall Street. Graduated in 2019, from the Faith in NY Transformational School to become a Core Priest Leader in the organization. Currently, the Founder of the FINY Lukumi Community. She is a Cum Laude BA graduated of the College of New Rochelle Rosa Parks Campus. Also, a graduated of the Hunter College Gerontology Certificate Program.

Iya Antoinette is a Harlem Initiative Manager within Department of Youth and Community Development Office of Neighborhood Safety MAP for 5 Harlem NYCHA developments. She has been the Poet Laureate and Mistress Ceremony for NYC Aging. She has an extensive distinguish career experience of over 30 years in both the City and notable Non-profits working in the community, food, and social systems for multigenerational communities.

Iya Antoinette is on the board of many high-profile organizations and received numerous awards for accomplishments as a true leader in the social and food justice systems. Some awards are the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Community Service, Robinhood Foundation Heroic Award, Public Scholar Mentor of the Year, National Business Leader’s Who’s Who Award and recognized Citywide for good and best multigenerational programming practices and contributor to the book Stirrings.

Iya Antoinette most rewarding part of life is being a Mother, Grandmother and Godmother. Her mantra is: Pay it Forward!