Reverend Carla Christophe Powell is a native and current resident of the Scotlandville community; who has been raised in a God-fearing family. Her ministry began as she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School over twenty years ago at the True Vine Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Frank Green, Jr. Since then, Reverend Powell’s ministry has led her to serving in positions and churches such as, Associate Minister and Sunday School Superintendent at New Zion Baptist Church of Baywood, Louisiana - pastored by her grandfather, the late Reverend Albert Neal under whom she was licensed for ministry in May of 2011; Associate Minister at New Canaan Baptist Church - pastored by Dr. Angela Lee Domingue; former Associate Minister and Director of Education at True Vine Baptist - pastored by Reverend Antroy D. Gavin; Ministerial Staff Member at Greater King David Baptist Church - pastored by Dr. John E. Montgomery, II under whom she was ordained for ministry in 2017; she is currently a Ministerial Staff Member and Vacation Bible School Teacher at Mount Zion Baptist Church of Scotlandville. In addition, Reverend Powell has led and/or participated in new member orientation classes, prison ministries, and many other outreach initiatives throughout her journey.
Aside from her traditional ministry experiences, Reverend Powell is a 17th year Social Studies Teacher. She is one of the former directors of Jewel J. Newman Community Center and former coordinator of EBR School’s Youth and Law Enforcement (YALE). She also serves as the Louisiana Council for the Social Studies (LCSS) President-Elect and a member of the Board of Directors of the National Council for Social Studies. Additionally, Carla serves as members of the East Baton Rouge Branch of the National Association of University Women (NAUW), the Nu Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE).
Reverend Powell was raised up and educated in the North Baton Rouge community and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies Education, a Master of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision, and several graduate hours in Public Administration all from Southern University. She is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Southeastern University.
Reverend Powell is the mother of one son, Darryl Powell, Jr.; and, has many extended family members throughout the Baton Rouge area.
Within her passion to serve God and her community, Reverend Powell desires to impact positive change by developing productive citizens continually. Therefore, she often encourages others by reminding them to trust God and persevere in reaching their fullest potential.
Reverend Powell’s life-guiding scripture is Matthew 6:33 - “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”