Elder Valena Bratton

Background

• Senior educator and faith leader with 27 years of experience as Dean of Students
• Former science teacher with extensive hands-on, inquiry-based teaching methodology
• Delta Sigma Theta sorority member (pledged in South Carolina)
• Master's in Divinity from Virginia Union University
• Currently based in New York, with daughter and son-in-law in Tulsa
• Husband in California

Professional Background

• Dean of Students: 27 years of educational leadership experience
• Science Educator: Specialized in hands-on, inquiry-based learning methodology
• Educational Philosophy: Focused on sharpening critical thinking skills rather than "teaching toward a test"
• Innovation in Education: Created comprehensive science programs from scratch, emphasizing practical application

Educational Philosophy and Expertise

• Inquiry-Based Learning: "It was an inquiry-based way of learning. Putting things in front of them so that students could actually have in practice and sharpen their critical thinking skills"
• Scaffolding Approach: Believes in "multiple entry points" allowing people to start where they are and progress
• Anti-Testing Culture: "So it wasn't teaching toward a test. It was teaching toward sharpening your questioning ability and the ability to push the envelope to the next level as opposed to just repurposing information"
• Blueprint Recognition: Understands Dr. Alexander's work as following God's blueprint: "You already have a blueprint of what has already been constructed, so you're just following that"

Spiritual Background and Theology

• Elder rank in church hierarchy
• Master's in Divinity from Virginia Union University
• Deep Biblical Knowledge: Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of scripture and divine design
• Creation Theology: Recognizes God as "master designer" and humanity's role in stewardship
• Multiplication Principle: "The first words that God spoke to him in heaven was to be fruitful and to multiply. And you cannot be qualified as a fruit unless you have seeds"

Connection to Gary Sheng and Network

• Archbishop Jordan Connection: Connected through her church leader whom Gary was FaceTiming
• Divine Timing Recognition: Acknowledged that her presence in Tulsa was providential: "I just happened to be in Tulsa... No, you are the ultimate designer, God, and we recognize you for that"
• Strategic Partnership Potential: Positioned to facilitate connections between faith communities and educational innovation

Key Insights and Observations During Facility Tour

Understanding of Dr. Alexander's Work

• Blueprint Recognition: "It's very interesting, so you already have a blueprint of what has already been constructed, so you're just following that... But putting it into real-time technology that's applicable and usable throughout the planet"
• Divine Connection: Saw Dr. Alexander's work as following God's design rather than human invention
• Ecosystem Understanding: Grasped the integrated nature of his technologies and their global applications

Educational Applications

• Global Accessibility: Immediately understood applications "in places where people do not have access to electricity"
• Practical Implementation: Recognized the hands-on learning potential of Dr. Alexander's facilities
• Community Impact: Understood the partnership vs. parasitic approach to development

Spiritual Discernment and Leadership

Prayer and Blessing Ministry

Comprehensive Blessing Prayer: Delivered detailed intercession covering:

• Divine protection and angelic assignment
• Vision protection and guidance
• Family covering and generational impact
• Recognition of divine orchestration
• Stewardship of gifts and calling

Key Prayer Themes:

"Protect the vision and the visionary, Father... Let his children be reflections and gleams and take this knowledge that has been implanted in them... and let them shoot out into the world and be innovators in their chosen area of expertise"

Theological Insights

• Partnership vs. Parasitism: "You came in as a partner, not a parasite and not a pirate. And because you created partnerships, that's how you build community"
• Kingdom Principles: "Jesus sends his disciples out two by two. You never can do anything in isolation"
• Readiness vs. Preparation: "I want to live in a state of readiness. Not getting ready... I want it to be instinctual. Not even instinctual. Second nature"

Network and Connections

• Archbishop Jordan: Senior pastor of her church, significant faith leader
• Zoe Ministries: Connection to broader faith network
• Educational Networks: 27 years of relationships in educational leadership
• Virginia Union University: Alumni network and connections
• Delta Sigma Theta: Sorority connections and influence

Vision for Integration

• Faith-Based Education: Sees potential for integrating spiritual principles with advanced technology education
• Community Development: Understands the holistic approach needed for transformational community impact
• Generational Impact: Focused on preparing next generation for leadership and innovation

Personal Characteristics

• Discerning: Quickly grasped complex concepts and their implications
• Strategic Thinker: Understood broader applications and connections
• Spiritually Mature: Demonstrated deep theological understanding
• Educationally Experienced: Brought decades of practical educational leadership
• Bridge Builder: Natural connector between faith and academic communities

Key Quotes from June 7, 2025

On Educational Philosophy:

"It was an inquiry-based way of learning. Putting things in front of them so that students could actually have in practice and sharpen their critical thinking skills"

On Multiple Entry Points:

"In education, we call that multiple entry points. So it allows people to come out of where they are... And then take them to the next place"

On Divine Design:

"You already have a blueprint of what has already been constructed, so you're just following that... But putting it into real-time technology that's applicable and usable throughout the planet"

On Partnership vs. Parasitism:

"You came in as a partner, not a parasite and not a pirate. And because you created partnerships, that's how you build community"

On Readiness:

"I want to live in a state of readiness. Not getting ready. I think it's a mindset. And I want to be instant... Second nature. As breathing is"

On Divine Connection:

"I thank you for this divine connection, Father. This is not just us having a meeting. This is not just us coming here and getting a tour. But this is a connection, Father"

On God's Design:

"Father, we thank you for you being the master designer, Father. And we thank you for imparting that gift, God, because we were created in your image"

On Multiplication Principle:

"The first words that God spoke to him in heaven was to be fruitful and to multiply. And you cannot be qualified as a fruit unless you have seeds. And seeds grow out and create more"

Strategic Potential

• Faith Community Access: Direct connection to Archbishop Jordan and broader faith networks
• Educational Innovation: Bridge between traditional educational approaches and transformational technology
• Community Development: Understanding of comprehensive community transformation models
• Spiritual Covering: Provides spiritual insight and protection for major initiatives
• Network Expansion: Access to 27+ years of educational relationships and Delta Sigma Theta networks

Notes

Elder Valena Bratton represents a crucial bridge between the faith community and educational innovation. Her immediate understanding of Dr. Alexander's work as following divine blueprints, combined with her extensive educational experience, positions her as a key strategic partner for implementing faith-based educational transformation.

Her sophisticated theological understanding, practical educational experience, and ability to see the bigger picture make her an ideal collaborator for the Alexander School System vision and Family Life Center initiatives that Bishop Benjamin is developing.

The divine timing of her presence in Tulsa during this crucial strategic meeting was recognized by all participants as providential, suggesting her role in the broader network of relationships being orchestrated for transformational impact.

Transcripts

Transcript ID	Date	Summary
2025-06-07-strategic-convergence-tulsa-facility-tour	2025-06-07	Strategic Convergence: Tulsa Facility Tour & Divine Connections