Alyssa Aldape is associate pastor for young adult and youth ministries at the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.
- Where did you grow up?
I was born in Harlingen, Texas, and grew up in San Antonio and Pune, Maharashtra, India, spending all but one of my teen years in India.
- What is your favorite verse, book or story in the Bible? Why?
Matthew 15:21-28: The Story of the Canaanite Woman.
It’s a story of a woman – an outsider fighting for what she needs, a story in which we see Jesus’ humanity and ultimately discover that God’s love is accessible to everyone.
- What is your favorite movie? Why?
“Christmas Vacation.”
Clark Griswold sets a high standard for the perfect Christmas, only to see it fall apart in the most hilarious way. And I think we can all relate to that.
- Who are three people you admire?
Macarena Aldape, my mother; Amy Whipple Derrick, friend and mentor; and Dolores Huerta, co-founder of National Farmworkers Association.
- What is one little-known fact about yourself?
I was a smooth jazz DJ for four years while I attended college at Samford University. And when I’m in stressful situations and I have to be the “calm one,” I use my smooth jazz voice.
