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The ENY Story
Evangelize NY is an organization with humble beginnings and was conceived in the humblest place of all, the prayer closet. With a commission of action from the Lord, what began as a divine revelation, became a well thought out impact model. With a commission in one hand and a bible in the other, our founder hit the ground running to ready for ENY's December 2025 launch. What once seemed like a dream, had then become a reality. The vision of ENY's impact on the Greater Rochester Area and New York State as a whole, is not one limited by man, but one anointed by God. Our goal is do Gods work defined by Matthew 25 throughout the state of New York, starting with our beloved hometown, Rochester.
Our Executive Director
Israel Ortiz, MJHR
Before becoming the Founder and ED of Evangelize NY, Israel lived a life steeped with community service, evangelism, activism and apologetics. As a young child he would spend his weekends with his great grandmother volunteering. Whether it was at St. Michaels Church or the Bethany House, they were outside putting our faith and love on display. Israel carried his grandmother's affection for public service, altruism and helping those in need into my adolescence and adult years. He was fortunate enough to grow up in a family where the major pillars of my life were bible believing Christians, and though it took him until his late teens/early 20's to really come into his faith, there was always a fire for more kindled within him.
After graduating from Greece Arcadia High School in 2018 with accolades such as the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, Israel went on to receive a BA in Political Science with a concentration in American Politics - with minors in Criminal Justice, Philosophy and Sociology from SUNY Fredonia in 2022. Following his graduation from Fredonia, Israel went on to receive a Master's with Distinction in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University in 2024. Post graduation, he earned his certification in Grant Writing and began his career as a professional Grant Writer and Coordinator.
What led to the founding of Evangelize NY (ENY)?
"In October of 2025, the Lord spoke to me the path he set before me. He showed me a vision of all that was to come, and it was beyond what my heart believed I was capable of. I saw visions of people being baptized in the lake, people being fed and led to Christ, chains breaking, burdens lifting and more tears of my own than I am willing to admit. As many of us do, I not only ignored Gods timing, but I doubted what he showed me. And so, I delayed my purpose. In November, he revealed it me again, but with more urgency, specific details, a greater commission and call to action. I was given a mission, a vision, and a name. It was then, in that prayer closet, that I knew that it was time to allow my faith to meet my works. And as I went to turn my bible to James 5, I felt led to read Matthew 25:31-40. And upon reading it, I knew that I could no longer delay what the Lord commissioned, Rochester needed ENY. " - Israel Ortiz
The ENY Team
“I chose to be a part of Evangelize NY because I believe that caring for people extends beyond meeting physical and emotional needs. It also includes offering hope, encouragement, and the message of God's love. I am passionate about serving communities, building meaningful relationships and sharing the hope of the gospel through acts of compassion and service. It is an honor to combine my professional experience with my faith to make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of others.”
Samantha Villante, LMSW
"Since a child I have prayed for opportunities like this, and when I saw God working through my brother Izzy, I knew that I wanted to be a part of a ministry that actually wanted to be obedient and follow in the will of God, as he called them to do."
Shawn P. Johnson
“What drew me to ENY was its passion for evangelism, serving the community, and making a lasting impact in the lives of others. Being able to use my creative gifts in support of a mission I genuinely believe in is both meaningful and rewarding.”
Ashantez Sharp
“I joined Evangelize NY because I'm all about bringing people together and helping them realize they aren’t walking through life alone. Serving as the Community Connection Coordinator, I combine my love for relational ministry in directing and media production to building real bridges between the church and the surrounding community. Whether I'm shaping the story for a video, managing the tech behind a live production, or designing spaces for local families to connect, my focus is simple: break down barriers, inspire hope, and foster a deep sense of unity where everyone has a seat at the table.”
Joshua Brisbane
Board of Directors
Israel Ortiz, MJHR
Chair
Cedrick-Michael Simmons, Ph.D.
Vice Chair
Tawanda Ragland, B.A
Treasurer