About Our Founder
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:400,cg:true)
Rev. Dr. Elise Saulsberry
Rev. Elise Saulsberry, PhD (she/her) is a Memphis-born theologian, activist, policy analyst, life coach, and pastor. She serves as CEO of Gravity Co, LLC; Pastor of Agape City ATL; and Founder of Remnant Community Outreach, a nonprofit mental health organization. Dr. Elise holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology and Theology and a Master of Divinity in Theological Studies with a concentration in Evangelism and Church Planting.
Her ministry integrates Black Liberation and Womanist theology with mental health, advocacy, and interfaith organizing. In 2023, she spoke at the Summit for Religious Freedom, applying Womanist and Black Liberation theological frameworks to reproductive autonomy and religious freedom. She also contributed to public health strategy—as a coalition partner in St. Jude's Community Advocacy Board, TN HIV Modernization Collaboration, End HIV 901 - Memphis/Shelby County’s plan to end the HIV epidemic. She was also a member of Planned Parenthood's Clergy Advocacy Board.
Dr. Elise deeply understands the critical importance of accessible, culturally-affirming mental health care for Black women, girls, and vulnerable people. She is dedicated to creating brave spaces—environments where individuals can show up fully, speak their truths, and engage in healing without fear of judgment, stigma, or erasure. Through her nonprofit and ministry work, she bridges gaps between faith communities, mental health professionals, and those often excluded from traditional care systems.
She is an interfaith advocate who joined hundreds of clergy in a Faith in Public Life sign-on letter supporting reproductive freedom in March 2022, and has engaged audiences through Abortion Access Front in conversations around faith-rooted reproductive justice. Dr. Elise’s voice has been featured by Nevertheless She Preached, notably via her 2022, “Why the Fight for Reproductive Rights Must Be Intersectional.” Her thoughtful leadership has also appeared in SWERV Magazine, where her LGBTQ Liberated Thought profile highlights her holistic theological approach to justice.
She has been a presenter in conferences and a guest of several informative conversations, including, “Maintaining the New Normal with United Ministries in Christ Fellowship: Bishop V. Hutcheson and Apostle D. Phils Montgomery,” where she examines faith leadership navigating post-pandemic ministry; and Embrace for Change, discussing women's mental health w/ Dr. Lashonne Jackson to name a few.