Pastor, founder and community leader in NYC.

Pastor Jahleel Spence is a founder and community leader in NYC, based in Harlem, whose work sits where faith, public service and neighborhood life meet.

He founded The Shift NYC in February 2019, starting with monthly gatherings of five partners. The church now holds Sunday worship, The Night Shift Bible study on Monday evenings and The Shift Fellowship Choir. Beginning October 31, 2026, it also runs a weekly food pantry for Harlem neighbors.

His path began in public service. In the policy program of the Office of the Bronx Borough President, he tracked legislation and drafted reports, briefings and memos for the Borough President's senior staff. He went on to serve as a community liaison at Urban Upbound and as community liaison officer at All Nations Worship Assembly.

In 2025, the New York State Assembly, through Assemblymember Al Taylor, honored The Shift NYC and its founder for ministry and community service in Harlem. In August 2026, Ark City Alliance honored him for his community commitment and activism during its 5th Annual Holy Convocation in Newark, New Jersey. Earlier, in August 2022, Pastor Vincent Bohanan and The Winners' Assembly honored him during Winners' Weekend in Brooklyn. In 2026 he founded SCG Digital, a web studio that builds accessible websites for local governments, libraries and nonprofits. He speaks at churches, rallies and community forums, including events with the National Action Network.