Shantel Brooks
Spartners
Service, Strength, & Surrendering to God
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Shantel Brooks first heard the Gospel as a little girl. Those early seeds of faith planted in her heart eventually blossomed into a deep and abiding relationship with Christ.
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For many years, Shantel avoided her calling. But when she finally surrendered, she and her family moved to a new state and experienced an encounter with Christ that changed their lives. They started a marriage ministry and “ever since, my relationship with God has grown so strong and my faith is one of my strongest assets,” she said.
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When Shantel decided to fully surrender to Christ, her and her husband faced significant challenges. “My husband and I lost most of our income from our business. It was as if our faith was being tested, when in reality we were being pruned and prepared for the assignment God had for us. Instead of turning away, we doubled down and drew in even closer to Christ.” This period of isolation & preparation strengthened their reliance on God and deepened their trust in His provision.
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Currently, God is teaching Shantel that He is everything: “He is in all things.” He is her provider, healer, protector, and friend. In every situation, He remains steadfast and true, and guides her forward.
Dr. Karis Childs
The Transformation Builder, LLC
Finding God-given Joy and Renewed Purpose
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Dr. Karis Childs has known the Gospel all her life. Through her work in finance, she has been blessed to transform the lives of families financially, and in the healthcare field she has trailblazed in the patient-centered medical home model. These experiences have taught her, “the importance of patience, resilience, and the skill of listening.” Each moment has been nothing short of amazing and humbling, which led her to always seek God first and allow the Holy Spirit to guide her. “God has allowed the experiences and helped me to meet amazing individuals. It has taught me the importance of surrendering to His will and not mine in everything I do in life and business.”
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Dr. Childs has faced challenges in her career that tested her faith and trust in God, including people trying to dim the light given to her by the Holy Spirit. “The joy that God has given me and you, no one can take away. We have to understand when living a purpose-driven life, not everyone will understand you...but our job is to please God, not others.”
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In this season of her life, God is teaching Dr. Childs that, “once I surrender to Him, I do not need anyone else. He is my Father, He will always provide in every situation.”
Essita Duncan
Heritage Hills Law, LLC
Servant Leadership & A Spirit of Excellence in the Legal Field
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Serving first and giving more than is expected. For Essita Duncan, this is the fundamental meaning of leadership. “I notice people follow when they know that you care and that you are interested in adding value to their lives and not just instructing and telling them what to do and how to do it.” Demonstrating leadership through action, Essita provides others with opportunities to lead and grow. “I enjoy motivating people through serving and giving of my time, talent and resources,” she said.
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Essita experienced a pivotal shift in her career when she realized the misalignment between her aspirations and God's plan for her. Initially drawn to a legal career with ambitions of becoming a great criminal defense attorney and eventually a judge, Essita found herself at a crossroads while working as an Assistant Public Defender in Baltimore City. After trials, errors, and soul-searching, she discovered that surrendering her will to God's will brought clarity and fulfillment. “God has a plan for us that includes our careers. He truly does care about every detail of our lives.” Her advice to fellow Christian women navigating similar crossroads is to seek God's direction and trust His plan, even if it means pausing and allowing Him to reveal His purpose in due time. “Give yourself grace to just hit stop. Don’t keep moving aimlessly…going around in circles. That was me. I tried a lot of other areas of the law and things outside of the law until one day I gave it over to God. And presto; okay not exactly overnight, but as I began to trust God more in the area of my career, little by little, God began revealing His plans for me.”
Essita emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network of successful individuals, especially in the legal field. Despite challenges, witnessing God's work in the lives of others has provided her with daily encouragement and fueled her perseverance. “Yes, challenges will come, even when pursuing your God-given purpose, but I have been encouraged daily by seeing firsthand God working in the lives of others close to me. It has truly kept me fueled during this leg of my journey.”
One project that brings Essita immense joy is her role as co-facilitator of the Kingdom Business Ministry at Evangel Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, alongside her husband, Colin Duncan. “I am excited about this opportunity to serve 80+ business leaders as we inspire, educate, and empower leaders to build lasting success in their business endeavors while aligning with a Kingdom purpose and mindset,” said Essita. Through interactive programs such as the 12-month study of the "12 Traits of Greats" by Dr. Dave Martin, Essita and her team equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with the tools and inspiration needed to keep Christ at the center of their endeavors.
Min Guo
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Perserverance & Prayer To Overcome Challenging Circumstances
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Min Guo once believed extensive preparation through reading books and mastering skills was required before stepping into leadership. However, multiple challenges in life taught her that different situations can push us to into a leadership role, especially during a crises. Now, Min views leadership as a daily practice of presenting her best self and being kind, intentional, positive, and compassionate in all of her interactions. "God must first be the leader in our own lives, then we can be a positive influence in other people’s life,” Min says.
Feeling stagnant in her previous role for two years, Min struggled with anxiety over how to change her circumstances. When a colleague mentioned a new opportunity, it seemed like a long shot but Min took a courageous step. Although she was initially denied, Min refused to give up without giving her best effort. She turned to prayer, sought advice, and tirelessly advocated for herself. She eventually secured the position that significantly altered her life's direction. "We will never know how important a small decision in our life could have a significant consequence later, so never let go of any opportunity that would possibly change the situation and try the best you can. God will pave the way for us if it is meant to be," she reflects.
Min offers key advice to women who are married, or may have experienced divorce, for how to build a sustainable community. “Build your own support network that is separate from the one that relates to your significant other is critical so you can still count on the support from the people on your side, in your career and life, even if your relationship ends,” she advises. This ensures reliable support in both personal and professional spheres regardless of relationship status.
Outside of her professional goals, Min has embraced new hobbies, including learning the violin and K-pop dances. “As a lifelong late bloomer, doing things on my pace and finding meaning from it makes every day a new adventure!”
Ivana Harrington
Horne, LLP
A Story of Faith Through Trials
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Ivana Harrington grew up in a Catholic home where devotion to faith began as soon as she could put her hands together to pray.
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Over the years, God has used Ivana's work to deepen her relationship with Him. “God has answered my prayers to be in service to communities at large by bringing my talent in a way that makes a difference for any who are suffering, looking for a second chance or looking for an opportunity to grow in their communities through employment, entrepreneurship, or training.” Her work has taken her to communities impacted by hurricanes, where she has been involved in reconstruction efforts through guidance on federal funds. “Every year I see the interactions pay off with positive outcomes for everyone around me and it brings joy and gratefulness to him for the work completed.”
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Ivana has faced many challenges in her career related to the nature of her work. “Navigating competitive and challenging environments require deep empathy for one another. It requires acknowledgement that sometimes your calling is not neccesarily how you see it, rather what makes sense for the greater good.” Meditation, selflessness, and thoughtful conversations with leadership have provided her with insights to navigate uncertain situations. Ivana advises other Christian women to trust the process, “accepting both when doors close and others open allows you to take awareness into action.”
Currently, God is teaching Ivana that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. “He provides a roadmap of faith and its up to us to breathe his grace and accept his bounty when presented, share it with as many as possible and live in the gratitude of what we have.” Two years ago, Ivana's family was severely affected by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and they lost everything they owned. Through this difficult experience, she learned that “God gave me an amazing family, fantastic work colleagues and the strength and resilience to step up and stand by my husband to support our family, drive a new path for our future and hold our hands up to God in humble submission to his will.”
Now, two years later, they have rebuilt their lives from the ground up; Ivana's love for her husband has grown stronger, and she knows that God has a plan for their family. The fire in her heart for Christ burns brightly, “He has lighted a great fire in my heart since I was formed in my mother's womb that will burn ever so brightly because I accept his calling, I accept any challenges that come our way and kneel in gratitude for his love.”
Ryann Hill
Federation of American Hospitals
Faith & Transformative Leadership in Healthcare Advocacy
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In her role as VP of Government Relations at the Federation of American Hospitals, leadership has taken on a new meaning for Ryann Hill. “Leadership looks like taking ownership of projects, assignments, and other activities from beginning to end. It also looks like making sure I am an active and productive member of the team and that I am always doing my best to shine a light onto others.”
Ryann has faced numerous challenges in her career, however as a Christian woman, she leans on God's guidance to navigate these stressors. “I have to remember that God uses people to push and grow you...I have a sticky note on my work monitor that reads: 'God honors the grace we give others' as a constant reminder of who my source is and what God is capable of,” she says.
Through her experiences, Ryann has learned profound lessons. “The biggest lesson I've learned is that you cannot work your way into being respected or treated fairly. Mistreatment is rarely a reflection of your work or who you are as a person. Rather, it is a sign of negative self-talk of the person mistreating you.” Her advice is to practice a transformative act that aligns with the teachings of Jesus: “Pray for them just like you would a loved one.”
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Ryann finds joy in her role as a board member for Women in Government Relations. Leading a group focused on healthcare and health policy, she spearheads initiatives aimed at providing professional and personal development opportunities for women in the industry. Through this work, she empowers others to thrive and succeed in their careers. Through her experiences, she encourages others to lean on God's guidance, respond with grace in the face of adversity, and seek opportunities to empower and uplift those around them.
Rosita Johns
Strategic Solutions Consulting
Anchored in Christ & Guided by Grace
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Rosita Johns's journey with God began with her earliest memories. In her work in Strategic Solutions Consulting as the CEO of Rosita Consulting and founder of WebDesigns by Rosita, God has continually used her talents and skills to strengthen her relationship with Him. “He has given me discernment, insight, and strength while guiding, correcting, and aligning me with His will,” she said.
Rosita has faced and overcome challenges in her career that tested her relationship with God. “I was putting trust and confidence in people when we are called to follow Him not people.” Building teams and finding equally confident individuals to support her proved challenging. Yet, in her walk with God, she discovered that He provided just what she needed. “Now, in my walk with God, he has surrounded me with strong women of faith who are capable of filling that need. I am, and we, are not alone in our journey.”
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To Rosita, God is everything—a Father, Best Friend, and Ace. He is her everything. “He is my compass when I feel lost, my protector, my secret place where I can be vulnerable and soft. He has been faithful and loved me from day one of my existence. He loved me first. He is my Hope,” she said.
Knowing that He loved her from the very beginning of her existence brings her immense comfort and reassurance. God's unwavering love and faithfulness anchors her soul and provides a solid foundation on which she builds her life and work.
Bella Kauffman
Joy El Ministries
True Servant Leadership for Women Leaders of All Ages
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Bella Kauffman is a leader whose wisdom surpasses her years. Discovering her gift for writing as a teenager, she became the leader of a magazine for young ladies, managing a team of 12 editors, writers, and graphic designers. Later, she published books for teen girls focused on living for God in their youth. “I wanted to use the leadership and influence I had been blessed with to encourage and point others back to Jesus,” Bella says.
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At 19, she co-launched a writing coaching business, guiding aspiring young writers on their path to publication. The trajectory of her leadership continued upward, and by the age of 21, she became a youth pastor, overseeing both youth leaders and teenagers in her community.
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Bella currently serves as the CIA Training and Development Coordinator for Joy El Ministries, a released time Bible program that allows middle school students in public schools to hear the gospel, some for the first time. In this role, she writes the curriculum, trains over 100 volunteers, expands outreach to new schools, and raises funds to support her ministry.
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Despite her success, the path to leadership hasn't been without challenges. Her young age emerged as a significant hurdle in her early years. “I would encourage [others] with this verse: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12),” says Bella. Through moments of self-doubt, she has learned to rely on God's strength working through her weaknesses. “So many times throughout my journey of leadership I have felt unqualified for the task. And every time, in my weaknesses, God’s strength works through me. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10),” Bella shares.
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Reflecting on her experience in ministry leadership, Bella encourages other women to remember why and who they are serving. “Serving in leadership, especially ministry leadership, is not easy. To follow the calling of God, you will almost surely face challenges, uncertainty, and opposition,” says Bella. “Hold fast to His promises and His calling. Follow Him. To follow His example of leadership is to serve (John 13:1-17). So serve well for His glory.”
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Amidst her various roles and responsibilities, Bella is working on a project that brings immense joy – writing a new book. After a four-year hiatus from writing, she senses a calling to share the story God has laid on her heart. “I believe it’s time to break my silence and write the story God has given me to share,” says Bella.
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Through her unwavering dedication, Bella continues to inspire others to follow their calling and serve with purpose, proving that age is no barrier to impactful leadership.
Rosita Lawrence
EARTHBYRORO
The Beauty of Relying on God with Faith & Fortitude
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For Rosita Lawrence, the Gospel has been intertwined with her life since birth; she cannot recall a time when she didn't know about Jesus.
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In her role as the founder of EarthByRoro, God has continually used Rosita in various ways to strengthen her relationship with Him. She has observed that whenever she loses sight of God, He removes all idols from her path—be it money, possessions, or people—forcing her into a space of dependence on Him. “He puts me in a space of surrender where I have to look to Him. I have to have my eyes on him while moving forward, trusting the path ahead is already ordered.” Even in her business endeavors, she has learned that opportunities that do not align with God's plan were never hers to begin with. Despite the challenges, Rosita remains steadfast. “Being a believer in a business with so many unbelievers have been extremely hard but I am always reminded that I am here to be salt & light among them.”
Rosita has faced challenges in her career, particularly the limited resources available for her business growth. She highlights the gatekeeping mentality prevalent in society, where individuals are selective about whom they allow into their circles. Despite this, Rosita advises fellow Christian women to persevere. “What is for you will always be for you. No man can stop a blessing God has in store for you.” She encourages others with similar experiences to, “keep going with your head held high. Let the fruit of your word match the actions of your heart. God sees all things. He knows all things. His protections are divine and the doors that are meant to be open will be.”
Now, God is teaching Rosita patience. Previously, her desires stemmed from insecurity and a need for instant gratification. However, she now understands that her existence was validated by Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. “So knowing this and surrendering my path, I am met with wisdom and growth. He is teaching me His ways will bring about much more than I could've ever imagined. His living word rooted in me will direct me far past the limited scope of life I had in the past.” Rooted in His living word, she encourages others to remain steadfast in their faith and to rely on God's guidance in all aspects of life.
Kelly Lippenholtz
Church of the Nativity
The Journey Forward Through Surrender & Renewal in Ministry
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Kelly Lippenholz, raised Catholic, first encountered the true relevance of the Gospel in a Bible study at the age of 32. After leaving her dream job teaching high school to raise her two sons, she faced uncertainty about reentering the workforce. “I didn't know how to get back into the marketplace after 10 years as a stay-at-home mom. What skills did I have? Peanut butter & jelly making? But as I began to pray and ask God to reveal his plan for me, things began to unfold in a way that could only be God.” She realized that He was preparing her for a new chapter in her life as a speaker and teacher.
However, Kelly faced a period of burnout and severe depression after returning to full time ministry. “I recently went through a period of burnout and severe depression that crippled my ability to feel good about the work I was doing. I felt worthless, insecure, exhausted, angry, hateful, and mostly just TIRED. I wanted to give up and just go work at a place where I wouldn't have to interact with anyone. I wanted to isolate. I sought help in the ways I knew how and slowly God pulled me out of the pit. God redeemed my situation in so many ways that are so clear in retrospect.” Through seeking help and relying on God's promises, she found healing and redemption. “I would encourage other Christian women to hang on to his promises and during times of severe doubt and drought, keep reading those promises, keep praising him," she encourages. "Keep turning your heart towards his, even if it's to complain and cry to him, or to yell at him. I was so angry with Him, I wanted so badly to stop believing. But somehow, I couldn't stop. Keep pursuing Him, keep surrounding yourself with people whose faith you can "borrow" while yours is weak.”
God is currently teaching Kelly the beauty of true surrender. Despite uncertainties about her future role as a teacher and speaker, she is stepping out in faith, leaving her current job without a clear plan ahead. Trusting God to unveil His will day by day, Kelly is embracing each moment, knowing that God's guidance is ever-present. “I am trusting God to reveal it one day at a time, and I wish I could show you my daily journal - he unveils something new every single day. I can't believe I waited this long to actually surrender to his ways and his will!” Surrendering to His ways has brought her newfound peace and fulfillment.
Elissa Nation
Tusk Strategies
Repositioned For Purpose: Faith & Growth in Christ
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Elissa Nation was introduced to the Gospel at a very young age. “I grew up in the Church of Christ, so as soon as my mom could take me outside, she took me to church!” said Elissa. This laid an early foundation for her relationship with Christ.
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” has been a cornerstone of Elissa's faith. Raised to be hyper-independent, Elissa often felt the pressure to rely solely on herself, fearing that needing others would make her a burden. However, she learned that even biblical leaders who believed they were self-sufficient faced challenges until they realigned with God's will. This realization prompted Elissa to seek God’s guidance daily. “God challenges me to call on Him every day, and to never rely on my own understanding. I do not make a decision without God,” she said. “When I am doing the right thing, God continuously shows up to reaffirm that, and just like a friend I talk to Him about every aspect of my life.” Her current position with Tusk Strategies challenges fit into her life like a puzzle piece. “I have been tasked with collaboration more than ever. I have needed people more than ever, and I am learning to be ok with that.”
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In her career, Elissa faced the challenge of having her work unrecognized or under-appreciated, which tested her faith and trust in God. “People’s inability to realize or appreciate your work does not lessen your value, it does not change who you are, and it does not define you,” she reflects. Striving to be more like Jesus each day, she realized the importance of growth and personal development over achieving perfection. “As a Christian, I strive to be more like Jesus every day and I have to understand I will never be Jesus, but the constant effort to work towards that is more important than being, and reaffirming God as my source of strength reminds me that these things are not negative, but rather an opportunity for growth.”
She advises other women navigating similar experiences to see criticism not as personal attacks but as opportunities for growth, “Don’t take things too personal, but rather as an opportunity for correction and personal development.”
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In this current season, God is teaching Elissa that the process is pivotal for the outcome. “It is equally important to value what God is putting you through as it is to appreciate the destination. I have learned to appreciate the waiting season, and as someone who has lived a life of overworking and overdoing to meet some worldly expectations, that is a huge revelation for my life,” she said.
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Elissa acknowledges that maintaining the right mindset is crucial. At times, she lost sight of her true purpose due to people-pleasing and seeking worldly praise. However, God redirected her focus. “God took me away from the overworking and overdoing, sat me down, and basically said: “This is not you. I’m going to reposition you…The “you” that I know has unwavering faith in Me. Your achievements have led you to believe you are self-sufficient; you never have been. Faith in Me has always been your secret; don’t let the world allow you to lose sight of that,” said Elissa. God reminded her that her faith must always be bigger than her fear, prompting her to recharge and trust in Him fully.
Through these experiences, Elissa's testimony highlights the process of continuous learning and reliance on Christ.
Mikayla Newton
Nexstar Media Group
Empowering the Next Generation: Faith and Leadership in Journalism
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Mikayla Newton embodies the essence of faith-based leadership by empowering the next generation of journalists. Mikayla's experience of moving away from her family and everything she knew in Georgia, led to starting over in an unknown place. “Having to start over in a new place where I didn't know anyone, there were a lot of adjustments I had to make,” said Mikayla. She advises Christian women to maintain patience through seasons of transition and to trust God's timing. “I would tell Christian women to have faith that everything will be alright in the end, and sometimes you have a waiting season and you have to remain patient.”
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For Mikayla, leadership is about being a positive guide for others. “Leadership to me is allowing people to follow in your footsteps, but being able to guide them in a positive way.” This vision of leadership was brought to life through her nonprofit, The Mikayla Newton Foundation, established in 2021, with a mission to provide mentorship and resources for young, aspiring journalists. “Before 2021, it was only a vision, and now it is a reality,” she said. Mikayla's leadership extends beyond her own career achievements to support the next generation of journalists.
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Mikayla Newton's story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is about more than just leading the way—it's about lifting others up as you go.
Jocelyn Park
APLUS Education
Faith-Driven Leadership in the Education Industry
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For Jocelyn Park, leadership mirrors discipleship, “it looks like recognizing God's giftings in the people around me and encouraging them to go after what they have been called to do,” she said.
When she assumed the role of CEO at APLUS Education six years ago, Jocelyn's perspective focused on external needs. “I was so focused on what I needed, whether it be financial provision, social capital, time, etc.” However, as she delved more into the life of Jesus, she learned more about his style of leadership. “I saw how His leadership and management style prioritized servanthood and sacrifice (which is countercultural!). This has impacted me tremendously, as I want to follow and be like Jesus in all that I do.” Inspired by His sacrificial approach, she endeavors to emulate Christ in every aspect of her life and work, from client and family interactions to employee training.
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Throughout her tenure as CEO, Jocelyn has faced many challenges, including navigating business pivots during the COVID-19 pandemic while balancing motherhood, team expansion, and battling imposter syndrome. “One lesson I have learned is to not be afraid to say no. As a recovering people pleaser and overachiever, I have learned that saying no (to sometimes "good" things) is a game-changer and has allowed for me to not only prioritize the best things God has for me, but also to maintain my mental wellbeing.”
Jocelyn's advice to fellow Christian women is found in their identity in Christ. “Remember your identity in The Lord, and that as daughters of God, we have access to His power, authority, and strategic solutions for every situation. When we understand WHO we are and WHOSE we are, we become unstoppable.”
Jocelyn emphasizes the vital role of community in fostering resilience and purpose, particularly in the education industry. “One lesson that I have learned…is to surround yourself with a community to help you remember your WHY when you start feeling overwhelmed and the challenges you face seem insurmountable. This is especially important at this moment, when we are seeing a mass exodus of educators, counselors, and others in this space. We need each other, and we need to remind and encourage each other that the work we are doing now is directly impacting the next generation. We are building legacy!”
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One project that brings Jocelyn immense joy is piloting a program aimed at guiding students to discover their purpose and passions—a full-circle moment encapsulating her commitment to nurturing the next generation as they step into their purpose and their passions.
Tanessia Petties
GFI/Empowermeant Financial Solutions
Helping Families Build Legacies In Finance
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Tanessia Petties first heard the Gospel at the tender age of 3. This early introduction to faith set the foundation for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
Over the years, God has used Tanessia's work to deepen her relationship with Him. Her calling has allowed her to, “understand where people come from and meet them halfway.” Through her efforts in building legacies, and improving living standards and financial status of families, she has grown in her relationship with Christ.
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Tanessia has faced numerous challenges in her career, particularly as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry. Despite the obstacles, she has found it rewarding to, “know that [she] is setting a benchmark, changing minds, and creating a path for others.” Her advice to other Christian women is to, “never, ever give up on your goals,” no matter how difficult the process may seem.
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God is teaching Tanessia that it is, “never too late to reach her goal; you should never stop dreaming.” She trusts that God is in control and believes that He never gives us more than we can handle. With this faith, she continues to pursue her dreams with confidence in God's plan for her life.
Andrena Sawyer
Minority Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network, Inc.
Walking By Faith in Life & Leadership
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Andrena Sawyer first heard the Gospel around the age of 7 or 8. As the Executive Director of Minority Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network, Inc., God has drawn Andrena to a deeper level of intimacy with Him, redefining her faith as a lifestyle rather than just a belief system. Through her endeavors, she has been drawn to a deeper level of intimacy with God and has strengthened her relationship with Him over the years.
Andrena has faced numerous challenges in her career. From starting a business with minimal capital to scaling it to a team of 8 employees, she encountered obstacles such as cash flow issues, marketing, and pivoting during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Her advice to fellow Christian women navigating similar situations is, “Trust God. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Stay true to your mission, but be flexible with your methods.”
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One project that brings Andrena joy is the upcoming launch of the Grace & Audacity Podcast in May. This new creative venture fills her with excitement as she explores new avenues for sharing stories and inspiring others.
Christina Snorten
Indy Chamber
"God Is": Reflections On a Life of Trusting the Lord
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Growing up in an actively faith-based family, the Gospel has always been a part of Christina Snorten’s life. Although she can't recall a time when the good news wasn't present, “the first time I remember having a personal experience with seeing and feeling the word moving through my spirit was as a teenager at a PNBC youth retreat,” she said.
Throughout her career, God has shown her His perfect wisdom and intentionality. Steps that seemed like missteps and experiences that appeared disjointed have all come together as a foundation for her current assignment. “My path has been winding, but it wasn't wilderness wandering (as I've sometimes thought). It was an individualized journey on which I was able to gain the knowledge and experience needed to be successful at this level,” said Christina. "On this road, I discovered my professional passion and purpose. All of this worked to strengthen my faith and bring me closer to God.”
Christina has faced many challenges in her career that tested her faith and trust in God. Her curious nature and varied interests led to several twists and turns. However, being passed over for positions and promotions she desired, the financial crash of the early 2000s, and the global pandemic of 2020 and its aftermath were significant hurdles. “These events that i thought were stumbling blocks turned out to be opportunities to reset and gain new skillsets,” she said. “Coming to that understanding helped develop my trust in God and my desire to seek His will, as well as learn to position my heart to submit to it.”
As the world changes quickly and drastically, many women will find themselves in similar situations. “My advice,” said Christina, “is to meditate on Romans 8:28, knowing that the twists and turns are working for you, not against you. Learn everything you can from each position you hold, and take care to build lasting relationships/impressions along the way. Don't take any portion of the journey for granted because it's all building you up for the work He has for you to complete. And you never know what impact you are making right where you are.”
Who is God to Christina? “God is.” she said. “I could stop there, but I’ll say this... When I was younger, I thought the saying was 'God is good indeed,' meaning for sure or certainly. This was true and represented my understanding at the time. Later, I heard 'God is good, in deed,' meaning in action, intentionally, and reliably. Both interpretations are true and spoke to different periods of my faith walk. Although God is and always has been everything, as I grow, how He shows up in my life changes for me. The relationship never gets old. Just like His mercies are new every morning, so is my love for Him.”
Autumn Tucker
Mary Kay
Leading By Example To Inspire Future Leaders in the Beauty Industry
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For Autumn Tucker, leadership is part of her everyday life. As an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay, Autumn has embraced the importance of leading by example. Mary Kay Ash said, “Leaders lead by example, example, example,” which taught her that leadership is about showing others how to do it and then letting them choose whether to follow. What distinguishes Autumn is having a leadership approach deeply rooted in the example of Jesus Christ. “He said “Follow me” to His followers and hand-picked them,” Autumn explains, “so that is what I do and ask them to follow, but the choice is theirs.”
Autumn’s journey, marked by self-doubt and a quest for perfection, mirrors the challenges many face in the workplace. “Insecurity and people-pleasing are usually my struggles. Not feeling like I can do the job right or perfect, or that I let others down, or that people don’t like me,” Autumn said. However, guidance from trusted mentors has provided her with necessary direction. “I have had many mentors tell me to stay in my own lane. When I did what I do best...I always accomplished what He called me to. When I tried to do it my way, or someone else’s way, it always took me way off track! Keep your eyes on Christ. He will guide you!”
Autumn advises other women in the beauty industry to approach new people with confidence. By doing so, they can plant or sometimes water a seed, which God can cultivate into something new and beautiful in their business or lives. “You never know who is watching and who needs permission to invest in themselves, or take a risk to try something new!”
As she continues to lead and mentor, Autumn is particularly excited about building other leaders and witnessing their growth and success. Autumn looks forward to inspiring and encouraging women who not only pursue professional growth but also prioritize spiritual development. “God is so good and faithful to bring me women of integrity, full of love and grace and leaders in the community! So blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of women!”
Jessica Walling
Faith-led Business Coach
Being the Salt & Light in the Business Coaching Field
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October 2021, was a significant day in Jessica Walling’s life-- she first heard the Gospel, which was a moment that began her understanding of what is truly means to follow Christ.
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Through the years, the work God has called Jessica to has strengthened her relationship with Him. Each challenge and every step of faith have deepened her trust in God and is teaching her to rely on His strength instead of her own. She has come to appreciate the depth of His love and sacrifice.
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One significant challenge Jessica faced in her career was being a Christian in the business world. “I always share Galatians 1:10 with my clients: "You’re here to serve Christ, not to please man." This verse reminded her that her ultimate purpose is to serve Christ, even if it means facing opposition and misunderstanding.
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In this season of her life, God is teaching Jessica, “to have faith in the waiting.” God is her everything, and she is continuously growing in her relationship with Him and her reliance on Him. She is currently working on being a better steward of the coaching clients He has given her.
Delesia Watson
Life Is Deleesh
Inspirational Faith & Vision in Leadership
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For Delesia Watson, leadership has always been rooted in having a broader and greater vision than what she could perceive. From a young age, she embraced a mindset of inspiring those around her through leading by example.
Delesia's career journey has been marked by twists and turns as she navigated different roles and industries to find her true passion. From pursuing a master's program in public relations at New York University, to freelancing, working on a presidential campaign, and serving in a church, she encountered diverse experiences that shaped her path as a third-generation entrepreneur.
Through it all, she learned to trust God's guidance. “I'd say that no time is wasted. In every season, ask God what He is showing you and developing in you,” she guides. “You never know how you may need that knowledge or those skills for wherever He leads you in the future. And don't worry about getting "off course," as long as you remain in Him, He promises to direct your paths.”
One of the most valuable lessons Delesia learned in her industry is the importance of cultivating a network of interesting and kind individuals. Recognizing that relationships are key to business success, she emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and engaging peers who can offer guidance, collaboration, and encouragement.
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Amidst her professional pursuits, one project that brings Delesia joy is running the Sol de Janeiro blog. Engaging in creative endeavors allows her to express her passion for writing while contributing to a vibrant community. Through this platform, she finds fulfillment in sharing stories, insights, and experiences that resonate with her audience. Delesia’s story encourages others to embrace their unique path, cultivate meaningful connections, and find joy in creative pursuits aligned with their passions.
Omeika Westry
Reigny Day Planner/State Farm
Guided By Faith To Grow in Leadership
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Starting as an entry-level associate, Omeika Westry developed foundational skills in guiding and influencing others. Over five years, she not only honed these skills but also embodied the principles of leadership to eventually rise to a leadership role within her company.
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Her journey didn’t stop there; it extended to entrepreneurship with the launch of her own planner business, Reigny Day Planner. “This step shows a significant evolution from leading within an established structure to forging my own path and leading a brand from the ground up,” she said. Omeika's leadership now encompasses not just managing teams but also steering a business, shaping a brand, and directly influencing customers and stakeholders.
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Throughout her career, Omeika faced formidable challenges, including issues surrounding being overlooked for positions she was fully qualified for. “These experiences tested my resolve and faith deeply,” she reflected. “During those times, I learned the importance of stepping back and letting God handle my battles. This reliance on divine timing—remembering that God’s timing is perfect—became a cornerstone of my perseverance. It required immense courage, consistent prayer, patience, and a heart ready to forgive to navigate these challenges.”
Her advice to other Christian women facing similar challenges emphasizes the importance of inviting God into every aspect of their careers. “Seek His guidance in all you do and find peace in the outcomes He chooses for your life. Embrace where He places you, trust His plan, and remember that your worth is recognized by Him, even when it might be overlooked by others.”
One crucial lesson Omeika learned and wishes to share with other women in her industry is the power of faith and timing in professional growth. “Despite the challenges of being overlooked for positions I was qualified for due to prevailing biases, I learned to trust in God’s timing. This trust helped me develop resilience and patience, teaching me that sometimes the delays and obstacles are actually blessings in disguise, shaping us for bigger roles and responsibilities,” she said.
“I encourage other women to integrate their faith deeply into their professional lives. Trust that you are where you are meant to be at this moment, and each experience is preparing you for the next chapter. Let Jesus be your guide and your resilience as your strength, and remember that your value does not decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.”
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One project that brings Omeika immense joy is her faith-based planner, the Reigny Day Planner. “This planner is not just a tool for organizing daily tasks but a medium for integrating faith into everyday life,” explains Omeika. “Each page is crafted to encourage users to reflect on their spiritual journey, set faith-driven goals, and find peace in their busy lives. Seeing how it changes lives one family and one person at a time—helping them to prioritize their spiritual well-being alongside their mundane tasks—is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that what I’m doing is making a real difference, and it fuels my passion to keep innovating and reaching more people.”
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Through her experiences, Omeika inspires others to trust in God’s timing, embrace their worth, and make a difference in the world around them.