VBD Magazine – September 2025

VICTORIOUS

• EDITING

• PUBLISHING

• BOOK PROMOTION

• AUTHOR COACHING

• WRITING COURSES

• WRITING SEMINARS

• WRITING WORKSHOPS

• WRITING CONFERENCES

VICTORIOUS BY

DESIGN

Victorious By Design (VBD) Magazine is a leading quarterly lifestyle, business, and literary publication for personal, professional, and organizational transformation, growth, and success. Our magazine provides game-changing brand visibility, while delivering practical advice, actionable strategies, teachable moments, inspiring narratives, and tools that integrate faith with various aspects of life, business, and literature.

We feature inspirational authors, business leaders, ministry leaders, purpose-driven influencers, industry experts, and other phenomenal individuals who are eager to share their insights with you. We created VBD Magazine just for you. Each issue highlights the incredible achievements of individuals who have harnessed their God-given talents and are using their expertise to positively impact lives. Our goal is to inspire you to reach beyond your fears and walk in your purpose so that you can live victoriously. We are your go-to empowerment oasis, and we are excited to be a part of your growth and success.

VBD Magazine is a publication of Victorious By Design (VBD), LLC. The content is published in good faith. The views expressed in the articles, editorials, and all other content, reflect the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publisher. VBD does not endorse any organizations, programs, websites listed, advertisers, or the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers in this magazine.

Ann Marie Bryan

MANAGING EDITOR

Paula Hamilton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Beverlyn Johnson

FEATURES EDITOR Icylin Morgan

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Dr. Henritta Stewart

SNR.

Dr. Jacquiline Cox

FEATURE

Kay Johnson-Clennon Kerry-Ann McPherson

CONTRIBUTING

Ramona Powell Dennis

Pastor Danyelle Scroggins

Brittany Rockwell

FROM THE DESK of Ann Marie Bryan

The Pursuit of Peace and Purpose

As the world joins hands to celebrate International Peace Day on Sunday, September 21, 2025, we’re reminded that peace isn’t passive—it’s intentional. In a time when chaos often makes the loudest noise, choosing peace, walking in purpose, and standing for what’s right requires remarkable strength. This month’s issue of VBD Magazine is a bold declaration that peace begins within, and from that center, it radiates outward—into families, communities, and nations.

We are honored to feature Her Excellency Dr. Theresa A. Moseley as our cover story. A global peace ambassador, visionary leader, and bestselling author, Dr. Moseley is launching her groundbreaking book, Peace Within: The Home, The School, The Community, The World, during this historic month. The book brings together 34 co-authors, each offering powerful strategies and heartfelt testimonies for creating lasting peace in every sphere of life.

In this special commemorative issue, we also spotlight 12 incredible co-authors from Peace Within, whose stories of faith, resilience, and transformational leadership shine brightly. These purpose-driven voices challenge us to lead with love, listen with empathy, and live with intention.

We’re also delighted to celebrate five dynamic graduates of the Listen Linda 21-Day Bootcamp, led by Dr. Jacquiline Cox, CEO of Listen Linda Brand & Marketing. These bold women have completed their manuscripts and are launching their author journeys with courage, clarity, and purpose.

This issue is an invitation to protect your peace, pursue your purpose, and walk confidently in the assignment God has placed in your hands. Whether you’re starting over or rising higher, we pray these pages meet you with hope, strategy, and strength.

Thank you for being part of the VBD Magazine family.

Stay safe, stay connected, and as always, stay victorious.

Enjoy this issue.

Ann Marie Bryan

Ann Marie Bryan Editor-in-Chief

St. Monica’s Children’s Home

ISSUE 18/2025

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Meet Our

Click/tap on the card to visit the writer's respective website or social media page.

KAY JOHNSON-CLENNON

Educator, Actuary, & Author

Kay Johnson-Clennon is a multifaceted professional, juggling roles as a devoted wife, mother, author, educator, and associate actuary with over 15 years of experience. Her passion lies in demystifying intricate calculations, which is reflected in her compelling writing style. She finds joy in blogging, volunteering, and sharing her wisdom, embodying a spirit of curiosity and boundless energy. In her role as a Feature Writer for VBD Magazine, Kay aims to inspire readers and contribute to the company’s mission of excellence.

DANYELLE SCROGGINS

Author & Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries

Danyelle Scroggins is the senior pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana, and chaplain at Ochsner LSU Health Center, Louisiana’s trauma one health center. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC, a company that specializes in the publication of books divinely sown into the hearts of writers. Danyelle is the author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books.

KERRY-ANN MCPHERSON

Feature Writer & Administrator

Kerry-Ann McPherson is a Christian leader and administrator with a passion for growth. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being in nature, and embracing the arts, especially music and literature. She writes monthly articles on LinkedIn for empathetic leaders, providing advice and tips for transforming professional relationships. Kerry-Ann joins the team as a Feature Writer for VBD Magazine.

DR. JACQUILINE COX

Bestselling Author & Literary Coach

Dr. Jacquiline Cox is a bestselling author, publisher, and founder of Listen Linda Publishing. As Mrs. Illinois USA Ambassador, she uses her voice to empower others through faith, storytelling, and resilience. As a contributing writer for VBD Magazine, she brings her signature blend of bold encouragement, literary excellence, and faith-forward inspiration to every article.

RAMONA POWELL DENNIS

Author, Teacher & Inspirational Speaker

Ramona Powell is an author, teacher, and inspirational speaker. She has used her upbringing in a Christian home to help channel her love for Christ and her desire to be an inspiration to all. "Sometimes we go through things to strengthen our faith and to be a testament to others." She loves sharing her life experiences to show that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome and prevail.

Peace in Action

THE GLOBAL MISSION OF HER EXCELLENCY

DR. THERESA A. MOSELEY

by Ann Marie Bryan

Photo Credit: Jackie Hicks

“Everyone needs inner peace to make this world peaceful,” says Her Excellency Dr. Theresa A. Moseley, a U.S. Army veteran, seasoned educator, bestselling author, global peace ambassador, and founder of TAM Creating Ambassadors of Peace LLC. With more than three decades of leadership in public service, Dr. Moseley has dedicated her life to advancing peace as both a personal discipline and a global imperative.

From school hallways to international summits, Dr. Moseley’s work bridges the gap between conflict and community. Her message is rooted in lived experience, sharpened through service, and backed by a clear framework that equips individuals and institutions to cultivate peace from the inside out.

As the world prepares to observe the United Nations’ International Day of Peace this month, VBD Magazine is proud to feature Dr. Moseley as our September 2025 Cover Story—celebrating her extraordinary leadership, legacy, and devotion to building bridges in a broken world. Her mission is urgent. Her impact is undeniable.

FROM MILITARY ROOTS TO A GLOBAL MISSION

Born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and raised partially in Augsburg, Germany, Dr. Moseley returned to Fayetteville, NC at the age of five, already carrying the imprint of a military family steeped in discipline and devotion. “My dad was in the Army for 27 years. He was my hero, best friend, and everything to me,” she recalls.

IN 2013, ONE OF MY STUDENTS, A TALENTED FOOTBALL PLAYER, WAS SHOT TO DEATH. THE NEXT YEAR, ANOTHER STUDENT WAS BEATEN AND STABBED IN THE PARK. THAT’S WHEN I KNEW—I HAD TO DO SOMETHING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

From singing in church choirs to leading student government, she emerged early as a leader with compassion and conviction. After graduating from Terry Sanford High School, she followed in her father’s footsteps and joined the military, where her natural leadership abilities were quickly recognized. “I learned the importance of team dynamics, communication skills, being on time always, and being adaptive,” she shares.

Armed with her GI Bill benefits, Dr. Moseley earned a Bachelor of Arts from Georgia State University, a master’s from Bowie State, and ultimately a Ph.D. from American University. Her academic journey included prestigious programs at Harvard, where she studied Critical Issues in Urban Education and Leadership: An Evolving Vision, deepening her resolve to become a transformative force in the lives of others.

CATALYST FOR CHANGE

It was during her 27-year career in education—spanning roles from Spanish teacher to guidance counselor, high school principal and district administrator—that Dr. Moseley experienced a defining shift.

“In 2013, one of my students, a talented football player, was shot to death,” she recounts. “The next year, another student was beaten and stabbed in the park. That’s when I knew—I had to do something beyond the classroom.”

From this grief, a movement was born. Her initiative, No More Violence: One School, One Community, One County at a Time, evolved into a broader national campaign: One City, One State, One Nation at a Time In response to ongoing school shootings and community violence, Dr. Moseley picked up her pen and authored her first bestselling book, Creating Ambassadors of Peace: 16 Steps to Become an Ambassador of Peace—a declaration of hope and a blueprint for action.

Upon retiring from education in 2022, she launched TAM Creating Ambassadors of Peace LLC and embraced her divine assignment to spread peace globally. As a WOLMI United Nations Peace Ambassador, Dr. Moseley travels the globe sharing practical tools for cultivating inner peace.

“There is not a lot of peace in today’s world; however, when there is peace, I

would characterize it by defining it as a state of harmony with the absence of violence and oppression,” Dr. Moseley states. “My role as a peace maker is to provide everyone with some tools to create peace within which will impact peace in several areas including home, work and the community.”

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THAT HEALS

Dr. Moseley’s framework for change is grounded in Transformational Leadership, a model she teaches with conviction. “Transformational Leaders focus on inspiring and motivating their team to perform beyond their expectations. We also articulate a clear vision which is developed by the entire team which fosters commitment and enthusiasm,” she explains. “Where traditional leadership often emphasizes control, transformational leadership is rooted in purpose, grace, and peace.”

The importance of soft skills for effective leadership cannot be overlooked. Dr. Moseley emphasizes three soft skills essential for every leader: Communication, Emotional Intelligence, and Collaboration. “Effective communication reduces misunderstandings and conflicts and ensures all voices can be heard. Leaders must recognize and manage their own emotions and others which will enable them to navigate interpersonal dynamics sensitively and empathize with others. Collaboration helps build strong relationships which reduces competition and leads to peace in the workplace and schools.”

Resistance to change, especially in hierarchical environments, is a challenge she meets head-on. “Some leaders are stuck in top-down management and fear giving away perceived power,” she

WHEN YOU HAVE PEACE WITHIN, THERE’S LOVE—NOT HATE. PEACE—NOT WAR. HOPE—NOT FEAR. WE NEED INNER PEACE TO MAKE THIS WORLD WHOLE AGAIN.

Photo Credit: Jackie Hicks

notes. “But people want to be valued and heard. As a result, an organization with ineffective leaders will lead to high turnover. Horizontal leadership builds trust—and trust builds peace.”

CREATING AMBASSADORS OF PEACE

It’s that same resolve to empower others that fuels her work as a prolific author. With 25 bestselling titles and a growing collection of international bestsellers, Dr. Moseley views writing as a cornerstone of her mission. Her books are used in leadership training, youth empowerment programs, and keynote addresses worldwide.

“My writing definitely plays a role as I write nonfiction books mostly on passion, purpose, and peace. I use my books during training and during my international speaking opportunities.”

This September, she will release one of her most personal projects yet: Peace Within: The Home, The School, The Community, The World—an anthology featuring 34 co-authors who share spiritual and strategic stories on cultivating peace in everyday spaces.

“Every year during International Peace Week, I write a book aligned with the summit theme,” Dr. Moseley shares. “This year, Peace Within reminds us that change starts inside. From there, it transforms our homes, our schools, and our world.”

THE PASSION, PURPOSE, PEACE SUMMIT

As the world observes the International Day of Peace on September 21, Dr. Moseley leads the charge with her annual Passion, Purpose, Peace Summit—a three-day global gathering that’s both virtual and in-person.

“Over 50 coaches, speakers, educators, business owners, and leaders that will be sharing their platform and encouraging people to live in their purpose by using their gift,” Dr. Moseley mentions. “This will lead to success, fulfillment, prosperity and inner peace.”

The summit culminates in a live brunch and awards ceremony recognizing 105 servant leaders making an extraordinary difference.

“When you have peace within,” she says, “there’s love—not hate. Peace—not war. Hope—not fear. We need inner peace to make this world whole again.”

ROOTED IN FAITH, RISING IN PURPOSE

Despite her many accolades—over 300 global news features, numerous magazine covers, keynote appearances, and lifetime achievement awards—Dr. Moseley remains grounded by faith.

Awards

l Fluxx Award Leadership and Peace Advocate Award Hong Kong 2025

l Global Delegate Peace Ambassador India 2025

l Phenomenal Woman Award 2025

l LOSD Speaker Skills Live VIP Speaker Award 2024

l Women of Heart First Lady of Excellence Award 2024

l Joe Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award 2024

l Speak Life Award 2024

l The Phenomenal Woman Award 2024

l The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

l The Phenomenal Woman Award 2023

l SHE E O BOSS Award 2023

l Hoinser Magazine top 50 Entrepreneurs

l Speaker of the Year 2023

l Veteran of the Year 2023

l The Virginia C Burnette Award 2023

l Women of Heart Emerald Queen of Peace 2023

l Women of Heart Awards 2022

l ICN Civility Award 2022

l Top Influential Leader 2022

l Hoinser Magazine Most Successful Women 2022

l Top Influencer Awards National Nominee November 2021

l 50 Unstoppable Innovators December 2021

l Women of Virtue Walking in Excellence Debra Offer Oct 2021

l Author of the Day 2021

l Called to Inspire Author to Watch 2021

l Top 25 Watch Her In 2022 WOD

l Speaker of the Day Called to Inspire May 2021

l Top 50 Pioneers of Change

l Top 30 Unstoppable Women Entrepreneurs of 2022.

Magazine Articles

l Tap In Magazine 2024

l Passion Purpose Peace Magazine 2024

l My Sister Keeper March 2023

l Passion Purpose Peace April 2023

l Tap In Magazine May 2023

l International Face Magazine 2023

l Rise to Greater Magazine 2023

l Vision and Purpose Magazine April and May 2022

l Phoenix Fitness Fanatics

l My Sister Keeper March 2021 April 2022

l Speakers Magazine February 2022

l Courageous Woman Magazine February 2022

l The Black Family April 2022

l Keynote Magazine 2021

l Speakers Magazine 2021

l Women Disruptors 2022

l Called to Inspire Magazine June 2022

l CXO Outlook 2022

“This is my divine assignment,” Dr. Moseley affirms. “I know that I have something the world needs. It’s not about me. It’s about serving others.”

Her spiritual rhythm includes daily prayer, meditation, mindful tea on her deck, and small acts of kindness. These simple disciplines keep her centered and restore her peace, even in the face of global demands.

LOOKING AHEAD

In January 2026, Dr. Moseley will launch

her signature coaching program, Enhancing the Light Coaching Program —a transformational experience that helps clients discover their gifts, develop their purpose blueprint, and craft a signature speech. The program includes business planning, accountability, and goal-setting for personal and professional growth.

Dr. Moseley is also preparing for her next release, Whispers of Peace: Daily Affirmations for a Tranquil Mind, set to launch during International Peace Week 2026.

Her Excellency Dr. Theresa A. Moseley reminds us that peace begins within, and from that sacred space, we can build homes, schools, and societies where hope, love, and purpose reign.

Photo Credit: Jackie Hicks

A ROADMAP FOR INNER AND COLLECTIVE HEALING

Upcoming Book Release

PEACE WITHIN: THE HOME, THE SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, THE WORLD

by Ann Marie Bryan

Her Excellency Dr. Theresa A. Moseley, a global peace ambassador, bestselling author, transformational leader, and founder of TAM Creating Ambassadors of Peace LLC, is the visionary behind Peace Within: The Home, The School, The Community, The World. This groundbreaking anthology features powerful stories and practical strategies from 34 co-authors, united in one mission: to help individuals, families, organizations, and communities cultivate lasting peace from the inside out.

“This book will be a resource guide for individuals, families, businesses, schools, or communities looking for Peace Within,” says Dr. Moseley. “Our 34 co-authors share specific strategies for Peace Within and amazing spiritual and inspirational stories around Peace Within.”

With rising global unrest, mental health challenges, and fractured relationships across homes, schools, and communities, Peace Within arrives at a pivotal time. This compelling collection of personal testimonies, faith-based insight, and actionable tools empowers readers to confront life’s challenges with mindfulness, compassion, and resilience.

THE BLURB

Peace Within is an inspirational and practical guide that offers strategies and techniques to cultivate peace in all areas of life—home, school, work, community, and the world. The authors share their personal stories of trials and tribulations,

revealing how their struggles, some including financial struggles, that led them on a transformative journey toward inner peace by addressing the problem directly. Through their experiences, they demonstrate how overcoming challenges with mindfulness, resilience, and compassion can lead to a fulfilling and successful life.

The book provides actionable advice on conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and fostering harmony in relationships. It’s divided into 3 sections including Spiritual Stories on Peace Within and Inspirational Stories on Peace Within. By blending personal anecdotes with universal principles, the authors emphasize that true peace begins within oneself before extending outward. Whether dealing with family tensions, workplace stress, or societal divisions, Peace Within equips readers with the tools to create a more balanced, joyful, and peaceful existence.

Ultimately, this book serves as both a memoir and a roadmap, encouraging readers to embrace self-awareness, forgiveness, and intentional living to achieve lasting peace in every aspect of life. It encourages individuals to find their gift, know their passion, and live in their purpose to become successful, fulfilled, prosperous, and have inner peace.

INSIDE THE PAGES

You’ll meet visionaries, educators, pastors, coaches, survivors, and change agents who have overcome trauma, burnout, violence, rejection, and spiritual stagnation. Each co-author brings their own perspective, but

they are united by one message: true peace is possible. Importantly, they offer tools and tangible strategies for healing homes, transforming school culture, restoring broken communities, and elevating leadership.

Each story reveals a path toward wholeness, layered with faith, emotional clarity, spiritual practices, and transformational leadership principles.

WHY NOW?

The United Nations International Day of Peace will be observed around the world on September 21, 2025. Peace Within is intentionally being released in September to echo a greater global call to reconciliation.

Whether you’re a parent or principal, mentor or minister, teacher or team leader— Peace Within will challenge and empower you to become an ambassador of peace in your own space.

VICTORIOUS BY DESIGN STAR Power List

POWERFUL VOICES FROM PEACE WITHIN PATHS TO PEACE

Brandy Tookes

LEADING

WITH ETIQUETTE

by Ann Marie Bryan

Raised in a vibrant Trinidadian home with six brothers, Brandy Tookes’ early experiences taught her the power of patience, negotiation, and emotional regulation. “I had to learn how to get along, how to compromise, how to respect boundaries,” she reflects. “That foundation shaped how I show up in every area of my life.”

Despite that strong upbringing, life in the military introduced her to a different kind of battlefield—one that was internal. “I found myself in a personal battle I didn’t see coming,” she shares. A pivotal moment came when she entered a 30-day mental health program. “That’s where the real work started. I discovered the power of self-reflection, prayer, and journaling.” Those three practices became her anchors—restoring her peace and revealing her divine assignment: to teach others how to lead with etiquette and grace.

In her Peace Within chapter, Leading with Etiquette: Finding Peace in an Imbalanced World, Brandy draws a compelling connection between inner peace and external civility. “The same way etiquette begins within, so does peace,” she writes. “It’s a mindset, a practice, and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves.”

In this chapter, Brandy powerfully reframes etiquette not as a rigid set of rules, but as a peace-building tool. “Etiquette is not just about rules—it’s about respect, civility, kindness, and diplomacy,” she says. “When we lead with these values, we create peace in our homes, workplaces, and communities.”

I HAD TO LEARN HOW TO GET ALONG, HOW TO COMPROMISE, HOW TO RESPECT BOUNDARIES. THAT FOUNDATION SHAPED HOW I SHOW UP IN EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE. WHEN WE LEAD WITH THESE VALUES, WE CREATE PEACE IN OUR HOMES, WORKPLACES, AND COMMUNITIES.

Brandy offers five practical ways to lead with etiquette:

1. Model respectful behavior

2. Speak peace into conversations

3. Stay calm under pressure

4. Listen to understand

5. Create safe spaces for dialogue

These strategies, she explains, help reduce friction, encourage trust, and inspire others to follow suit. “When we live this out, it ripples into our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and our communities. It’s how we cultivate peace in a world that often feels imbalanced.”

Brandy’s story is one of transformation—from burnout to breakthrough, from silence to strength. Her message is powerful: “Peace starts with how you treat people—and that includes yourself.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandy Tookes is the Founder of Progressive Academy for Leadership and Etiquette, where she equips individuals to lead with confidence and helps organizations to cultivate stronger workplaces through the power of business etiquette.

With a distinguished career spanning both government and military service, Brandy has served as a Program Analyst for the Department of the Navy, led an 82-member recruiting team, and managed training programs for 12 Navy Reserve units as a Human Resources Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

She holds a master’s degree in human resources and professional certifications in Talent Development, Business Etiquette, and Human Resources. Brandy is also an Amazon Best-Selling co-author and a proud graduate of Global Speakers University.

Beyond her professional endeavors, she is passionate about mentoring young women through StepUp Inc., staying active through fitness, playing the steelpan, and cherishing life with her husband of 25 years.

Dr. Onika L. Shirley

ACTION SPEAKS VOLUME

by Henritta Stewart, Ph.D

Credit: Casey Perry Photography

Photo

“Transformation is not just about changing what lies around us; it’s about changing what lies within us.”

At the heart of Action Speaks Volume (A.S.V.) lies the conviction that true transformation begins within. In this empowering narrative in the anthology Peace Within, Dr. Shirley shares her journey toward personal and collective transformation. Through the A.S.V. framework— Awareness, Service, and Vision—a path is illuminated where self-awareness leads to conscious choices, selfless service cultivates stronger communities, and a shared vision inspires collaborative efforts for meaningful change.

Emphasizing the importance of individual growth, this journey encourages a commitment to self-discovery and action. By embracing personal transformation, individuals can trigger a ripple effect that brings about profound change within their communities. Dr. Shirley illustrates how taking responsibility for one’s own growth lays the foundation for collective empowerment. This exploration serves as a reminder that dedicated personal change can inspire a brighter, more unified future for all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Onika L. Shirley is the visionary Founder and CEO of Action Speaks Volume, Inc. Widely known as The Procrastination Strategist and a Behavior Change Expert, Dr. Shirley is celebrated for her ability to help individuals build unshakable confidence, stop procrastination in its tracks, and bring their dreams from vision to reality. She is a Master Storyteller, International Speaker, Christian Counselor, Serial Entrepreneur, and Global Philanthropist, whose work impacts lives across the USA, Africa, India, and Pakistan.

As the Founder and Director of Action Speaks Volume Orphanage Home and Sewing School in Telangana State, India, as well as sewing schools in Khanewal and Shankot, Pakistan, Dr. Shirley is deeply committed to global ministry and empowerment. She previously operated an orphanage home in Tuni, India, for

four years and actively supported widows in the region. Her nonprofit initiatives include Empowering Eight Inner Circle, ASV C.A.R.E.S, ASV Next Level Living Program, and P6 Solutions and Consulting. Closer to home, she served for more than 12 years as a therapeutic foster parent for the State of Arkansas while remaining an active presence in her local community.

Dr. Shirley is a Motivational Speaker, Human Rights Advocate, and Anti-Trafficking Consultant who educates individuals about their 30 human rights and the responsibilities that come with them. She is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker and a champion for change who faithfully serves the body of Christ around the globe.

Her dynamic presence has graced the stage alongside Les Brown, and she co-authored two books with him and Dr. Cheryl Wood: You Are Enough and Unleash Your Undeniable Impact. Dr. Shirley has been featured on billboards in Atlanta, on the covers of Ordinary People Magazine and Women’s Frontline Magazine, and as a contributor to Success

Profiles Magazine, Women’s Boss Blog, and Today’s Purpose Woman Magazine She also wrote a column titled Walking Daily by the Power of God for Ordinary People Magazine, and her voice was featured on The Huffington Post, where she maintained her own blog platform.

Dr. Shirley was honored as an Exemplary Global Leader with the I Change Nations Global Leadership Award and recognized as a Woman of Excellence by I Change Nations World Civility. She created new author opportunities through her publishing leadership in Nigeria and was recently featured in Think 7 Figures: The Millionaire Mindset. Her media presence includes appearances on WRDE Coast TV, Fox 34, Fox 28, Fox 40, Fox 43, and WBOC Delmarva’s News Leader.

Of all her accolades, Dr. Shirley holds her profound faith in Christ as her greatest honor. She remains committed to walking in purpose, serving others with intention, and speaking life wherever she goes.

Dr. Jennifer Jones Bryant

ROOTED TO RISE

by Ann Marie Bryan

In Peace Within, Dr. Jennifer Jones Bryant offers a timely reminder: lasting leadership is first cultivated internally, then intentionally nurtured in the spaces we influence. In her chapter, Rooted to Rise: Cultivating Leadership Where It Begins—At Home, In Schools, and Throughout Our Communities, Dr. Bryant explores how grounding ourselves in values, resilience, and inner peace empowers us to lead with purpose and shape a better future.

“Peace within becomes the foundation

Whether you’re raising children, mentoring professionals, or guiding institutions, Rooted to Rise challenges each of us to look inward first and then lead outward with strength, clarity, and grace.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jennifer Jones Bryant is a distinguished thought leader, executive coach, and leadership development expert known for her unwavering commitment to empowerment and transformational leadership. As the Executive Founder of Reaching From Within and Empowerment Journey LLC and President and CEO of Step Into Leadership Greatness Foundation Inc. (501(c)(3)), she helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential and achieve personal and

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Bryant’s career reflects her dedication to leadership and service. She spent 31 years in the federal government, rising from clerk-typist to Executive Director. In her tenure, she led business management services, drove process improvements, and championed employee engagement within technology-driven organizations. Her innovative leadership fostered significant organizational growth and earned her a reputation as a dynamic change agent.

Dr. Bryant’s influence extends into the corporate world. She held senior leadership roles at a Fortune 100 company where she spearheaded initiatives to enhance associate engagement, and an inclusive workplace. She notably led a women’s empowerment Business Resource Group with 24,000 members. Her leadership development programs, workshops, and summits focus on coaching, psychological safety, allyship, and mentorship, equipping leaders to drive positive change and cultural transformation.

An accomplished author, speaker, and media presence, Dr. Bryant has been featured in Essence Magazine, Brainz Magazine, and VIP Global Magazine. She is also a recognized recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Bryant holds multiple advanced degrees and certifications and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Photo Credit: Jackie Hicks, Fond Memories

In her contribution to the anthology Peace Within, Her Excellency Malaysia Harrell draws on lived experience and conviction to affirm that peace is not external, but a discipline nurtured, embraced, and exemplified from within.

Her chapter, Healing the World from the Inside Out, a deeply personal and spiritually charged contribution, walks readers through the corridors of Harrell’s life— past childhood trauma, military service, and near-death encounters—and into the stillness of her healing. With vulnerability and boldness, she unveils a sacred truth she has come to know: lasting peace begins with inner restoration.

Harrell doesn’t just recount the pain, she offers the path forward. Through journaling, mindfulness, boundary-setting, and embodied spiritual practices, she models what it looks like to do the work of healing with intention. Her chapter is not only a testimony of what she’s overcome but a blueprint for how others can break generational cycles, reset emotional patterns, and build a more peaceful world—starting with themselves.

Her insights are laced with the principles of trauma-informed care, emotional clarity, and compassionate leadership. Inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and her own lived wisdom, Harrell dismantles society’s obsession with superficial success and calls for a new kind of leadership, one anchored in integrity, vulnerability, and compassion.

“When I cultivate inner peace,” she states, “I create ripple effects of healing that extend across families, organizations, and nations. Embodied peace, I now know, is not just my personal pursuit, it is our global responsibility.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Her Excellency Malaysia Harrell, LICSW, LCSW-C, BCD is a WOLMI United Nations Peace Ambassador, board-certified psychotherapist, spiritual transformation coach, veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author. As founder and CEO of Blissful Life

Her MalaysiaExcellencyHarrell

HEALING THE WORLD FROM THE INSIDE OUT

by Henritta Stewart, Ph.D

Consulting, she empowers high-achieving professionals to find alignment, resilience, and personal growth through transformative coaching and mental health services.

Beyond her coaching and clinical work, Malaysia is a dedicated philanthropist who actively supports mental health initiatives and holistic healing programs through the Malaysia Harrell Foundation. Whether through her writing, speaking, or one-on-one coaching, Malaysia’s mission is clear: to help others achieve total wellness, mentally, emotionally,

spiritually, and physically, so they can live their most blissful and aligned life.

Malaysia has been featured in media outlets including ABC, CBS, and Yahoo, and serves as a VIP Executive Contributor for Best Holistic Life Magazine. Her groundbreaking book, God Has My Six, is both a personal testimony and a healing guide.

Dr. Shawnda Stewart

TRANSFORMING YOUR TRAJECTORY

by Icylin Morgan

Photo Credit: Dr. Shawnda Stewart

In Peace Within ,

Dr. Shawnda

Stewart delivers a powerful call to embrace healing, harmony, and purpose as the foundation for building lasting legacies. Her chapter, Transforming Your Trajectory: Maneuvering the Journey of Pain to Building Wealth, captures how inner peace— when rooted in faith and intentionality—can transform even the most difficult trials into opportunities for growth.

FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE

For Dr. Stewart, peace was not born in comfort, but through the heartbreaking loss of her beloved father. When he passed away unexpectedly, she discovered that he did not have life insurance. At the time, she was forced to shoulder the heavy financial and emotional burden of his funeral and other final expenses. The experience was devastating—but it became the turning point that shaped her mission and life’s work.

“I told myself I wouldn’t wish this type of pain on anyone,” she recalls. “I realized then the power of preparedness and the peace that comes with financial security.”

That moment of grief became her spark. Rather than allowing worry to consume her, she made the bold decision to pursue licensing as an independent insurance agent. From that notion, Stewart Insurance Services was born. Today, it stands as a nationwide independent brokerage, helping families protect what matters most and teaching individuals how to build generational wealth.

A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE

In her chapter, Dr. Stewart shares how resilience and faith can turn life’s storms into steppingstones. She walks readers through her own transformation—from facing sleepless nights of worry to becoming a serial entrepreneur who empowers others to live beyond paycheck-to-paycheck cycles.

Her story is not just about overcoming adversity, but about creating systems of peace and prosperity. Through her Recession Proof Your Life masterclass, Dr. Stewart equips others with tools to not

I TOLD MYSELF

I WOULDN’T WISH THIS TYPE OF PAIN ON ANYONE.

only survive financially but to thrive— positioning themselves for abundance that outlives them.

Her message is simple yet profound: peace and prosperity are not mutually exclusive. When rooted in preparation, vision, and purpose, they go hand in hand.

FAITH AS THE FOUNDATION

Central to Dr. Stewart’s philosophy is the belief that true peace begins within. Her chapter weaves together spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, and boundaries, with practical financial literacy and entrepreneurial strategies. She reminds readers that when our inner world is aligned, it becomes possible to build outward legacies—in our homes, schools, communities, and beyond.

“Peace is not making yourself feel small to make others who are insecure feel big,” she writes. “It is about protecting your spirit, training your mind, and placing yourself in environments that align with your purpose.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Shawnda Stewart is a dynamic serial entrepreneur, visionary leader, and award-winning advocate for peace, purpose, and financial empowerment. She is a proud recipient of the Passion, Purpose, and Peace Award, honoring her dedication to transforming lives through financial literacy and legacy-building.

As the President and Founder of Stewart Insurance Services, Dr. Stewart has built her career on empowering underrepresented communities to create generational wealth and achieve lasting financial independence. Through her services—including life insurance, mortgage protection, health products, and her acclaimed Recession Proof Your Life masterclass—she equips individuals with proven strategies to turn challenges into opportunities for abundance.

Her entrepreneurial spirit extends into multiple ventures, including CaliSunGlow Skincare, Stewart Consulting Services & Property Preservation, and Savvy Tops and Hats. Each brand reflects her commitment to resilience, innovation, and creating lasting legacies.

A devoted wife and mother, Dr. Stewart has been married for 36 years and is the proud mother of four children. She believes that her greatest legacy begins at home, and her family continues to be her foundation and inspiration for helping others secure peace and prosperity in their own lives.

Dr. Stewart’s impact has been recognized across major media outlets, including Sheen Magazine, FEMI Magazine, SheIs Magazine, and the Los Angeles Sentinel She has also appeared on KCAL channel 9, nationally syndicated radio shows such as Stevie’s Wonders radio station KJLH 102.3- Spread the Word show, The Steve Harvey Morning Show promos, Tavis Smiley’s KBLA radio, The Wave, Power 106, and 93.5 KDAY.

As an author, speaker, and mentor, Dr. Stewart continues to inspire others to find peace within, pursue prosperity, and build legacies that endure for generations. Her work is more than a career—it is a calling, and a ministry to help others transform their trajectory, just as she did.

In addition to her business ventures, Dr. Shawnda was invited to the Mayor’s Roundtable in Long Beach, California, where she offered employment opportunities to the community. She also mentored women through the Alliance for Women and Girls in Long Beach, helping them rise into corporate leadership roles. With faith, vision, and an unshakable commitment to service, Dr. Stewart continues to inspire, empower, and uplift communities nationwide — leaving an indelible mark on families, businesses, and the financial services industry.

H.E. Dr. Freddie A. Lee

FINDING PEACE AMIDST

CHAOS

by Ann Marie Bryan

“True peace is not the absence of storm, but the learned skill to find calm within it.”

This powerful message sits at the heart of Finding Peace Amidst Chaos, a deeply moving chapter authored by His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Freddie A. Lee in the upcoming anthology Peace Within.

In this reflective work, Dr. Lee recounts a childhood marked by pain and uncertainty. “My chapter provides a picture of a home that was a battlefield, not a sanctuary, where a young life was defined by hypervigilance, fear, and the pain of a father’s addiction and hurtful words,” he states.

Yet, amid the chaos, there was a constant light—his mother. “Through my mother’s faith, relentless work ethic, and unconditional love, I witnessed the foundational model of resilience,” Dr. Lee shares. Her presence became the bedrock of his belief that peace can be cultivated internally, even when the world outside is unraveling.

“Ultimately, Finding Peace Amidst Chaos is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for empathy and renewal,” he discloses. With vulnerability and wisdom, Dr. Lee guides readers through his healing, revealing how forgiveness, self-awareness, and inner stillness paved the way to peace.

The chapter closes with a resonant truth: “Peace begins within, and by nurturing it, we can build the loving, respectful environments we once only dreamed of, transforming our legacy from one of pain to one of profound purpose and calm.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H.E. Dr. Freddie A. Lee is a U.S. Army veteran, educator, and United Nations Peace Ambassador with over five decades of impactful service in leadership, education, and global peacebuilding. From his early career as a military officer and defense systems expert to his work as a high school administrator and international humanitarian, Dr. Lee has consistently championed equity, mentorship, and community resilience.

Guided by the principle, “Take care of your people, and they will take care of you,” he has pioneered programs supporting leadership development and educational access. As a UN Peace Ambassador appointed by Word of Life Ministries International, Dr. Lee promotes peace and global education aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

He is a Maxwell Leadership Certified speaker, coach, and founder of F. Lee Global Leadership Solutions LLC, dedicated to cultivating ethical, empathetic leaders. Co-author of The Essential Soft Skills for Leadership, he believes “soft skills are the infrastructure for peace.”

Dr. Lee’s accolades include the Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), Gentlemen of Heart Award (2023), Passion Purpose and Peace Award (2024), and iCMEI Edupreneurship Award (2025). His enduring legacy is rooted in bridging divides with compassion, integrity, and visionary leadership.

Unshaken

ALIA N. THOMAS ON FAITH, LEADERSHIP, AND THE POWER OF PURPOSE

by Icylin Morgan

“They tried to bury me, but I was a seed—and I’ve grown into my purpose.”

These words echo like a declaration, one forged in pain, rooted in purpose, and watered by faith. For Alia N. Thomas, a dynamic education leader with over 26 years of experience, those words are not just a metaphor. They are her testimony.

As the Founder and CEO of AP Consultants, LLC, Alia is on a mission to revolutionize school leadership. Her bold vision? Redefine the role of Assistant Principals—not as disciplinarians, but as transformational instructional leaders.

“Assistant Principals are more than operational managers” she says. “They’re mentors, academic coaches, visionaries.” Through training, speaking engagements, and coaching, she equips school leaders to lead with heart, strategy, and impact.

Her message struck a national chord in her TEDx talk, Pencils, Power Suits, and Sneakers: The Assistant Principals’ Marathon to Instructional STARdom She captivated audiences at Harvard University and beyond, urging school systems to invest in leaders who shape both classrooms and culture.

But the journey that brought her to the national stage was not without trial.

A SEASON OF BETRAYAL

In her powerful chapter Unshaken: Leading with Faith, Resilience, and Purpose in the Face of Doubt, featured in Peace Within, Alia recounts one of the most painful seasons of her career.

“When I entered the school that year, I was grieving the loss of my mentor, Principal Stacey Johnson, who had

I FELT BURIED, BUT I CLUNG TO GOD. MY PRAYER WARRIOR FRIEND, LYNETTE WILSON, REMINDED ME DAILY: ‘WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IS FOR YOU.’ THAT BECAME MY ANCHOR.

Photo Credit: YRN Photography, Lead Photographer, Dr. Austin J. Hill

retired after a distinguished career and left an enduring impact on my life and leadership”. she shares. “But instead of compassion, I encountered criticism. My loyalty to the staff was seen as disloyalty to new leadership.”

Her wins were questioned. Her ideas were stolen and repackaged. Her grief was twisted into weakness. Eventually, she was demoted, transferred, and her title stripped away, but not her purpose.

“I felt buried, but I clung to God,” Alia says. “My prayer warrior friend, Lynette Wilson, reminded me daily: ‘What God has for you is for you.’ That became my anchor.”

REDIRECTION, NOT REJECTION

While others saw failure, Alia saw formation. She poured her energy into what she could control, building top-tier

instructional teams, modeling collaboration, and showing up for students with excellence. Even when credit was denied, she stayed true to her calling.

Her obedience was not in vain.

In her new district, she was welcomed by a staff that celebrated her leadership. “God restored everything,” she says. “Where there was mourning, now there is dancing. Where there was isolation, now there is community.”

A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS

Beyond the school walls, Alia serves with passion. A co-author of Destiny

Expose: The Leading Ladies Vol. 1, she received the Purpose, Passion, Peace Literary Award. She’s pursuing her doctorate in Developmental Psychology and supports organizations like Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Black Door Society. She serves on boards focused on educational access, trade school pathways, and maternal health advocacy.

Through it all, her message is clear: “Leadership is not a position. It’s a posture.”

PEACE WITHIN & POWER AHEAD

Alia’s story exemplifies the theme of Peace Within—not as the absence of struggle, but the presence of God in the storm. “While man can strip titles, they cannot remove anointing,” she says. “God used what they meant for harm to elevate me.”

Her life is a reminder that the valley is not the end, and the seed that looks buried is just beginning to grow.

Peace isn’t always found in stillness—it’s often forged in the fire of experience. For Karen Walther, founder and chief executive officer of Krushin’ Goals with Karen, peace became her most powerful leadership tool, not in moments of ease, but through years of navigating demanding environments with quiet strength.

In her chapter, Rooted in Peace, My Journey to Leading Calm in Chaos, featured in Peace Within, Karen draws from over 30 years of experience across corporate, government, and military sectors to reveal how true leadership isn’t about commanding attention—but commanding clarity, conviction, and calm.

With authenticity and insight, Karen invites readers into a mindset shift—one that values presence over volume, strategy over reaction, and purpose over noise. Her tools are simple yet profound: set clear boundaries, stay grounded in your values, lead with empathy, and protect your energy.

SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTER

In the fall of 1999, as the world braced for the Y2K crisis, Karen Walther stepped into her first role as an Information Technology Specialist with Verizon. What she expected to be a collaborative, purposeful environment turned out to be loud, competitive, and draining—an atmosphere where chaos thrived and voices like hers were easily drowned out. As an introvert, she quickly learned that peace was not found in silence or avoidance, but in the courage to remain grounded, steady, and clear even when everything around her was in turmoil.

Drawing on more than 30 years across private, federal, and military sectors, Karen shares how she transformed from quietly sidelined to a leader who embodies calm strength. Her message is timely: today’s workplaces face their own quiet crisis of burnout, blurred boundaries, and relentless change. Through practical strategies—anchoring in values, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and leading with empathy—she shows that

Karen Walther

ROOTED IN PEACE

by Beverlyn Johnson

peace is not passive. It is powerful. True leadership, she reminds us, isn’t about being the loudest in the room, but about creating clarity, stability, and purpose in the midst of chaos.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Walther is the founder and chief executive officer of Krushin’ Goals with Karen, which is based in Severn, MD. She has over 20 years of combined leadership experience in the corporate, government, and military sectors. She is a certified life coach who focuses on

personal development and leadership growth for introverted leaders. She understands the difficulties that introvert leaders experience, strives to increase self-awareness, improve interpersonal interactions, and assist her clients in living the fulfilled lives they desire. Her commitment to helping others reach their full potential makes her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking leadership, personal, and professional development.

Natalie A. Solomon

SECURING PEACE FROM WITHIN

by Paula Hamilton

In this compelling and deeply personal chapter, Natalie A. Solomon, MPH invites readers to explore the transformative power of inner peace through her signature philosophy, Secure Your Oxygen Mask First™. Drawing from her upbringing in a faith-filled Jamaican immigrant household and her journey through chronic illness, a brain tumor, burnout, and recovery, Natalie redefines strength not as self-sacrifice, but as sacred self-care.

With vulnerability and wisdom, she introduces her Breathe. Balance. Bloom. method as a practical framework for cultivating peace across every sphere of life—home, workplace, and community. From compassionate boundary-setting and daily wellness rituals to peace-driven leadership and mindfulness practices, this chapter offers inspiration and sustainable tools for healing and wholeness.

Natalie reminds us that peace is not passive. It is a courageous, conscious choice—one that begins within and radiates outward. Through storytelling and

strategy, she challenges high-achieving women and change-makers to reclaim their breath, protect their boundaries, and lead in ways that nurture rather than deplete.

Her chapter, Securing Peace from Within: The Oxygen Mask Effect in Our Homes, Workplaces, and Communities, is a bold invitation to those suffocating in silence to: put your oxygen mask on first, then let peace flow from the inside out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natalie A. Solomon, MPH, is a Sacred Lifestyle Wellness Strategist™, TEDx Speaker, public health leader, and best-selling author devoted to guiding high-achieving women to reclaim their peace, purpose, and power—starting from within.

With over 20 years of experience as a Public Health Practitioner and speaker, Natalie has transformed her lived experience with chronic illness, burnout, and invisible pain into a liberating framework for holistic healing and leadership. She is the

WITH OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER AND SPEAKER, NATALIE HAS TRANSFORMED HER LIVED EXPERIENCE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS, BURNOUT, AND INVISIBLE PAIN INTO A LIBERATING FRAMEWORK FOR HOLISTIC HEALING AND LEADERSHIP.

founder of Meraki Life & Style and The Oxygen Lounge™ (Fall 2025), where she teaches women to Secure Their Oxygen Mask First™ through restorative rituals, sacred self-care, and intentional living.

After surviving stage IV endometriosis, fibroids, and brain surgery while climbing the professional ladder, Natalie now guides others to pause the performance cycle and reconnect to their truth. Her signature method, Breathe. Balance. Bloom., empowers women to set compassionate boundaries, lead with wholeness, and create peaceful environments that honor both their calling and well-being.

Her work has been featured in Today’s Purpose Woman Magazine, the Passion Purpose Peace Summit, and national wellness platforms. Whether through speaking, coaching, or curated wellness tools, Natalie is a lighthouse for women navigating burnout, chronic stress, and identity loss.

Photo Credit: Jeff Brooks

RETIRED BRIGADIER GENERAL

Twanda E. Young

THE LEADER IN THE MIRROR

by Henritta Stewart, Ph.D

Photo Credit: Emma Burcell

In The Leader in the Mirror: Confronting the Leader You Really Are – Finding Peace Within, BG (Ret) Twanda E. Young unveils a pivotal and humbling moment from her early days commanding the U.S. Army’s Theater Support Group. Determined to assert authority, she opened her tenure with a speech that was overly formal and disconnected—what she would later recognize as a misstep that deeply impacted morale. This experience forced her to confront a hard truth: the leadership she intended to deliver was not the leadership her soldiers experienced. She calls this moment the “mirror effect.”

Faced with difficult feedback and a soul-searching conversation with her husband, General Young realized her approach was rooted in control, not connection. What followed was a profound shift. She stood before her troops, acknowledged her mistake, and took ownership. That single act of vulnerability transformed the culture of her unit, laying the foundation for trust, mutual respect, and renewed morale.

Through this journey, General Young discovered that effective leadership demands ongoing self-reflection, humility, and a willingness to lead with empathy. Her chapter closes with three practical strategies—decoding feedback, recognizing yourself in others’ behavior, and proactively seeking input—that guide readers toward authentic, emotionally intelligent leadership.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Retired Brigadier General Twanda E. Young, a distinguished veteran with more than 32 years of service, is a testament to the power of authentic leadership. Her career, which saw her rise to the rank of Brigadier General, a feat achieved by less than one percent of military personnel, is a study in both discipline and self-awareness.

Now, as the CEO of LT3 Leadership Solutions, General Young draws on her extensive military experience and as a certified EQi 2.0, EQ 360, DiSC and John Maxwell certified coaching expertise to help corporations and individuals navigate the complexities of leadership. She is a sought-after speaker,

known for her candid insights on vulnerability and growth. Her work—from her influential speaking engagements to her published writings, including her autobiography in the Library of Congress—focuses on the critical link between self-reflection and effective leadership.

A recipient of numerous honors, including FLUXX 2025 Lifetime Achievement Leadership Empowerment Award, the

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Medal, General Young’s mission extends beyond the battlefield and the boardroom. She is a dedicated person who embodies the very principles she teaches, proving that true leadership is a journey of continuous introspection and empowerment for all.

Saran T. Baker

CALM WITHIN THE CHAOS

by Ann Marie Bryan

Photo Credit: Ebes Olumese

“Iwas making six figures yet drowning in debt and selfdoubt.”

With this startling admission, Saran T. Baker begins a journey of radical self-discovery in her chapter, CALM Within the Chaos: Reclaiming Financial Peace and Personal Power, featured in Peace Within. Far from just numbers on a spreadsheet, Saran’s story is about breaking generational patterns, healing financial trauma, and reclaiming her voice. Bankruptcy wasn’t her downfall—it was her breakthrough.

What followed was a financial makeover and a spiritual and strategic transformation, powered by her CALM Wealth Framework™—a four-pillar system that empowers women to shift from fear to freedom, chaos to clarity, and survival to legacy.

With deep vulnerability and unshakable wisdom, Saran redefines wealth on her terms and invites readers to do the same.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saran T. Baker is a transformation -

al Financial Master Coach, dynamic international Speaker, and passionate Business Strategist with over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit leadership. Based in Maryland, she draws on her multifaceted background in Marketing, IT, Organizational Development, and Financial Services to empower individuals and communities to build lasting financial security and generational wealth.

As the founder of Unblocking Your Path to Wealth Academy and creator of the Get Out of Debt Bootcamp, Saran is a sought-after voice in financial empowerment. She demystifies complex topics— like budgeting, tax-free retirement, debt elimination, and modern life insurance strategies—with clarity, warmth, and cultural resonance. Her signature “Rich Auntie Life” philosophy invites women to embrace abundance, while her rallying cry to “Be the BANK” inspires clients to reclaim control of their financial futures.

Saran holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Virginia State University and a Master’s in Organization

Development from Strayer University. She is also a certified Financial Fraud Investigator and internal auditor. Her government service includes leading oversight initiatives that recovered and safeguarded over $100 million in taxpayer dollars.

Her commitment to service extends beyond finance. Saran has served as President of The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Inc., and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Gamma Omega Chapter—where she was twice named Chapter President of the Year and led the chapter to earn Chapter of the Year honors three times.

A two-time 40 Under 40 honoree and 2025 recipient of Maryland’s Top 100 Women award, Saran is on a mission to coach 10,000 women, educators, entrepreneurs, and executives toward financial freedom, legacy-building, and generational abundance.

“Peace is not something you seek; It’s something you become.”—Dr.

Robin L. McNair

Dr. Robin L. McNair challenges educators to become agents of peace by embodying it first within themselves. Titled Cultivating Connection, Communication, and Community within the Classroom, her contribution to Peace Within is both a reflective journey and a practical guide for reshaping educational spaces.

Grounded in three foundational pillars—community building, non-violent communication (NVC), and restorative practices—this chapter provides educators with the tools to create classrooms that are not only academically enriching but also emotionally restorative. “Educators must see themselves as architects of compassionate and inclusive learning environments,” Dr. McNair affirms. These approaches, when integrated, can transform classrooms into safe spaces where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

Dr. McNair reminds us that cultivating peace within leads to more just, equitable, and connected school communities. The impact of this inner transformation reaches far beyond the classroom, influencing homes, neighborhoods, and future generations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Robin L. McNair is an educator of 33 years whose service and work in schools encompasses social justice, restorative justice in education, and peacemaking circles with the ultimate aim of creating communities of peace. With extensive training in circle work and non-violent communication, Dr. McNair serves as the restorative approaches district coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools and serves as a state leader for the Maryland state restorative practices workgroup.

Ms. McNair has co-authored several books to include Creating Classrooms of Peace in English Language Teaching, for Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, Beyond the Bottom Line: Entrepreneurial

Dr. Robin L. McNair

CULTIVATING CONNECTION, COMMUNICATION, AND COMMUNITY WITHIN THE CLASSROOM

by Beverlyn Johnson

Strategies for Lasting Social Change, and Peace Within (to be released this year). Further, she has served on several panels focusing on Stopping Girls of Color Pushout and Eradicating the School to Prison Pipeline. Other contributions include TEDx Gaithersburg and multiple features in NEA Today, MSEA Actionline, and TESOL professional

journal. Dr. McNair received the Honor of Distinction Award for Humanities from Trinity International University of Ambassadors and the Passion, Purpose and Peace Award from TAM Creating Ambassadors of Peace.

Photo Credit: Ebes Olumese

VICTORIOUS

BY DESIGN Development Haven

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL

Tracy Bennett

GUIDING THE NEXT GENERATION WITH PURPOSE AND COMPASSION

by Ann Marie Bryan

God placed it in my heart to lead with compassion,” says Tracy Bennett, a purpose-driven educator whose leadership continues to reshape lives within one of the most challenging systems in America—the juvenile justice system. With over 27 years of experience in education and more than 15 years at a national organization working with at-risk youth, Ms. Bennett has become a guiding light for youth who are often forgotten or written off.

In her role as National Education Director for Juvenile Justice, Tracy goes beyond oversight, she drives transformation across the system. VBD Magazine is honored to feature her powerful story of faith, healing, and commitment to equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed.

FROM CLASSROOMS TO ALTERNATIVE CAMPUSES

Tracy began her educational career in 1995, stepping into the classroom with a simple but unshakable belief: “Education should be redemptive. It should build, not break.” That belief has fueled her journey, from teacher to principal, from program director to national leader.

“I didn’t plan on working in juvenile justice,” she admits. “But God has a way of ordering your steps, even when you don’t see the full path ahead.”

When Tracy was first introduced to her current employer, a national organization that partners with juvenile justice systems to rehabilitate youth through education, counseling, and life skills training, she knew right away this was not only a job, but it was a ministry.

“I remember walking through the campus and seeing these young men—brilliant, funny, hurting. And God whispered to me, ‘They need to see Me in you.’ That was all the confirmation I needed.”

BUILDING CULTURE IN DIFFICULT PLACES

Leadership in juvenile justice is not for the

Photo Credit: Lo Davis Production, LLC

faint of heart. Yet Tracy leads with grace, empathy, and strategic excellence. She focuses not just on policies—but on people.

“You cannot walk into these environments with only compliance on your mind,” she explains. “You must lead with conviction and compassion. My goal is to make sure that the culture I help build, feels more like healing than punishment.”

Her approach is deeply rooted in collaboration. “I believe in building bridges between staff and students, between education and mental health teams, and between families and facilities. Everyone must be part of the healing process.”

Tracy is known for developing trauma-informed training systems that empower educators to see beyond behavior and into the heart of each child. “They’re not bad kids,” she affirms. “They are wounded, and they need us to be consistent, caring, and clear about their potential.”

A NONPROFIT BIRTHED IN PURPOSE

Beyond her professional duties, Tracy is the founder of Girls of Completion, a nonprofit focused on the holistic empowerment of girls ages 12 to 18.

“Girls of Completion was born out of the need I saw in young girls—particularly those navigating trauma, poverty, and broken homes. I wanted to create a space where they could grow spiritually, emotionally, and academically.”

The nonprofit offers workshops, mentorship, community engagement, and empowerment events. “It’s not just about keeping them out of trouble; it’s about building them up so that they believe they are destined for more.”

She adds, “I tell them all the time: You are complete in Christ. You don’t need to wait for a relationship, a degree, or a job to make you whole. You are already enough.”

A QUIET STRENGTH IN A NOISY WORLD

When asked how she sustains her drive and vision, Tracy credits her faith entirely. “Without God, I couldn’t do this work,” she says. “Some days are heavy. Some stories break your heart. But I always go back to my source—He is my strength and shield.”

Her days often begin with early morning prayer and devotion time. “Before I log into any meeting or respond to any email, I make sure I’ve spent time with God,” she shares. “That alignment changes everything.”

Faith isn’t just personal for Tracy; it’s woven into her leadership. “I lead like Jesus. I listen first. I serve first. And I always leave room for grace.”

WATCHING LIVES TURN AROUND

Some of Tracy’s proudest moments come from witnessing the transformation of students who once felt hopeless.

“I’ve seen kids come in angry, traumatized, and disengaged. And I’ve seen those same kids graduate, mentor others, and go on to college or trades,” she reflects.

One young man still stands out in her memory. “He told me, ‘Ms. Bennett, I never thought I was smart until you said I was.’ That stuck with me. Our words carry weight.”

She adds, “It’s not about saving everyone, it’s about being obedient to plant seeds. God will do the growing.”

LEADING THROUGH LOVE AND STRATEGY

As National Education Director, Tracy now supports educational programming across multiple juvenile justice campuses. Her work involves curriculum alignment, staff development, policy creation, and advocacy.

But no matter how far up the ladder she’s climbed, she stays grounded. “Titles don’t move me. Purpose does,” she says. “I use every platform I’m given to advocate for better systems, better support, and better outcomes.”

She’s also a fierce champion for women in leadership. “I want young women—especially women of color—to know they can lead with boldness and still be soft. Still be kind. Still be faithful.”

Her leadership philosophy is clear: “Be excellent. Be ethical. And be effective. Everything else will follow.”

ON LEGACY AND IMPACT

For Tracy, the work is far from done. “There are still too many youths falling through the cracks. Too many schools lack the support they need. Too many leaders operate from fear instead of faith.”

That’s why she continues to expand her nonprofit, mentor educators, and advocate for policy reform. She’s also in the early stages of developing a curriculum for girls in juvenile justice that blends literacy, identity-building, and trauma recovery.

When asked about legacy, she says: “I

want people to say, ‘She didn’t just work in the system, she worked to change it.’”

To aspiring educators, Tracy offers this encouragement: “You were called for this. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Love, your students. Lead your staff. Guard your peace. And don’t ever forget, you’re doing work.”

To young people navigating tough roads: “Your past does not define you. Your mistakes do not determine your destiny. You are more than enough, and there’s a future with your name on it. Don’t give up.”

And to herself?

“Keep showing up. Keep doing the work. God is not finished.”

In a season where the world is craving truth, healing, and leadership rooted in love, Tracy stands tall. Not perfect, not boastful, but present, faithful, and obedient. Tracy Bennett is not just making a difference, she’s changing lives.

LISTEN LINDA 21-DAY AUTHOR BOOTCAMP

VICTORIOUS BY DESIGN LITERARY Den

The Listen Linda 21-Day Author Bootcamp, led by the dynamic Dr. Jacquiline Cox and powered by Listen Linda Publishing, is transforming aspiring writers into published authors. Designed to help individuals write, publish, and achieve Amazon Best Seller status within just 21 days, this intensive program is a movement of bold obedience, literary clarity, and breakthrough storytelling.

In this first celebrated cohort, five remarkable women—Myra Cook, LeShawn Fernandez, Dr. LeAnn Cerise Hendrick, Pamela Nance Johnson, and Charise King—defied doubt, beat the clock, and emerged with completed books in hand. Each story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when faith meets focus.

INSIDE THE BOOTCAMP

l A 21-day intensive program designed to guide aspiring authors from blank page to published book.

l Includes group coaching, writing prompts, professional formatting support, and a thriving accountability community.

l Tailored to help authors complete their manuscript, self-publish, and position their books for Amazon Best Seller status.

l Built for first-time writers, faith-driven creatives, and anyone ready to break through procrastination and fear.

VBD Magazine is honored to feature this inaugural class of authors who didn’t just dream—they delivered. And the best part? The next cohort is currently open for enrollment.

MEET DR. JACQUILINE COX

Bestselling Author | Publisher | Literary Coach | Mrs. Illinois USA Ambassador

Dr. Jacquiline Cox is a powerhouse in publishing, branding, and kingdom storytelling. As a bestselling author, CEO of Listen Linda Brand & Marketing, and founder of Listen Linda Publishing, she has built her platform on truth-telling, transparency, and turning trauma into purpose-driven narratives.

From the foster care system to the pageant stage, Dr. Cox is proof that your story can

Listen Linda 21-Day Author Bootcamp

by Ann Marie Bryan

rise from the ashes and change the world. Through her bootcamp and publishing company, she has helped hundreds of new authors—especially women of color and first-time writers—find their voice and publish their truth.

Crowned Mrs. Illinois USAAmbassador, Dr. Cox uses her voice not only to advocate for women and families, but to elevate stories that heal, empower, and restore hope. As a contributing writer for VBD Magazine,

she brings her signature blend of bold encouragement, literary excellence, and faith-forward inspiration to every article.

When she’s not writing or mentoring the next wave of authors, you’ll find Dr. Cox with her beloved husband, Dr. Marvis Cox Sr., and their children—her greatest joy and testimony.

Leshawn Fernandez

TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE

by Dr. Jacquiline Cox

When I tell you the journey of becoming an author is no small feat, believe me when I say it takes discipline, faith, and a whole lot of courage. That’s why I’m so excited to spotlight one of our newest graduates of the Listen Linda Publishing 21-Day Author Bootcamp—none other than the powerful and resilient LeShawn Fernandez.

LeShawn just released her brand-new book, Book of Divine Devotions, a 30-day walk of healing and surrender that invites readers to lay their burdens at the foot of the Cross. Through her testimony and her pen, she shows us what it really means to let God turn pain into purpose. Today, she’s pulling back the curtain to share her experience in the Bootcamp, her writing process, and the heart behind her devotional.

THE BLURB

Are you ready to lay your burdens at the foot of the Cross and step into healing?

In Book of Divine Devotions , author LeShawn Fernandez invites you on a 30-day journey of surrender, faith, and transformation. Written straight from her heart and her testimony, this devotional is designed to help you release what you were never meant to carry and embrace the grace, peace, and love of God.

Each day includes:

l A powerful affirmation to reset your mindset

l Scripture to anchor your faith

l A transparent personal story to remind you that you are not alone

l Reflection questions to draw you closer to God

l A declaration of truth to speak over your life

l A heartfelt prayer to guide you into His presence

Whether you feel forgotten, broken, or weighed down by life’s storms, Book of Divine Devotions will remind you that God sees you, loves you, and has a purpose for your pain. This is more than a devotional—it’s a lifeline for anyone ready to surrender, heal, and grow.

If you’ve been searching for a way back to God’s arms, this is your invitation home.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

You’ve just graduated from the Listen Linda Publishing 21-Day Author Bootcamp. What was the biggest “aha” moment for you during the process, and how did it shift the way you see yourself as an author?

The biggest aha moment for me, was understanding that you definitely have a lot of work ahead of you promoting your book once you publish it. It’s not that you write your book and publish it, thinking people will know how to purchase your book.

Your new book Book of Divine Devotions just released—congratulations! Tell us what inspired you to write this devotional and what you hope readers walk away with.

My book was inspired by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to help others on this spiritual journey that I was blessed by God to write. It is a devotional to help others understand their walk after healing and their continued walk with the Lord.

Writing a devotional means opening up your personal journey and testimony. What was the hardest part of being so transparent—and what was the most healing part for you?

I would have to say the hardest part for me was being very transparent and vulnerable, understanding that some people will judge me while others will find it to be a healing tool. I would say understanding that I went through these stages which helped me heal on this spiritual journey.

In the Bootcamp, we emphasize discipline and accountability. How did you balance life, family, and writing while staying on track to meet the deadline?

I can’t say it was a balance for me because life stepped in like a wrecking ball within my business and I became very overwhelmed and wanted to throw in the towel. However, God would not allow that to happen.

For that woman (or man) reading this right now who feels like their story doesn’t matter or that it’s “too late” to write a book—what would you say to them, now that you’ve crossed this finish line yourself?

It’s never too late as long as you have breath in your body and God allows you to see a new day. It is a new day and opportunity to write your book, because someone out there needs to hear your story.

LeShawn’s story is living proof that when you say “yes” to your calling, God will meet you with the strength, resources, and community to see it through. From Bootcamp participant to published author, she’s reminding us that it’s never too late to tell your story, and that healing is always worth the work.

Family, make sure you grab your copy of Book of Divine Devotions and support LeShawn on this incredible journey. Because when one of us wins, we all win—and Listen Linda, this is just the beginning for her!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LeShawn Fernandez, a notable author, insurance expert, and motivational speaker, is dedicated to inspiring positive transformation in individuals. With a profound commitment to empowerment, her talks resonate with audiences across various platforms, driving motivation and encouragement to reach new heights.

Ilove shining a light on new authors stepping boldly into their purpose. This month in the Listen Linda Book Nook, I’m celebrating one of my very own—Ms. Myra Cook. She came through the Listen Linda Publishing 21-Day Author Bootcamp with a dream in her heart and a story in her spirit. And let me tell you, she didn’t just write a book… she wrote a testimony. Her debut, Finding Love After 70, is proof that God’s timing is always right on time, and love doesn’t come with an expiration date.

THE BLURB

Love has no age limit.

In Finding Love After 70, Myra Cook invites readers into a tender, uplifting story that proves romance can bloom at any season of life. Through heartfelt storytelling and rich, relatable characters, this novella captures the beauty of rediscovering companionship, laughter, and trust when the world least expects it.

For anyone who has wondered if it’s too late to dream again, this story whispers a gentle reminder: it’s never too late to find love.

Perfect for readers who believe in second chances and the enduring power of the heart, Finding Love After 70 is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the sweet surprises waiting just beyond yesterday’s shadows.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

You stepped into the Listen Linda Publishing 21-Day Author Bootcamp and came out with a whole book in your hands. Tell us—what was the biggest shift for you during those 21 days, from just having an idea to now holding a finished story?

The biggest shift for me during the 21-day Bootcamp was seeing my book idea come to life on actual paper. It showed me that I truly can do this—from start to finish.

Your book Finding Love After 70 carries a message of hope, second chances, and God’s timing. What made you decide that this was the story you needed to tell right now in your life?

Myra Cook

LOVE HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE

by Dr. Jacquiline Cox

I needed to tell my story because sometimes when you aren’t looking for love at the age of 70, it finds you.

Writing a love story at 70 isn’t just about romance—it’s about faith, courage, and saying “yes” to possibilities. How did writing this book challenge

you personally, and what did it heal or confirm in you?

This book challenged me because I hadn’t been in love in years, and I questioned whether I was even qualified to write about finding it again.

Bootcamp is not for the faint of heart— you have deadlines, feedback, rewrites, and a whole community cheering you on. What did you learn about yourself as a writer and as a woman going through this process?

What I learned about myself as a writer is that I can really get my message told in a way that was wholesome and sweet. I love the feedback from others telling me what I did wrong and what I did right.

Now that the book is complete and people are about to read your words, what do you hope readers—especially women your age—take away from Finding Love After 70?

After reading Finding Love After 70, I hope readers—whether they’re actively looking for love or not—will be reminded that love can find you at any age, right when you least expect it.

I hope Myra’s journey inspires you to pick up your pen, pick up your faith, and pick up the courage to finish what God placed inside of you. Finding Love After 70 isn’t just a book, it’s a reminder that second chances are real, and joy can meet you right where you are. Congratulations, Myra—you’re walking proof that when you commit to the process, the promise shows up.

Pamela Nance Johnson

ANSWERING GOD’S CALL DURING CHAOTIC TIMES

by Dr. Jacquiline Cox

I’m turning the spotlight on a woman who didn’t just talk about writing a book—she showed up, stayed the course, and did the work. Pamela Nance Johnson stepped into my 21-Day Author Bootcamp with purpose in her pen and obedience in her spirit. And now, she’s officially an author with the release of her brand-new devotional, You’re Not Too Busy: It’s God’s Time Anyway.

Pamela’s voice is authentic, her message is necessary, and her testimony will meet you right where you are. Keep reading as she shares what pushed her, what surprised her, and what she’s praying this devotional does for every woman who opens it.

THE BLURB

Don’t let busyness rob you of God’s presence. Life moves fast. Between commuting, working, parenting, and the countless demands of everyday living, we often feel there’s no time left for God. But what if the very moments you rush through are the ones where He’s waiting to meet you?

In You’re Not Too Busy: It’s God’s Time Anyway, Pamela Nance Johnson offers 31 days of powerful devotionals that weave together Scripture, prayer, and song suggestions. These short, spirit-filled reflections prove that no matter where you are - on a train, in a waiting room, during a lunch break God is always present and ready to speak.

Through her authentic voice and lived experiences, Pamela reminds us that:

l Small beginnings matter when they’re rooted in faith.

l God’s timing is never late, even when it feels delayed.

l Your light may be the only Bible someone else reads.

l Prayer, scripture, and worship can transform any ordinary day into holy ground.

This devotional is more than encouragement - it’s a call to reclaim your time for God. Because the truth is: you’re not too busy. It’s His time anyway.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What was the turning point that made you say, “Alright God, it’s time—I’m finally going to write this devotional?”

I realized that time is passing and if not now, then when. It may sound like a cliché but it’s true. I had the framework with my Facebook posts, the experience with anthologies and guest blog opportunities. Well then along came Listen Linda 21Day Boot Camp and the rest is my story! You’re Not Too Busy, It’s God’s Time Anyway! Perfect timing, Perfect Title.

You came through the 21-Day Author Bootcamp with fire and focus. What part of the bootcamp stretched you the most—and what part reminded you of just how powerful your voice really is?

Actually, time management stretched me the most. I work full-time with long days due to my commute. I’m actively serving in church ministry and have other family responsibilities. I had to say no, plus select do not disturb and mute my phone to get to the finish line. When I shared the book cover as a preview, it was encouraging to get positive feedback, and I knew people started anticipating and anxiously awaiting the book itself.

Your devotional, You’re Not Too Busy: It’s God’s Time Anyway, is such a timely word. What message do you pray each reader walks away with after the final page?

I pray that each reader does just what the title says, realizes that time belongs to God anyway. If we are too busy for God’s Word, we are busier than He ever intended us to be. That our personal relationship with Him is the most important and it takes intentional, quality time to build it.

We know writing a book is personal—but publishing it? That’s next level. What did it mean to you to birth this project under Listen Linda Publishing and be part of this sisterhood of faith-based authors?

Birthing this spiritual book baby was by divine design. Listen Linda Publishing just felt right to my spirit and that’s most

important to me. I’m not everyone and everyone is not for me and I’m okay with it. I could see the fruit (professionalism, expertise and like-spirit, successful projects). My hope is that God is well pleased.

If you could speak directly to the version of you who almost talked herself out of doing this book… what would you say to her now?

There were only a couple times I said to myself, what did you sign up for? I’d tell her I see you and I am so proud of you for staying focused, using your God given gifts for the kingdom, and for crossing the finish line.

Whew! If that didn’t light a fire under you, I don’t know what will. Pamela reminded us all that obedience will open doors that hustle never could—and when you stop waiting for “perfect timing” and honor God’s timing, everything changes.

Her devotional is available now, and trust me, it’s not just a read—it’s a reset.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pamela Nance Johnson is a Christian Author. She has been a co-contributor to several anthologies before pursuing her solo works. Pamela Nance Johnson enjoys sharing the gospel with others using written devotionals, coloring books and journaling. She also loves lifting praise through music ministry.

Charise King

A HEALING JOURNEY IN EVERY PAGE

by Dr. Jacquiline Cox

Meet Charise King—an author who brought her whole heart to the page. Charise knows what it means to take her pain, lessons, and victories and turn them into a testimony of healing. Through the Listen Linda 21-Day Author Bootcamp, Charise pushed past fear, doubt, and hesitation to release her book, Sir, I Am Not Her. She Is Not Me. We Are Not the Same. Her story is raw, unfiltered, and rooted in self-love—and it’s already changing lives.

BLURB

Sir, I Am Not Her. She Is Not Me. We Are Not the Same is more than a book—it’s a declaration of freedom.

In these raw and unfiltered pages, Charise King opens her heart and reveals the battles she’s fought, the scars she’s carried, and the healing she’s claimed. From childhood wounds to adult lessons, she takes readers on a journey through pain, reflection, and resilience—reminding us that we don’t have to be who life, family, or circumstances tried to label us as.

With bold honesty and her signature “Charisisms,” Charise gives voice to every woman who has ever been underestimated, overlooked, or mislabeled. Her words are a mirror and a medicine—helping readers see their worth, set their boundaries, and step unapologetically into self-love.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Your new book is raw, real, and straight from the heart. What was the turning point in your life that made you say, “Now is the time—I’ve got to tell my story?”

I knew it was a turning point for me when I started questioning the various life challenges and wanted to understand

I KNEW IT WAS A TURNING POINT FOR ME WHEN I STARTED QUESTIONING THE VARIOUS LIFE CHALLENGES AND WANTED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT PART I PLAYED IN THEM.

what part I played in them. I believed that what was happening was not always me, not accepting that all was about me, but how people saw themselves.

You’ve been through the Listen Linda 21-Day Author Bootcamp. What part of that process stretched you the most as a writer and empowered you the most as a woman?

The part that stretched me was staying on task to complete the manuscript, and it may relate to the readers’ audience. I am empowered to know that I have a purpose and wisdom that can benefit the world.

Your book talks about self-love and healing after everything you’ve endured. What’s one chapter or story in the book that still makes you emotional when you read it back?

The “Broke Chick” chapter clearly shows how another person’s perception of you is based on their mindset. Or the lack of self-esteem to get projected on you. It doesn’t make it valid. Along with knowing some people know that you are not broke, will someone twist the narrative to feel higher than you?

A lot of authors dream about writing but never finish. What advice would you give someone sitting on their story,

scared to release it, the same way you once hesitated?

To go ahead, start writing the book. It doesn’t matter, just as long as you start. And, understand no one will believe in you more than you believe in yourself. Clap for yourself!!! Period

Now that you’ve released this book, what’s next? How do you see this project opening doors—not just for you as an author, but for the women who will read your words and see themselves in your journey?

Next are opportunities for speaking engagements, mentorship for others, magazine articles, spotlight co-host on shows, and even voice acting opportunities. Impacting younger women to know to have a standard and to inspire anyone to go for it all. Leave no Crumbs!

Charise’s journey reminds us all that healing is a process, but freedom is possible when you choose to tell your truth. She came into the 21-Day Bootcamp with a vision and left with a book that’s now inspiring women everywhere to stand tall, set boundaries, and love themselves unapologetically. If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, make sure you do—and let Charise’s words remind you that you don’t have to be who the world tried to make you.

Dr. LeAnn Cerise Hendrick

by Dr. Jacquiline Cox

HOLY TEA, SERVED DAILY

I’m excited to highlight one of our very own from the Listen Linda Publishing 21-Day Author Bootcamp, Dr. LeAnn Cerise Hendrick.

In just three weeks, Dr. LeAnn took the vision God placed on her heart and brewed it into a devotional that’s both creative and soul-stirring: Just A Cup of Holy Tea: Spiritual Tea That Will Soothe Your Soul. With every page, she invites us to put down the cup of gossip and pick up a cup of God’s goodness — one sip at a time. From her bold commitment in Bootcamp to her breakthrough moment as an author, Dr. LeAnn shows what can happen when obedience meets opportunity.

THE BLURB

Have you ever craved more than just the latest “tea” of gossip and chatter? Just A Cup of Holy Tea: Spiritual Tea That Will Soothe Your Soul invites you to sip on something far more refreshing-truth, wisdom, and the living Word of God.

Dr. LeAnn Cerise Hendrick, h.c., takes readers on a journey through twenty-four “cups” of spiritual insight-each one a flavor of God’s holy tea. From Personality to Unity, Humility, Generosity, and more, each chapter blends scripture, reflection, and prayer to nourish your soul and strengthen your walk with Christ.

Much like a warm cup of herbal tea, this devotional is soothing, restorative, and designed to calm the spirit. Every sip will challenge you to trade gossip for grace, bitterness for obedience, and brokenness for wholeness.

If you are ready to be refreshed, renewed, and drawn closer to God, then pour yourself Just a Cup of Holy Tea-and let it quench your thirst for truth while filling your soul with peace.

MY ADVICE TO SOMEONE

WHO FEELS THE

CALL TO WRITE WOULD BE TO DO IT.  DO IT IF YOU ARE SCARED, DO IT EVEN IF YOU ARE DOUBTFUL, AND DO IT WITHOUT HESITATION.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Take us back to the beginning — what inspired you to join the Listen Linda 21-Day Author Bootcamp, and what was the turning point where you knew this book had to be written?

I was inspired to join Listen Linda 21-Day Author Bootcamp because I wanted to enhance my self-publishing skills. The turning point for writing this book took place before I joined the Listen Linda 21Day Author Bootcamp because God had already charged me with the assignment.

The theme of your devotional, Just a Cup of Holy Tea, is both creative and relatable. Where did the idea of “holy tea” come from, and how did God shape that vision into the finished book we see today?

The idea of “holy tea” came to me as I was having a personal conversation with God about the sin of gossip that so many people seem to partake in these days. I drink tea every day out of mugs with inspirational quotes, scriptures and sayings on them so it seemed like the perfect title to me and once God approved it - that settled it.

Bootcamp is fast-paced — 21 days is no joke! What was the biggest challenge you faced during the process, and how did you push through to cross the finish line with a completed manuscript?

The Listen Linda 21-Day Author Bootcamp is fast-paced however once you have made a decision to move forward God will make a way for you to surpass any anxieties, struggles, or hurdles that you may face along the way. I embrace challenges so I honestly didn’t have any that I had to push through because God had already made provisions for me to complete what I had started.

Just a Cup of Holy Tea is out in the world. What do you want readers to walk away with after sipping through these pages?

Now that Just A Cup of Holy Tea has been released to the world, I want every

partaker who reads this devotional to walk away understanding the power in their own tongue for not just speaking into others but also over yourself. I want them to also understand that if they are going to participate in gossip then it needs to be holy gossip for this is sure to please God.

Looking ahead, what advice would you give to someone who feels the call to write but doubts they can do it — especially in such a short, structured time like the Bootcamp?

My advice to someone who feels the call to write would be to do it. Do it if you are scared, do it even if you are doubtful, and do it without hesitation. Don’t put off what you can do today, for tomorrow is not promised.

Dr. LeAnn’s journey is proof that when you say yes to God and show up for yourself, extraordinary things can happen — even in just 21 days. Her devotional is not only a reflection of her personal faith walk, but also a gift to every reader thirsty for encouragement, truth, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.

So grab your copy of Just A Cup of Holy Tea: Spiritual Tea That Will Soothe Your Soul and let it refresh your spirit. Trust me, this is one cup you’ll want to keep refilling.

Until next time, keep reading, keep growing, and remember — your story is worth telling.

VICTORIOUS BY DESIGN Zone LOVE

Shaun & Millicent Battick A LOVE FOR ALL TIMES

THE COUPLE SHARES THEIR INSIGHTS ON MARRIAGE— THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPATIBILITY, CREATING BOUNDARIES, AND HOW TO HANDLE FINANCES

by Kerry-Ann McPherson

Thirty-six years ago, Shaun and Millicent said, “I do.” Their commitment to honor God and their vows to each other have been keeping them through all the seasons of their lives. Take one look at them now and you know they are still in love. It’s like they are living out the words of their wedding song by Crystal Gayle, “A long and lasting love.”

In 1984, Millicent moved from her rural home in St. Catherine, Jamaica, to attend university in St. Andrew. As a new Christian, God directed her steps to Meadowbrook United Church, where she attended their Youth Fellowship and Sunday services. Here, she was destined to meet Shaun Battick. At the time, Shaun served as a youth Bible study leader and played a key role in deepening Millicent’s understanding of the Scriptures. Every Friday, he and a group of young men escorted the ladies to their homes, Millicent included. Little did they know that these walks would be a pathway to their eventual relationship two years later. In 1989, their relationship was cemented in marriage.

VBD Magazine is honored to share some of the insights Shaun and Millicent have gained about marriage over the years. What’s the secret to making their marriage work? Let’s find out.

A FOUNDATION OF FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

A cornerstone of their relationship lies in their faith in Jesus Christ. Shaun believes that having a relationship with God is critical. It is the source of stability, peace, and security for their marriage and family. Whatever they are going through, it is reassuring to know God is with them and sustaining them. With joy, they quote Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV), “The Eternal

THEIR COMMITMENT TO GOD FUELS THEIR COMMITMENT TO EACH OTHER, AND THEY CONFESS THAT THEY COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT GOD’S HELP.

God is [our] refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms.” They literally feel His arms keeping them, through the good and especially the difficult times. Millicent is particularly grateful to her mother for introducing her to the Lord. When she reflects on the day she was saved until now, she is filled with rest and peace. That same faith continues to shape the lives of their four children, each of whom they cherish deeply and joyfully affirm as they witness God’s work unfolding in them.

Rooted in faith and bound together by God as their third cord, they have learned that there is more to longevity in marriage, which begins even before a commitment is made. Millicent expresses the importance of getting involved with someone you can laugh and be yourself with. Authenticity is key. She solemnly warns that if you cannot live with certain things about your partner, it is best not to get married. That’s because you will have to deal with these things for the rest of your life! Interestingly, Shaun saw this differently. He cheerfully reminded Millicent of the admonition in 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV). It says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” For him, if you really love someone, you will be surprised to see how far you can look beyond their

faults and the things that irritate you. Over the years, they have argued about several things, but when they put their struggles against time, none of those things have lasting value and love won repeatedly.

LOVE IN ACTION

This love continually threads through their marriage in both word and action. They protect it by setting boundaries, enhance it by being good spouses to each other and invest in it with their finances.

By virtue of Millicent’s character and personality, she carries herself in such a way where people do not have the freedom to enter her space and entertain certain conversations. She has always been known for this from a young age and even more in her marriage. Shaun takes a similar approach, standing for discipline and commitment. They both assert that boundaries are important and must be vital parts of every marriage. Each day, couples should decide that their commitment to each other is more important than the circumstances around them.

This commitment extends to being good spouses. Through Shaun’s eyes, being a good spouse speaks to the freedom for individuality within the emotional safety

of their union. Within any relationship, spouses will do things together because they love the same things; however, they may not have the same interests. Good spouses allow each other to be happy in their own space without being criticized for it. It’s funny how their children tease them about their father’s passion with photography and their mother’s fascination with journaling: a testament of the freedom within their marriage to be themselves authentically. With Millicent, being a good spouse also means always being there for another. She cannot think of a time when Shaun has not been there for her. It is no surprise that she feels comfortable every day knowing that she’s going home to her husband. This consistency intertwined with respect has been foundational to their love and friendship.

On a practical note, marriage and money have always worked hand in hand. They are firm believers in pooling funds together so that it becomes “our” money. They established this pattern from the beginning of their marriage, where they joined their accounts and communicated openly about

financial management. It has worked for them over the years because of their practical budgeting habits, transparency, respect and love. At the same time, they agree that there must be freedom for the other person to spend their money, which underscores the element of individuality within the safety of their marriage.

THE SECRET TO MAKING A MARRIAGE WORK

As a young couple, they made two chilling observations about marriages around them.

l Couples lived together all their lives, but they only cohabited. They did not like each other; they merely tolerated each other as roommates.

l Couples gave all their time and attention to their children and left little room to develop their marriage. When the children got older and left the family home, the relationship between the husband and wife significantly declined to nothing.

Both Shaun and Millicent knew emphatically that they never wanted to live like this! So, they took proactive steps to intentionally develop their marriage.

Noting that their commitment to God fuels their commitment to each other, they confess that they could not have done this without God’s help. Throughout their lives together, they ensured that they:

l Continued to date each other.

l Enjoyed secret trips and getaways for just the two of them.

l Deepened their friendship through quality time.

l Volunteered and served together.

They compared the maintenance of their marriage to that of a car. They must maintain their vehicle, otherwise, one day, it will not be able to take you to your destination. Some people can maintain their cars so well that even after five years, they are able to sell it like a brand-new car. This kind of deliberateness is needed with marriage to keep it in tip-top shape. When difficulties arise, the car will not leave you stranded. Likewise, your marriage isn’t going to leave you stranded.

So, what’s the secret to making your marriage work? Be intentional in maintaining it and watch it blossom.

VICTORIOUS BY DESIGN INSPIRATION Oasis

Wait On The Lord

“H

ast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40: 28-31 (KJV)

by

Photo

Kateryna Hliznitsova