Valerie Martin-Stewart, was born in Taylor, MS to the late Hervie Martin and the late Louise Martin-Pope. She is divorced but was blessed with one beautiful daughter name Paris Marie from that marriage.

Professionally, Dr. Stewart has conducted many revivals, conferences and seminars nationally and internationally to include Peru and Jamaica. She is a sought-after Motivational Speaker at many government and non-government functions. She recently was a Workshop Presenter at the Blacks in Government (BIG) National Training Conference in August 2007 under the subject “DO IT AFRAID!” She has been asked to speak at next year’s BIG conference, which will convene in New Orleans, August 2008.

Ecclesiastically, Dr. Stewart was diversely raised under and sat at the sagacious feet of several renowned evangelical theologians, ministers, laity and seasoned educators. She accepted the Lord Jesus as her personal Savior at the young age of 8 years old. She knew she was being called to preach at the age of 16 years old, but ran from her calling for 13 years as she had been raised in a strict Missionary Baptist church where she was taught that women were not called to preach, but become missionaries only. She finally yielded to the Lord and accepted her calling in June 1997. She was licensed to preach in 1998 and ordained in 2000 both in the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Educationally, Dr. Stewart attended Lafayette High School in Oxford, MS graduating with honors and in the top 5% of her class. She is listed in Who’s Who Among High School Students in the class of 1984. She matriculated for two years at Northwest Jr. College (NWJC) in Senatobia, MS where she received her A.S. degree in Computer Science graduating with honors. She then matriculated to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) where she received her B.S.E. degree in Electrical Engineering. She matriculated to Heritage Bible College and received her Masters in Biblical Studies, graduating Magna cum Laude with a 3.94 G.P.A. She matriculated at Andersonville Theological Seminary where she received her Doctorate Degree in the Ministry also graduating Magna cum Laude with a 3.94 G.P.A.

Dr. Stewart overcame her learning obstacles, particularly being in remedial reading in Jr. High. She is yet overcoming her shyness and fear of speaking before a large group of people.

Athletically, Dr. Stewart played basketball ball in Jr. High, High School, and was blessed to receive athletic scholarships to NWJC and UAH. During her senior year in high school, she received the Tucker-Rowland Scholarship and Attorney and Mrs. Craig’s Scholarship. She was the first recipient of the Tucker-Rowland scholarship as one of her basketball teammate, Shannon & her sister Robin were both killed in a car accident her senior year. She received numerous awards to include Most Valuable Player, Best Defensive, and Player of the Week on numerous occasions. She was blessed to have the opportunity to play professional basketball in Peru, Australia, and Italy. She was employed with the Australian Government as a Computer Analyst and Technical Support.

Journalistically, Dr. Stewart became a published author on May 31, 2006 publishing her first book entitled “Out of Pain Came Poetry” subtitle “Tapping into the Greatness Within.” Valerie has been writing for over 20 years and started when she was only 12 years old. She’s currently finishing her second book dealing with her life growing up with rejection and low self-esteem that she’s suffered as a result of her pain and suicidal thoughts.

Philanthropically, Dr. Stewart has timelessly enjoyed giving back her expertise to her hometown, Taylor, MS and the surrounding cities. She awards scholarships to the C & D average high school students who desires to attend college or a trade school. She awarded the first two scholarships in August 2005 in her home church in Taylor. She has returned home to hold revivals, conferences, and workshops for the youth & adults inspiring them with her words, time, talents, and heart instilling in them that they have greatness within. In June 2005, God led her to start a nonprofit outreach ministry called “Taking It By Force” based on St. Matthew 11:12. The ministry host conferences, workshops, revivals and awards scholarships to help those who are down.

Internationally, Dr. Stewart traveled to Lima, Peru on a 10-day mission trip in June 2006 and to Montego Bay, Jamaica on a 7-day mission trip in April 2007 with Pastor Bruce Carter and New Covenant Creations Ministries out of Alpharetta, GA. She had the opportunity to preach nightly, perform altar calls, visit and minister to the elderly as well as minister to children at the many girls and boys orphanages. She has been invited back to Jamaica to do a Women’s Conference and preach a Crusade by 2 local pastors there. She will be returning to Montego Bay to preach a Crusade and do mission work with a team under her own ministry, “Taking it By Force Outreach Ministries, INC.” in October 2007.

As a minister, professional speaker, electrical engineer and former world class athlete, Dr. Stewart is available to do training and keynote speaking at conventions, companies, federal and state-sponsored events, civic associations, school systems, and churches. To learn more about her speaking availability and seminar schedules, as well as Dr. Stewart’s resources, contact her by phone at 256.726.9986 or email her at vstewart@knology.net.