Valerie Martin-Stewart, was born in Water Valley, MS to the late Hervie Martin and the late Louise Martin-Pope. She is divorced but was blessed with one beautiful daughter named Paris Marie.

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 has served as a Workshop Presenter at the Blacks in Government (BIG) National Training Conference in August 2007 under the subject “DO IT AFRAID!” She returned to BIG NTC to be a Workshop Presenter August 2008 in New Orleans, LA. She plans to be an annual presenter in August at the BIG NTC.

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 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 during 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 toured in Italy. She was employed with the Australian Government as a Computer Analyst and Supervisory Technical Support.

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 desire to attend college or 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 is a sought-after preacher in Peru and Monetego Bay, Jamaica as she has travelled there many times to carry out mission trips. She gathers a team of all denominations who have a willing heart to serve the people. They divide up at night as they go preach at various churches, give testimonies and lead in worship. During the day, they travel as a team to elderly homes and girls and boys orphanages where they sing, pray, and teach to the people. They carry many clothes, shoes, toys, and much needed items to distribute to the elderly, girls, and boys. They have also been blessed to have the Peruvians and the Jamaicans sing melodies songs to them to show their joy and appreciation for the team visiting and spending time with them. They go to the schools in Jamaica, as they still have devotion in the mornings, and sing, pray and give pep talks to the Jamaican children of all ages. Dr. Stewart plans to travel annually to Jamaica and all who desires to travel with her are welcomed! She has had many pastors, ministers, and layperson to travel internationally with her.

As a minister, professional speaker, electroncis 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 256.468.7988 or via email at: takeitbyforce@valeriemstewart.com.