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VBD STAR POWER LIST: 10 Trailblazing Women of Faith, Purpose, and Impact

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

 

As we commemorate Women’s History Month, we honor the extraordinary women who are shattering barriers, sparking transformative change, and leaving an indelible legacy in their fields. VBD Magazine proudly spotlights 10 trailblazing women of faith, purpose, and impact who are boldly walking in their calling. Through their remarkable gifts, they uplift communities, empower others, break generational cycles, and inspire future leaders. May their stories kindle your faith, fuel your passion, and propel you toward a future filled with purpose and impact.



SHIRLEY MATHEW

Empowering Transformation Through Soul Coaching

With a diverse background spanning the corporate world, entrepreneurship, and education, Shirley Mathew’s path has been one of continuous evolution—personally, professionally, and spiritually. But her most profound transformation came when she stepped into her true calling: helping others reclaim their power through soul coaching.


As a Certified Soul Coaching® Practitioner, Shirley blends her wealth of experience to guide individuals, especially parents and educators, toward self-awareness, authenticity, and empowerment. Through her platform, Train Every Muscle, she equips people with the tools they need to rewrite their personal narratives and create lasting change in their own lives and in the lives of those they serve.


DR. RUBY EVANS

A Champion On and Off the Court

Dr. Evans is a distinguished academic with extensive mathematics, statistics, and higher education administration credentials. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Grambling State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), a master’s in applied statistics from Louisiana State University, and a doctorate in Higher Education with a specialty in Community College Leadership and a minor in Statistics from the University of Florida.


In addition to her teaching endeavors, Dr. Evans has been actively involved in academic research and consulting. Her research interests encompass active learning, distance education, and technology integration in mathematics and statistics education. Her expertise in applied statistics and collaborative learning has significantly contributed to student persistence, retention, and success in secondary and postsecondary education settings.


BINDU CHOWRITMOOTOO

Empowering Women in Leadership and Business

In celebration of International Women's Month, we shine a spotlight on Bindu Chowritmootoo, a powerhouse in leadership and business coaching. As an ICF Certified Leadership and Business Coach, a published author, and the founder of Manifest with Bindu, she has dedicated her career to guiding professionals toward leadership excellence and entrepreneurial success. Through her expertise, Bindu is not only shaping strong leaders but also equipping aspiring business owners with the tools they need to build and sustain successful ventures.

 

Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help individuals turn their leadership skills into business success and create long-term, sustainable impact. Whether it's through one-on-one coaching, corporate workshops, or her Business Owner’s Toolkit, Bindu is committed to empowering professionals to take the next step in their careers with confidence and clarity.


ANGELA MARIE JOHNSON

Leading Women to Healing and Redemption

Angela Marie Johnson walked through trauma and emerged with a calling far greater than herself. As the visionary behind the bestselling book, He Sees You: The Naked Truth: Redeemed, she is on a mission to help women break free from the weight of shame, confront their deepest wounds, and step boldly into the purpose God has ordained for them. Through transformative conferences, mentorship programs, and commitment to truth, Angela is leading a movement of healing, restoration, and redemption.

 

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication, Angela has built a thriving career as a Territory Manager in pharmaceutical sales. But her passion extends far beyond the corporate world. As a certified Life Coach with over a decade of experience in business development, specializing in mental health and addiction, Angela has dedicated her life to guiding others toward wholeness. Her leadership is marked by authenticity, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to empowering those she serves, even in the most challenging circumstances.


JUDGE JULI MATHEW

Championing Justice and Empowering Communities

As an immigrant child witnessing her father’s struggles with legal complexities, Honorable Juli Mathew was determined to help shape the future of justice. Today, she serves as the Presiding Judge of County Court at Law 3 in Fort Bend County, Texas, making history—not once, but twice—as the first Indian American woman elected to the bench in the United States and the first Asian American woman elected in Fort Bend County. But her path to the bench was far from conventional.

 

Defying expectations, Judge Mathew stepped into the unknown, proving that leadership is not about titles but about service. In this exclusive VBD Magazine feature, she shares her journey from Kerala, India, to the Texas courtroom, the challenges she overcame, and the faith that keeps her anchored in the face of adversity. She also discusses her passion for justice, the programs she has pioneered, and her mission to create lasting change.


SHERYL H. BOLDT

A Life Transformed, A Voice of Hope

Sheryl H. Boldt’s journey is one of raw struggles and extraordinary redemption. She has battled depression, eating disorders, and personal loss—yet today, she stands as a voice of hope and proof that God’s healing power can transform even the darkest moments. As a Sales Executive for Wave 94, author of the faith-based blog Today Can Be Different, and faith guest columnist, she uses her platform to uplift, encourage, and inspire.

 

But Sheryl’s impact goes far beyond the written word. She lives out her faith daily—mentoring women, leading accountability groups, and walking in the truth of God’s transforming grace. “I know what it’s like to feel hopeless, to wonder if life (or I) will ever change,” she shares. “But I also know the freedom of being lifted from that darkness and experiencing God’s incredible love and mercy.”


GAUTHAMI VEMULA-QUEIJO 

Coloring the World with Hope 

Few individuals exemplify the relentless spirit of advocacy and service quite like Gauthami Vemula-Queijo. She is a consultant, educator, social entrepreneur, philanthropist, advocate, activist, and the force behind Color me SAFE, a lifeline for families navigating child welfare crises. But Gauthami’s journey was not paved with ease—it was shaped by survival, resilience, and an unyielding determination to turn pain into purpose. From her early roots in India to overcoming near-fatal trauma in college and witnessing the harsh realities of child protective services, Gauthami has emerged as a fearless warrior for the voiceless. Her story is a timely reminder that one person’s courage can light the way for countless others.


HENRITTA STEWART, Ph.D.

Unshakeable in Purpose, Passion, and Leadership

At VBD Magazine, we are delighted to showcase individuals who are breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and forging new paths. That’s why we are excited to feature Dr. Henritta Stewart—a dynamic educator, mentor, researcher, and leader. A trailblazer, she has not only dared to dream big but has also turned those dreams into reality, empowering others to do the same. 

 

From her early days in the classroom to becoming a distinguished voice in education, Dr. Stewart has remained unwavering in her pursuit of excellence. She refuses to settle for mediocrity, embracing growth, resilience, and lifelong learning. But beyond the accolades and achievements, she is a woman of wisdom—one who is passionate about sharing her knowledge with those seeking success in life, career, and faith.


ME RA KOH

Pioneering Approach to Healing Through Imagery

Me Ra Koh’s photography is more than capturing images—it’s about revealing the unbreakable spirit of those who have fought to reclaim their lives. From surviving trauma—living out of her car and seeking refuge in a psychiatric ward—to becoming a world-renowned photographer, bestselling author, and global inspiration, her journey is marked by faith and perseverance. Yet Me Ra’s story is not only about overcoming hardship; it’s about using her lens to help others rediscover their stories.

 

Today, through the Rising Phoenix Experience at her FIORIA studio in Dallas, Me Ra and her team help women in their 40s-60s break free from shame and step into confidence. Using photography and neuroscience, she offers a transformative day of healing. Her work has been featured on Oprah, Live with Kelly & Ryan, Capture the Story with Me Ra Koh on Disney, and Adventure Family. Me Ra’s stunning portraits have been exhibited in London, New York, and Los Angeles galleries and museums, as well as published in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Parenting, Women’s World, and more.


DR. ANGELA BUTTS CHESTER

Passion, Purpose, And Power

Some people walk in their calling, while others blaze a path so bright that it illuminates the way for others. Dr. Angela Butts Chester is one of those trailblazers. A woman of wisdom, faith, and purpose, she has dedicated her life to uplifting others. Wearing many hats—Pastoral Counselor, Empowerment Coach, Mediapreneur, Bestselling Author, and Speaker—she continues to inspire, challenge, and equip individuals to step into their divine potential.

 

From a young age, Dr. Angela knew she was called to serve, but it wasn’t until a pivotal conversation with her pastor, Dr. Brian Blount—now President Emeritus of Union Presbyterian Seminary—that her purpose was fully clarified. “He suggested I follow the path of Pastoral Counseling. He explained I would be able to help people, deliver the Word, and still have a connection to the community,” she recalls. That conversation was the catalyst that set her on a journey to become one of the most influential voices in faith-based empowerment today.


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