Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Wilkins.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Rev. Dr. Stephanie T. Wilkins, affectionately known as the “Devoted Diva Deacon,” is a dynamic spiritual leader, educator, and social justice advocate making a profound impact across Houston’s classrooms, communities, and congregations. With over 27 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her life to empowering underserved communities, serving as a founding school leader and shaping generations through both knowledge and mentorship.
Responding to a higher calling, Rev. Dr. Wilkins fully embraced ministry and currently serves as an Associate Pastor at St. John’s Downtown. Her ministry is deeply rooted in service, compassion, justice, and fostering real-life transformation beyond the pulpit.
Her influence extends beyond the church through her work with Devoted Diva Deacon Consulting, where she leads transformative conversations and experiences focused on grief healing, joy restoration, and spiritual empowerment. Through this, she supports individuals in rebuilding their lives after the most challenging moments.
Rev. Dr. Stephanie T. Wilkins exemplifies leadership with love and intentionality, demonstrating daily that ministry is not merely a title but a lifestyle.
I am an ordained deacon through the United Methodist Church; I am also a former chaplain and a community advocate, public speaker and author of several devotional journals. I am a native Houstonian; raised in 3rd Ward. I attended all HISD public schools and graduated from Morgan State University, an HBCU. I am the mother of 2 sons and the nana to 6 .
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road I have traveled has had its hills, mountains and valleys. I am an only child and I was honored to be the caregiver of both my mother and father prior to their deaths. I have lived through the death of my first son and also my beloved husband of 25 years in 2016. While I was working as a school leader, I discerned my call to ministry. It was during that time that my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Going to seminary, while journeying with him was quite a challenge yet I truly learned the meaning of through thick and thin, in sickness in health, until we are parted by death. When I was beginning my journey to becoming an author and speaker, I survived a near fatal car wreck that caused me to have three significant surgeries. I live by Romans 8:28, “all things work together for the good of them who love God. All of my tests and trials have helped me to empathetically journey with others. (This is but a brief account of what I have lived through)
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work can be summed up in a word, service. I pray for others, visit the sick, participate in food distribution, write journals, participate in panels, speak, show up for protests, speak to city council, testify before elected officials because I follow the example of Jesus Christ. If he were physically here I believe he would be a first responder. he went where suffering was offered compassion, grace and the simple act of presence. I practice faith in action. I am set apart because it is not what I “do” it is who I am and how am designed to “be”
I am a pastor. A social justice advocate. An author. A motivational speaker. TEDx speaker.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that risk is important for growth. It is the very thing you might be afraid to do or attempt that will propel you to your greatest awakening. I have taken a risk as a 27 year old educator beginning a school in the Sunnyside area when I was discouraged from doing so. I took another risk when after achieving as an educator to answer a call to ministry at the age of 50. I have learned to see what some call “risk” as an opportunity to expand. I read a quote that resonated with me “Fear is temporary, regret is forever. Take the leap, even if it’s scary.”
Pricing:
- Devotional Journals $20 each
- Wedding officiant starting at $200
- Coaching price varies
- Speaking engagements beginning at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.revdrstephanietwilkins.com
- Instagram: stephaniewilkins1959
- Facebook: Stephanie T Wilkins
- Twitter: @stephgodsblessd
- Youtube: The Devoted Diva Deacon
