Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Bowie.
Hi Kimberly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our journey with Accountability Missions began with a simple but powerful desire—to make a real difference in the lives of young people. My husband, Brandon, and I have been married for over 15 years, and as parents of two amazing children, we know firsthand how challenging it can be to guide kids through life’s ups and downs. Both of us come from single-parent homes—Brandon grew up as an only child, while I was raised with two sisters and two brothers. Growing up, we learned early on what it means to be resilient, to lean on the support of family, and to take responsibility for our choices. Those experiences shaped our hearts and sparked our passion to help youth and teens feel truly heard and understood.
Through every step of this journey, faith and prayer have been our foundation. We believe that without God’s guidance, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Our faith shapes not only our vision but our daily mindset and preparation. We pray for wisdom to reach the hearts of teens who feel lost and for strength to carry this mission forward. God has been at the center of our mental preparation and personal growth, giving us the courage to pursue this calling and the clarity to see how we can make a difference.
That passion became a reality when we became founding members of Faith International Tabernacle. We were given the incredible opportunity to spearhead the teen ministry, and it changed everything for us. Leading that ministry gave us a chance to put our love for young people into practice, creating safe and welcoming spaces where teens could openly share their challenges, dreams, and fears without judgment. The direct feedback we receive from both teens and parents is what keeps us going, reminding us that every conversation matters and every bit of encouragement counts.
One of the most profound moments in our journey came when we were confronted with the alarming rise in teen suicide rates in our community. It broke our hearts to see young lives slipping away, weighed down by mistakes they didn’t know how to move past. We knew we had to do something different. We wanted to make sure that every teen who came through our doors understood one powerful truth—there is recovery after mistakes. Accountability doesn’t mean carrying the burden of failure alone; it means learning from your choices, forgiving yourself, and finding a way forward. We wanted to teach teens that being accountable isn’t about punishment; it’s about owning your story and writing a better next chapter.
In that moment of heartbreak and reflection, we turned to prayer. We asked God to guide us in creating something meaningful and life-changing—something that would not only address the mistakes teens make but also help them see that they are more than their failures. God placed on our hearts the importance of teaching accountability in a way that also embraces forgiveness and grace. We knew that helping teens forgive themselves was just as important as helping them take responsibility. Our faith continually reminds us that we are all a work in progress, shaped by our struggles and strengthened by our choices to move forward.
Professionally, we bring unique perspectives that fuel our mission. I’ve spent more than a decade working in education and currently serve as an educational administrator. My passion is helping students thrive academically and personally, and as a certified life coach, I strive to guide young people with empathy and practical skills. Brandon’s path has been different but just as impactful. As a dedicated police officer working in public education, with prior experience in juvenile detention, he’s seen firsthand the struggles that at-risk youth face. He knows that punishment without support doesn’t lead to lasting change—it’s mentorship, understanding, and accountability that make the difference.
For more than three years, we’ve also been Teen Leaders at our church, hosting monthly Teen Summits that give young people a voice and a community. These summits are more than just gatherings—they are places where teens can feel valued, supported, and encouraged to make positive choices. Watching these young people open up, reflect, and grow has been one of the most fulfilling parts of our journey.
That’s why we created the I’M ACCOUNTABLE program. We wanted to go beyond the traditional approaches to discipline and instead offer practical tools that teach teens to take responsibility, set achievable goals, and build brighter futures. Our structured five-step approach—building trust, self-reflection, understanding the ripple effects of actions, goal-setting, and fostering self-accountability—gives teens the skills they need to create positive change in their lives.
At the heart of it all, we believe that every young person deserves a second chance—a chance to learn, grow, and move forward with confidence. Through Accountability Missions, Brandon and I are committed to walking alongside them on that journey, helping them see their potential and guiding them toward lasting change. It’s not just our mission—it’s our calling, grounded in faith and strengthened by prayer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Working with teens comes with its own unique challenges. One of the biggest obstacles we face is communication. Teens aren’t always the most vocal group—sometimes they just sit there, looking at you with a blank stare, and in those moments, it’s hard not to feel defeated. You start to question whether you’re really making an impact.
But we’ve learned that just because they aren’t speaking up right away doesn’t mean they aren’t listening. One of the most rewarding parts of our journey is seeing how the teens start to open up once they feel comfortable with us. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s amazing to watch them go from being quiet and reserved to sharing their thoughts, opinions, and even personal challenges.
To help them get to that point, we make it a priority to create a relaxed and welcoming environment. We know that building trust takes time, so we make sure to have fun along the way. We play games, have minute-to-win-it challenges, and of course—we have snacks! You wouldn’t believe how much they love the snacks! These little things make a big difference because they break down barriers and help the teens feel more at ease.
Still, just because they start talking doesn’t mean they always share openly. To make sure we’re reaching them, we’ve created a system that allows for anonymous written feedback. That’s where we really see the truth come out. Through those notes, we hear about how the program has touched them, helped them change their mindset, or given them tools to handle difficult situations. Sometimes we’ll get a text message or be pulled to the side after a session, and a teen will share their growth or just say thank you. Those moments are fuel. They remind us why we started this journey and keep us pushing forward, even on the tough days.
Another challenge we face is making the program financially accessible. Not every parent of teens can afford the I’m Accountable program, and that was something we had to address. As a solution, we offer free monthly summits at our church, Faith International Tabernacle. These summits are faith-based, open to everyone, and always free. We’ve seen incredible growth come out of those gatherings, and it’s important to us that cost isn’t a barrier for families who want their teens to participate.
We also understand that not everyone shares our faith or may prefer a more secular approach, so we’ve made sure to offer scholarships and discounts to help families afford the full I’m Accountable program. We never want financial constraints to prevent a young person from accessing the support they need to thrive.
While the road hasn’t been easy, every challenge has taught us something valuable. Those small victories—the heartfelt feedback, the unexpected thank-yous, and seeing a young person realize their potential—make it all worthwhile. It’s not just about what we teach them; it’s also about what they teach us in return. Watching them grow from reserved to confident, from unsure to outspoken, is a journey that fills our hearts and strengthens our mission.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I define myself as a servant leader—someone who is passionate about guiding, uplifting, and empowering others. As an educational administrator, I love being able to interact with kids every day. Seeing their growth, celebrating their successes, and encouraging them when they face challenges brings me so much joy. I believe that building relationships is at the heart of effective leadership, and I make it a point to show up for the students and staff I work with. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, providing guidance, or simply sharing a word of encouragement, I aim to be a positive presence in their lives.
Beyond my work in education, I am also an author of children’s books that focus on education and faith. Writing has given me the opportunity to reach young minds in a different way—through stories that inspire, teach, and remind them of their value and potential. My books are designed to encourage children to see themselves as capable, resilient, and deeply loved. I love knowing that these stories can make a difference in a child’s life and help them see their own worth.
One of the things I am most proud of is how I’ve been able to combine my passion for education, leadership, and faith into something that truly impacts the lives of young people. Whether it’s through my work at school, my writing, or community involvement, I strive to lead by example and serve with purpose.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to servant leadership. I don’t just lead from the front—I walk alongside those I support. I believe that real leadership isn’t just about making decisions or giving directions; it’s about helping people see what they are capable of and encouraging them to step into their purpose. I am constantly inspired by the resilience and potential I see in the young people I work with, and that’s what keeps me motivated to keep showing up, day after day.
I’m grateful for every opportunity to make a difference—whether it’s in a classroom, through a book, or in the community. At the end of the day, I just want to help people believe in themselves and know they’re capable of greatness.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in the small town of Jasper, Texas. Looking back now, I realize that we didn’t have a lot financially, but as a kid, I never felt deprived. My mom—such a strong and resilient woman—always made sure I had everything I needed and, honestly, most of what I wanted. She worked so hard to give me a sense of security and opportunity, and I’m grateful every day for the sacrifices she made.
My dad was divorced from my mom and wasn’t in the home, but despite facing his own personal challenges, he remained a constant presence in my life. No matter what I was going through, he was my listener—always there to hear me out without judgment. He encouraged me, uplifted me, and made sure I knew I wasn’t alone. Having that steady support meant the world to me, and it’s something I carry with me to this day.
Growing up, I faced a lot of insecurities. In many of the rooms I found myself in—whether it was academic settings, leadership roles, or employment teams—I was often the only Black girl or the only female. That reality forced me to become comfortable with standing alone. It shaped my ability to be confident in who I am, even when I didn’t quite feel like I belonged. I learned to hold my ground and not lose myself just to fit in. I know what it’s like to walk that fine line between staying true to myself and falling into the danger zone of people-pleasing.
I definitely went through my share of moments where I found myself empty and without because I had poured so much into people who were only interested in receiving. Those experiences taught me the importance of setting boundaries and protecting my own well-being. I had to learn that not everyone deserves a front-row seat in my life, and that’s okay. It took time, but I grew to understand that I could be giving and supportive without losing myself in the process.
Even with those challenges, I remained pretty driven and focused. I did well in school, graduating in the top 10% of my class. I was involved in many activities—serving as Vice President of my class, participating in the Honors Society, and being part of the National Young Leaders. Academics were important to me, but so was staying active and being part of a team. I played a host of sports, but my favorites were weightlifting, volleyball, and soccer. I loved pushing myself, both mentally and physically, and sports gave me an outlet to channel my energy and determination.
Church was always a central part of my life, and I grew up actively involved in church activities. My faith has always been my foundation, but like any young person, I faced my fair share of challenges. Navigating peer pressure, feeling like I didn’t quite fit in, figuring out relationships, and deciding what to do with my life were all part of my journey. As a first-generation college graduate, I struggled to choose a major because I wanted to make the right decision—not just for myself, but also to honor the hard work that got me there.
Looking back, I think my resilience, curiosity, and drive to succeed really shaped who I became. I didn’t always have it figured out, but I always pushed forward, leaning on my faith and the strong foundation my mom built for me. My dad’s willingness to listen and encourage me, even when life wasn’t easy for him, taught me the value of being present and supportive for others. Those early experiences—balancing academics, sports, leadership, and faith—taught me the importance of perseverance and purpose. They also gave me a heart for helping young people who might be feeling the same confusion and pressure I once did.
Growing up in Jasper, I learned that you don’t need much to be rich in love, faith, and determination. Those lessons continue to guide me today as I work to inspire the next generation to see their potential and pursue their dreams, no matter where they start.
Pricing:
- I’m Accountable (full hour) $120 per session
- I’m Accountable (half hour) $60 per session
- We offer large group workshops, the price is based on the number of participants.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://accountabilitymissions.com
- Instagram: accountabilitymissions
- Facebook: Accountability Missions
Image Credits
All images were taken by myself or family members.
