Elaine is a passionate advocate for Christian female entrepreneurs, dedicated to helping them launch and grow successful businesses, ministries, and nonprofits. As the founder of She Steps Forward Coaching and She Steps Forward International, she empowers women to step confidently into their God-sized dreams.

Through She Steps Forward Coaching, Elaine offers targeted strategic planning and individualized support to aspiring female entrepreneurs. As a certified John Maxwell Team member, she brings expertise in speaking, writing, leadership development, and entrepreneurial coaching to her faith-based approach.

Expanding her vision globally, Elaine established She Steps Forward International (SSFI), a nonprofit organization that equips both American and African women to lead impactful ventures. SSFI’s flagship event, the She Steps Forward International Women’s Conference, unites like-minded female entrepreneurs annually – each March in the United States and May in Africa – fostering a global community of inspiration and shared wisdom.

SSFI’s commitment to nurturing new talent is evident in its Seed Money Grant program, which supports rising Christian female entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Africa. The organization also extends its reach by engaging in humanitarian work in Nairobi, Kenya.

Leadership development has been woven throughout Elaine’s personal and professional life. Prior to her current work, Elaine has held many leadership roles both within the church and in her professional life.

Elaine’s diverse background includes over 16 years in clinical nursing, where she held various leadership roles, including Pain Management Coordinator and nurse practitioner. She later transitioned to advisory roles in medical record documentation, coding, and auditing, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Within the local church environment, she served for years as a small group leader, co-organized and co-lead missions trip, and ministered on a prayer team.

In 2023, Elaine obtained her Master of Arts in Theology degree from Jakes Divinity School (JDS) in partnership with Vanguard University. She also completed a Women in Leadership certificate program through JDS and received a 2022-2023 Outstanding Student Award. Toward the end of her studies, she was thrilled to be chosen to present at the 52^nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. She plans to continue her studies at JDS in the near future and aspires to complete a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree focused on Spirit-filled Global Leadership in the African Diaspora.

She self-published her first book, Love Echoed Back, in 2014 and plans to return to writing in the future. Her leadership articles have appeared in the Suffolk News Herald and Inside Business. She has been featured on several podcast shows including HER Talk Show, Love & Beloved, The Ella Ray Show, Be Inspired God’s Way, and Women Awakening.

A Virginia native, Elaine has been married to her husband, Darrell, for over 31 years. They have one son, Nicholas, and a beloved beagle named Apollo.

By leveraging her faith, gifts, and experience, Elaine is fostering a new generation of Christian female leaders ready to make a positive impact in the marketplace and their communities.