Women To Watch Awards 2026 honors Dr. Rhonda James Woolard

Dr. Rhonda James Woolard is a Certified Master Coach, Best-Selling Author, International Speaker, and healing advocate whose life and work are devoted to helping individuals move from pain to purpose through healing, forgiveness, and transformation.

With more than 20 years of experience in child welfare and a professional background in social work, Dr. Woolard brings both expertise and lived experience to her work. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from East Carolina University and made history as the first African American Director of the Washington County Department of Social Services in North Carolina.

Dr. Woolard specializes in forgiveness and grief coaching, helping individuals navigate the emotional impact of loss, trauma, abuse, shame, and unresolved pain. Her approach encourages people to acknowledge their experiences, embrace the healing process, release what no longer serves them, and discover renewed purpose.

She is the author of A Time to Heal: 7 Steps to Healing and Forgiveness After Sexual Abuse and Assault and co-author of A Catalyst Change: God Intervenes During Abuse/Neglect. Through her books, coaching, speaking engagements, and advocacy, Dr. Woolard provides hope and practical tools for those seeking freedom from the weight of their past.

As an international speaker, Dr. Woolard shares a powerful message of healing, forgiveness, resilience, faith, and purpose. Her mission is to inspire survivors and others navigating grief and adversity to recognize that their story does not have to end with what happened to them—it can become part of the foundation for a transformed life.

Dr. Rhonda James Woolard’s message is simple yet powerful: healing is possible, forgiveness can bring freedom, and your pain can be transformed into purpose.