Iyabode Adelaye Alfred

A Journey of Faith, Hard Work, and Transformation From my earliest memories in Nigeria, my life has been a tapestry of divine guidance and unwavering faith. Born to a devoted Baptist pastor and a dedicated school teacher, my home was filled with the light of Christ—where my father’s passionate sermons and my mother’s nurturing teachings sowed the seeds of faith, discipline, and service. I learned that every act of hard work and every moment of personal accountability reflected God's love. At 18, God opened a door that would forever change my destiny. Receiving an academic scholarship to study at an all-girls Small City Baptist College in the United States was not merely an opportunity for higher education but a divine calling. In this new land, I embraced a fresh chapter of life with determination and faith, earning degrees in accounting and marketing. Each lesson and every challenge became a stepping stone, affirming my belief that God equips us with the skills we need to fulfill His purpose. At 30, my journey took another transformative turn. As I entered into marriage and welcomed three beautiful children into my life, I felt an undeniable call to serve more profoundly and compassionately. Motivated to provide a better life for my family and honor God through service, I embarked on a new path: nursing. With prayer in my heart, I enrolled in nursing school, stepping into a profession where healing and care go hand in hand with the love of Christ. This calling led me on a rigorous yet spiritually enriching academic journey. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and eventually a PhD in Nursing Education. Each degree deepened my understanding of healthcare and reinforced my commitment to serving others with compassion and grace. I always trusted that God guided my every step. For 27 years, I was blessed to serve in the home health care industry—rising from the ground up to hold top leadership positions. My career was a testament to transformational leadership, fueled by a passion for excellence and a heart aligned with God's purpose. During this time, I was honored with a leadership awareness award—a humbling reminder that with faith, perseverance, and the strength that comes from Christ, we can lead by example. I also had the privilege of mentoring future healthcare professionals as a nursing instructor, sharing the wisdom and experiences that had shaped my journey. At 60, I embraced a new season in my life by becoming a homecare agency franchise owner. This entrepreneurial leap was not just a career milestone—it was a celebration of decades of resilience, faith, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to God and serve His people. Throughout every twist and turn of my journey, my guiding principles have remained steadfast: an unwavering faith in Christ, a passion for teaching, and a deep commitment to hard work and personal accountability. As a Bible-believing, Christ-loving teacher, I strive to inspire those around me to live out their faith boldly and compassionately. My love for travel has also enriched my soul, connecting me with diverse cultures and broadening my understanding of God's creation. Looking back, I see a life interwoven with challenges, triumphs, and divine lessons. Each moment has reinforced my conviction that, with faith and perseverance, every obstacle can be overcome and every dream can be realized through God's grace. As I continue forward, I eagerly embrace the future with gratitude, enthusiasm, and a steadfast commitment to growing in both my personal and spiritual journey.