Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes is committed to serve as a vessel of compassion, instruction, love and truth for Jesus Christ. Born and raised in Topeka, Kan., she resides and fellowships in Washington, D.C.  Drawn to know Christ in her early childhood and saved at the age of 12, Nicole is a student and applier of God’s Word. She is also a successful public relations professional operating in Washington, D.C., since 2006, coordinating and delivering strategic communications and media outreach support for nonprofits and small business owners. During her career she has placed several nonprofits and small business owners in national, local and regional media spaces. She operates with a personal and business mantra of “making an investment in people.” Among many things, Nicole is also a motivational speaker. She has been invited to deliver messages to business leaders to not be misguided by the world’s view of success, to direct young people navigating through the world’s challenges, and to remind those who may have lost their way that joyfully, “God Has Not Changed His Mind About You.”

Nicole has written articles for GospelToday.com, and is a member of the Evangelical Press Association.

Nicole earned her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit and faith-based management in December 2017 with Regent University and holds a bachelor of arts in broadcast journalism from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas. In August 2018, God brought her into the new role of Area Director for the Washington area with the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, where she will minister to the spiritual and professional needs of medical and dental students and healthcare professionals in the Washington, D.C. area.

Nicole’s purpose in creating “Voices Against the Grain” is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amidst confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration. Learn more about Nicole in our “Meet the Team” Q & A!

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa. He and his wife Porsché reside in New Jersey. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org. What’s Jason’s favorite food? Favorite scripture? Find out in our “Meet the Team” Q & A!

Destiney Bishop, Voices Against the Grain Digital Media Coordinator

Destiney Bishop is a 2012 graduate of The George Washington University Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, where she majored in Human Services and Social Justice. There, she fulfilled her passion for service and community building through multiple initiatives and organizations on campus, including the Student Association Executive Board and the President’s Council in Diversity & Inclusion. She also served as president of the GW NAACP chapter, where she was recognized for her exemplary work by receiving The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commendation for Service and Leadership Award. Destiney works at Viacom in NYC, the world’s fifth largest broadcasting and cable company operating more than 170 networks.

Having grown up in the church, attending bible studies and singing in the choir, Destiney comes from a family of ministers. Still growing in Christ, she understands all too well the moral and societal challenges that young Christians face in their faith walk. She says “I get it.” Because she understands those challenges, she desires to compassionately bring God’s messages of truth and inspiration to today’s youth who sometimes live in the “gray” rather than the black and white in their Christian walk. As she grows in God’s Word, these two scriptures often ground her: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6), “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded (required), and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48) What are Destiney’s favorite television shows? What is her favorite childhood memory? Find out in our “Meet the Team” Q & A!

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich. Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home. Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for 30 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son. She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God. Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding. She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”  

Ana has served on the missionary field, served as praise and worship leader, children’s ministry and youth ministry. Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans. Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. As of January 2014, Ana shares her testimony of how God’s love healed her from sexual abuse, rape, promiscuity and self-hatred in order to help others who have experienced similar trauma. Ana has been a private chef for professional athletes over the past seven years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

What’s Ana’s favorite food? Fave scripture? Learn more about Ana in our “Meet the Team” Q & A!

Jill Tomlinson, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer, co-founder of Transcend Ministries

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Jill Tomlinson understands how tolerating toxic emotions and believing lies from Satan can change the entire course of your life. In her book, No More Lies, Jill leads others through the same journey of biblical truth that brought her freedom and wholeness. This book is not only for victims of sexual abuse. It is for anyone who has ever dealt with bitterness, fear, shame, rejection, failure, or feelings of unworthiness just to name a few. With transparency and candor, Jill addresses a myriad of issues that keep men, women, and young people in emotional shackles. Her passion is to see lives beautifully restored by the grace and truth of God and to see God’s children walking in true and lasting victory. She believes every single person was born with divine purpose and she loves to empower others to walk confidently into their unique Kingdom destiny!

Jill is an author, writer, speaker, and teacher. Jill and her husband, Jimmy, are the founders of Transcend Ministries – a ministry dedicated to empowering the body of Christ and making disciples worldwide through teaching, writing, and evangelism. They reside in Colorado and have four amazing children – two daughters, a son, and a son-in-law.

Jill’s newest book, Forgiven, Favored & Free, became available September 2015. For more information or to order her books, visit www.transcendministries.org.

Learn more about Jill in our “Meet the Team” Q & A!