Meet Her Eminence Dr. Eloisa | Archbishop – Educator – Businesswoman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Her Eminence Dr. Eloisa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Her Eminence Dr. Eloisa, what inspires you?
As an older woman who has worn many hats—preacher, educator, retired Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force, and businesswoman—I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith, education, and service.

Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how adversity can either break us or forge us into something stronger. My time in the Air Force taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. It showed me that even in the most challenging circumstances, we can rise above and accomplish extraordinary things when we commit to a purpose greater than ourselves.

As an educator, I’ve seen the light of understanding ignite in the eyes of my students, reminding me that knowledge is not just a tool but a bridge to empowerment. Teaching has reinforced my belief that every individual has the potential to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the world.

In my role as clergy , I’ve been humbled and inspired by the depth of faith I’ve encountered in others. Faith, to me, is not just a belief but a call to action—a reminder to love unconditionally, to serve selflessly, and to walk with hope even in the darkest of times. It’s the foundation that has guided me through every season of my life.

And as a businesswoman, I’ve learned the importance of vision, resilience, and adaptability. Building something from the ground up, whether it’s a career, a business, or a community, requires courage and a willingness to take risks. But it also requires a heart that’s open to collaboration and a mind that’s ready to learn from both success and failure.

Above all, I am inspired by the people I’ve met along the way—their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. They remind me that life is not about the titles we hold or the accolades we receive, but about the impact we make and the legacy we leave behind. My greatest inspiration is the belief that each of us has the power to uplift, inspire, and transform the world around us, one step at a time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional journey has been one of relentless pursuit of purpose, service, and breaking barriers. It’s a story that spans education, military service, spiritual leadership, and family legacy—a tapestry woven with resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

From Teacher to University Dean: A Lifelong Commitment to Education
My career began in the trenches of the New York City school system, where I served as a teacher. Those early years were foundational, teaching me the power of education to transform lives. But I knew I wanted to do more—to create systemic change and inspire future generations on a larger scale. Through hard work, advanced degrees, and a deep passion for learning, I rose through the ranks of academia, eventually retiring as a University Dean.

This journey was far from easy. As a woman of color, I often faced skepticism and systemic barriers. But I leaned into my faith, my work ethic, and my belief in the power of education. I learned that leadership is not about titles but about impact—mentoring students, advocating for equity, and fostering environments where everyone can thrive.

Chairwoman of a Family Legacy: Honoring 95 Years of Enterprise
Parallel to my academic career, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chairwoman of the Board for my family’s 95-year-old enterprise. This role is deeply personal—a testament to the sacrifices of those who came before me and a responsibility to steward this legacy for future generations. Balancing tradition with innovation, I’ve worked to ensure that our family business remains a beacon of excellence and integrity in an ever-changing world.

Making Military History: Rising to Chief Master Sergeant
My military career was another chapter in my life defined by service and breaking barriers. Rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant was a testament to my discipline, leadership, and commitment to excellence. The military taught me the value of teamwork, resilience, and leading with integrity—lessons that have shaped every aspect of my life.

A Spiritual Milestone: Consecrated as the First Female Archbishop
One of the most profound moments of my journey was being consecrated as the first female Archbishop in the Protestant Church in the United States. This historic milestone was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power of faith and the breaking of long-standing barriers. It’s a role I embrace with humility and a deep sense of responsibility, working to foster inclusivity and spiritual growth within my community.

Lessons Learned Along the Way
Resilience is Non-Negotiable: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. When faced with adversity, I’ve learned to lean into my faith, my support system, and my inner strength.
Leadership is Service: True leadership is about lifting others up, creating opportunities, and leading with empathy and integrity.
Legacy Matters: Whether in education, business, or spirituality, I’ve learned the importance of building something that outlasts me—something that inspires and empowers future generations.
Breaking Barriers Requires Courage: Being the “first” in any space is never easy, but it’s necessary. I’ve learned to embrace the responsibility that comes with being a trailblazer.

What I Want the World to Know
My story is one of faith, perseverance, and service. I want the world to know that no dream is too big, no barrier too high, and no legacy too daunting to uphold. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, the military, or the church, my mission has always been to inspire, empower, and create lasting change.

I hope my journey serves as a reminder that with hard work, faith, and a commitment to excellence, we can rise above any challenge and leave a legacy that transcends generations. My life’s work is not just about what I’ve achieved but about the lives I’ve touched and the doors I’ve opened for others to walk through.

This is my story—a story of rising, serving, and breaking barriers. And it’s just the beginning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I don’t reside in Houston, I love visiting — it’s a city that pulses with energy, culture, and history. If I were to plan a week-long trip to show a best friend the very best of Houston, here’s what I’d do:

Day 1: Welcome to Houston!
We’d kick off at Discovery Green downtown, a vibrant park that hosts art installations, live music, and food trucks. After soaking in the city vibe, I’d take them to Hugo’s in Montrose for a delicious Mexican dinner — their authentic flavors are a perfect introduction to Houston’s diverse culinary scene. We’d wrap up the evening with drinks at High & Dry, a cozy cocktail bar known for its inventive concoctions.

Day 2: Culture & History
Morning at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH), exploring world-class art collections. Then, a visit to the nearby Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) — a must-see for its powerful exhibits celebrating African American history, art, and contributions to Houston and beyond. For lunch, we’d hit Lucille’s, a Southern soul food spot with a modern twist. In the evening, I’d recommend catching live jazz at The Green Room or Jazz Houston to experience the city’s vibrant music scene.

Day 3: Space & Science
A trip to the Johnson Space Center for an out-of-this-world experience! It’s inspiring to walk through NASA’s historic facilities and learn about Houston’s role in space exploration. Dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen — their seafood boils and Creole dishes are incredible.

Day 4: Neighborhoods & Local Vibes
Spend the day exploring the eclectic neighborhoods of Montrose and Heights. Browse vintage shops, murals, and art galleries. For lunch, Common Bond Café + Bakery offers amazing pastries and sandwiches. In the evening, we’d visit The Continental Club on Main Street, a legendary venue for live music spanning jazz, blues, and rock.

Day 5: Outdoor & Nature
Relax at Buffalo Bayou Park — rent kayaks or bikes, and take in the skyline views. Later, visit the Houston Botanic Garden for some peaceful greenery. For dinner, I’d suggest El Tiempo Cantina for authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.

Day 6: African American Heritage & Community
This day is dedicated to exploring Houston’s rich African American heritage. We’d start at the African American Library at the Gregory School, a historic building with a powerful literary and cultural collection. Then, a visit to the Third Ward, the historic hub of Houston’s Black community, filled with landmarks, churches, and community centers. I’d love to stop by the DeLuxe Theater, a restored historic theater that hosts film festivals and cultural events. For dinner, Gumbo Jeaux’s offers Creole dishes that celebrate Black culinary traditions.

Day 7: Wrap-up & Reflection
On our last day, I’d take a leisurely stroll through the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for some quiet time. For lunch, the Himalaya Restaurant offers flavorful Indian cuisine. To cap off the trip, a rooftop bar like The Grove provides stunning views of downtown Houston — perfect for reflecting on an unforgettable week.

All Things African American in Houston:
Houston’s African American community is a vital part of the city’s fabric. From historic neighborhoods like Third Ward — often called the “Harlem of the South” — to cultural institutions like the Houston Museum of African American Culture, the city celebrates Black history, art, and achievement. Events like the Juneteenth Houston Festival showcase the city’s rich heritage, honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas. The community has also fostered influential artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who continue to shape Houston’s identity.

Houston’s African American history is woven into its streets, music, cuisine, and community spaces. It’s a city that honors its past while continually evolving — making it an exciting, meaningful destination for anyone interested in Black culture and history.

In essence, Houston is a city that offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, innovation, and community — a perfect place to create unforgettable memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d be honored to dedicate this shoutout to someone who has been a cornerstone in my life—my late mother, the Reverend Dr. Amanda H. Williams-Crawley. She was not just my mother; she was a force of nature, a trailblazer, and the embodiment of resilience, faith, and boundless love.

Dr. Amanda was the first multi-millionaire in our family, a testament to her relentless work ethic and visionary mindset. As an entrepreneur, she built her success from the ground up, proving that with determination and faith, anything is possible. But her achievements didn’t stop there. She was also a registered nurse, dedicating her life to healing and caring for others, and a pastor’s wife, standing as a pillar of strength and wisdom in her community.

What made her truly extraordinary, though, was her ability to balance her professional accomplishments with her role as a mother. She was my first teacher, my biggest cheerleader, and my moral compass. Her unwavering belief in me, even when I doubted myself, gave me the courage to pursue my dreams. She taught me that success isn’t just about financial gain but about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Her legacy is one of love, faith, and perseverance. She showed me that no matter how high you climb, you always reach back to lift others up. Her life was a living sermon, and her words and actions continue to guide me every day.

So, this shoutout is for her—for the sacrifices she made, the lessons she imparted, and the love she gave so freely. Reverend Dr. Amanda H. Williams-Crawley, you are the foundation of my story, and I am eternally grateful for the life you lived and the legacy you left behind.

Website: https://Totgsmw.org

Facebook: Mother Eloisa Crawley-Bonaparte