Meet Dorian Stewart

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dorian Stewart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dorian, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I thought my purpose was a corner office and a solid 401(k). For over 20 years, I thrived in hospital leadership, managing departments, mentoring young professionals, and climbing up the career ladder. I checked all the boxes. But deep down, something was missing.

Then, on a quiet afternoon, while rocking my newly adopted daughter, Nylah, a wave of clarity hit me like a divine download: “You were called to write for her… and for every child who feels unseen, unloved, or unsure of their worth.” That moment rewrote my life’s purpose.

I started with one book to remind her she was chosen and cherished. That book became a series. That series became Promise Pals. And now, I’ve launched the I Am M.A.D.E. series to remind kids everywhere that they are Motivated, Affirmed, Determined, and Empowered to rise, even in hard seasons.

Purpose didn’t come from chasing titles. It came from listening to God’s whisper in a season of transition and daring to say “yes.” Now, every book I write, every speech I give, every child I reach is my purpose in motion.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am Dorian Stewart, author, speaker, and founder of Dorian Inspires, LLC. What began as a single book for my adopted daughter has blossomed into a mission-driven brand that empowers children and their families through storytelling, faith, and affirmation.

After 20+ years in public health and hospital leadership, I stepped out in faith to create something that would serve the next generation. That first book, written to remind my daughter that she is chosen, cherished, and loved, became the foundation of my 12-book Promise Pals series, a collection of affirmations and character-building stories designed to help children discover their purpose and worth in God.

What makes this work truly special is that it’s not just storytelling; it’s soul work. Through school visits, parent workshops, and motivational speaking, I get to see children light up with confidence as they hear words like “With God, I am brave,” “I am enough,” and “I Have Purpose.” For families navigating fear, grief, or identity struggles, Promise Pals offers both a ministry and a mirror – a ministry of hope and a mirror that reflects God’s promises for their children.

To reach even more children, including those in secular spaces, I launched a second series, I Am M.A.D.E. (Motivated, Affirmed, Determined, Empowered). These books highlight real-world challenges that kids face today, from overcoming embarrassing experiences to empowering kids with disabilities as heroes and providing them with tools to build resilience and courage in age-appropriate ways.

There are so many new books in motion, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s coming:

A brand-new I Am M.A.D.E. activity and coloring book is launching to bring the stories to life through art, reflection, and fun.

I’m writing several new books that center on children who are often overlooked. Kids with autism, disabilities, or those who simply feel unseen, reminding them that they, too, are M.A.D.E. for a purpose.

I’m expanding my voice to school visits, youth organization events, and parenting workshops that equip families and educators with affirmation-based tools to raise confident, emotionally strong kids.

And for older students, I’m working on a humorous, empowering guide for high school and college students on how to master job interviews, the kind of book I wish I had as a teenager entering the workforce. It’s fun, real, and rooted in my over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership and hiring.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey were creativity, perseverance, and purpose-driven communication.

Creativity allowed me to see stories where others saw silence. It helped me tackle difficult topics like grief, self-worth, and digital safety, and turn them into stories that children could understand, enjoy, and learn from. For those early in their journey, nurture your creativity by staying curious. Don’t be afraid to explore ideas that others might think are too niche or too bold. Some of the most powerful projects are born from what hasn’t been done yet.

Perseverance kept me moving forward when doors didn’t open, timelines fell behind, and doubt crept in. I remind aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and speakers that impact often comes after the hundredth “no.” Keep showing up. Every step forward builds momentum, even if it’s quiet at first.

Purpose-driven communication was crucial in building a brand that resonates with both children and adults. Whether I’m writing a book or speaking on stage, I ask myself: What’s the transformation I want to spark? My advice to others is to find your message, then make it memorable. Speak from a place of conviction, not perfection.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but each of these qualities has helped me lead with vision, stay rooted in faith, and continue building something that outlives the moment.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I believe every entrepreneur has a list of dream collaborators, people, and organizations whose values align with their mission. I’m actively seeking partnerships with school districts, educational institutions, media producers, and youth organizations that share my belief in the transformative power of storytelling.

Through motivational author readings, school-wide assemblies, and youth-focused speaking engagements, I aim to ignite confidence, purpose, and resilience in every child. Whether it’s in a classroom, at a youth summit, or during a church or community event, I aim to empower children everywhere with stories that affirm their value, inspire boldness, and speak to their unique potential.

My goal is to expand the reach of the Promise Pals series and the I Am M.A.D.E. books into schools and communities worldwide. These books are already being used in classrooms in the United States, Belize, Tanzania, and Jamaica. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of geography or background, has access to stories that remind them they are chosen, capable, and created for a purpose.

Beyond the page, I’m equally passionate about bringing these stories to the screen. Whether through animation, live-action, short films, or educational mini-series, I believe visual media is a powerful tool to help children see themselves reflected in stories that uplift, affirm, and empower.

If you are a school leader, district administrator, youth director, media producer, or someone who simply believes in building the next generation’s confidence and character, I’d love to connect. You can learn more or reach out via my website: www.DorianInspires.com.

Let’s build something that transforms how children see themselves: one page, one school, one story, and one screen at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dorianinspires.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorian.inspires/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dorian.Inspires
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorianstewartinspires/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DorianInspiresLLC

Image Credits

Patrick Stewart,
Mauria Moore Media,
Chip Dizard