Rhonda Howdyshell
Rhonda Howdyshell, based in Middlebrook, Virginia, is a retired executive, award-winning public speaker, nonprofit leader, and humanitarian whose career spans more than 50 years across fashion, marketing, public relations, tourism, and philanthropic leadership. She is the founder and director of the Cinderella Project of the Shenandoah Valley, a nonprofit she established in 2004 that has grown from a small Salvation Army outreach into a large-scale community organization serving hundreds of students annually with formal attire and support services. Rhonda is also the inventor of CrownClips, a patented-style innovation designed to secure pageant crowns, which reflects her long-standing involvement in pageantry and youth empowerment initiatives.
Throughout her career, Rhonda has held leadership roles in Habitat for Humanity, museum development, and international living history programs, while also serving as a certified fundraiser, strategist, and mentor. She is a Dr. World Productions award recipient, holding the title of Ms. Achievement North America (2026) and the Senior World 2026 Light of the World honoree, recognizing her faith-driven service and advocacy. Her educational background includes studies at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis in fundraising management, executive leadership training through Harvard Business School programs, and continued professional development in ethics and nonprofit leadership at James Madison University.
Rhonda’s work is deeply rooted in her faith and personal testimony, including her advocacy for Lyme disease awareness and breast cancer education following her own health journey and recovery experiences. She is a Global Lyme Alliance Education Ambassador, a motivational speaker, and a mentor who focuses on empowering others through service, leadership, and compassion. Now retired, she continues to care for her disabled veteran husband while leading her nonprofit work, morning ministry reaching thousands, and ongoing advocacy efforts, including writing and public speaking on healing, resilience, and purposeful living.
• Fashion Institute of Technology Certificate
• Certified Fundraising Executive
• Executive Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School
• Executive Leadership Certificate from Indiana University of Philanthropy
• Digital Arts/Graphic Design Certificate from Mary Baldwin College
• APR, Accredited in Public Relations
• PSDSM Spokes Model
• Millard Fuller Award
• Light of the World
• Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
• Miss Senior World
• Distinguished Humanitarian Award
• Habitat for Humanity
• Lions Club
• Dr. World Productions Achievement North America
• Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Augusta Home Builders Association
• Cinderella Project of the Shenandoah Valley, Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God’s guidance and continual equipping throughout my life and career. I have remained committed to lifelong learning, trusting that every skill I have gained has been purposefully used in service to others. Even through seasons of deep challenge and uncertainty, I have seen God open doors and provide direction at exactly the right time. My journey has been shaped by obedience to His calling, a willingness to serve without reservation, and a belief that my abilities are meant to be fully used for a greater purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to seek God’s wisdom first and trust Him to direct my path. This has guided me throughout my career and service work, including founding a clothing store for students in need that grew from a 10x10 space at the Salvation Army to a 10,000-square-foot facility serving over 500 students annually with about $300,000 in goods and services. I’ve been able to apply skills from my for-profit career to this all-volunteer organization, which has now operated successfully for over 22 years.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is that you can have a life and career you truly love. Seek God’s wisdom in every step, stay grounded in your values, and trust His direction for your path. Never stop learning and be open to growing through every experience, because each one will prepare you for greater purpose and impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field is the responsibility of being available to meet the needs of everyone I am called to serve, while remaining grounded and effective in making a meaningful difference. It requires discernment, balance, and the ability to prioritize well so that impact is sustained and not overwhelming. For me, the greatest opportunity is the chance to continue making a difference by always putting God first and allowing His guidance to direct how I serve others.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life are faith, service, and continuous learning. I begin each day in the Word and through my morning ministry, which now reaches over 57,000 people, because putting God first guides everything I do. I believe in living with open hands—fully giving of my time, skills, and energy to serve others without limitation. Even in retirement, while caring for my 100% disabled veteran husband, I remain actively involved in the Cinderella Project I founded 22 years ago, Dr. World Productions Achievement North America, and breast cancer advocacy. I continue to pursue learning, including recently completing a week-long ethics course at James Madison University at age 71. My values are rooted in obedience to God’s calling, lifelong learning, and using every opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.