Her Story
About Tracy
Tracy Stewart is a nonprofit and ministry leader serving as Vice President of Truth to the Nations, a Texas-based nonprofit organization focused on disaster relief coordination, benevolence efforts, and outreach to Native American communities across reservations in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Currently, her special interest is for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, a group based in Durant, Oklahoma, serving the Choctaw Nation. She also serves as Co-Pastor of The Refuge Church in Iowa Park, a position she has held since March 2021 alongside her husband. With 10 years of pastoral experience and five years of nonprofit leadership, Stewart’s areas of specialization include public speaking, ministering in music, business operations and administration, disaster relief coordination, ministry leadership, benevolence, and community outreach. Before entering ministry and nonprofit leadership, Stewart spent 34 years in the dental field, including roles in oral surgery and assisting children through the craniofacial department at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Her professional experience includes business operations, administration, and coordinating disaster relief responses to hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Stewart holds a Master of Christian Education in Theology/Theological Studies from Gulf Point Bible College & Seminary and Texoma School of Ministry. Stewart attributes her success to her drive, the support of her husband, their shared vision, faith in the Lord, perseverance, creativity, and the example of strong women in her family, particularly her mother. She is affiliated with AEGA in Monroe, Louisiana, and her organization has received Nonprofit of the Year recognition. Her work and personal values center on her faith, her family, resilience, and making a difference in the lives of others. She encourages young women entering her field to be brave, build a strong support system, gather information, learn from both victories and failures, rely on faith, and create and pursue a plan.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tracy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a drive that is stronger than myself, the support of my husband, and our shared vision. My faith in the Lord, determination, and refusal to quit have also contributed to my success. I realized I could work at a job, or step into the calling I felt was on my life. I work harder than before, but the reward is much greater now. I draw inspiration from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, my creative mind, and from the strong women in my family, especially my mother, who could do anything. I remember her example and strive to be that kind of example for my own family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I once heard "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it." Be brave enough to try, even if you think you might fail. Man may say it's impossible, but with God, ALL things are possible. Matt. 19:26
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to be brave and develop a strong support system. Dig in, gather information, and learn as much as you can. You can do it! Don't take No for an answer. Draw strength from your past victories and wisdom from your past failures. Rely on your faith, create a plan, and attack the plan. When starting your business or non-profit, nurture it, care for it. What you birth, you will fight much harder for it to live.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in the benevolence world right now is of course, money and volunteers. We find many who give everything they can, both financially and in volunteering. Then there are those who can give, but do not know where to put their gifts. We are strong believers in planting in fertile ground. What does that look like, you might ask? It's the place where people are actually doing the work, going where you cannot, and being the hands and feet of Christ to a hurting world. You can make a difference with your support!
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are my faith, my family, being "Honey" to my grand babies, and making a difference in the lives of others rather than being egocentric and worrying only about myself. I believe in taking action and live by the principle, “Don’t think, just Do!”
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