Dr. Shawnda Stewart: Turning Tragedy into Purpose and Empowering Generations Through Financial Literacy

Dr. Shawnda Stewart is more than an accomplished scholar—she’s a force of vision, purpose, and perseverance in the world of financial empowerment. With two honorary doctorates in Theology and Divinity, an MBA earned with honors, a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, and a certification in Project Management, she also holds a PhD in Theology, blending her academic excellence with spiritual grounding and business acumen.

As the President and Founder of Stewart Insurance Services, a nationally operating independent insurance brokerage, Dr. Stewart is on a mission to change lives. Her commitment to building generational wealth and promoting lasting peace drives everything she does—from offering personalized financial services to leading a powerful masterclass designed to equip future insurance professionals with the tools needed to succeed in business. Her offerings span life, health, mortgage protection, and retirement planning—all built to secure a more stable future for individuals and families across the country.

But behind the success is a deeply personal story. Dr. Stewart’s entry into the financial services and insurance industry wasn’t just a business decision—it was birthed from lived experience. Like so many families, hers was impacted by a lack of proper coverage at a critical time. The result was a painful life transition that opened her eyes to a national crisis: far too many Americans are unprepared for the inevitable. That truth became the catalyst for her calling. When she shares her story with audiences, they don’t just hear a professional—they hear a woman who lived the consequences of financial unpreparedness and turned it into a passion and a purpose.

Dr. Stewart’s relatability and authenticity make her message resonate. Her listeners often find themselves shocked by how closely her story mirrors their own realities, and in that moment of recognition, she creates a space for change. Her ability to turn personal pain into collective empowerment is what draws people in and keeps them coming back—not just for inspiration, but for action.

As a leader, Dr. Stewart emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. For entrepreneurs, she says, the long hours, endless demands, and constant juggling can lead to burnout and jeopardize the quality of service. Her approach? A deliberate reset—time to relax, recharge, and realign. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. “If we are not at our best as leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs due to exhaustion, being out of balance could potentially cause our services rendered to be jeopardized.”

When it comes to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs, she offers grounded, practical advice rooted in her own journey. She stresses the importance of doing research, seeking mentorship, preparing mentally for setbacks, and being financially aware. “Resilience will be your best friend,” she says. “Don’t expect overnight success. Understand your expenses, find funding, and eliminate distractions.”

She draws inspiration from none other than Oprah Winfrey. As a teenager, Dr. Stewart watched Oprah on television and internalized a lesson that continues to influence her business philosophy: sign all your checks. “Her words resonated with me to this day, and I run my business with my eye on everything. It’s the only way—or expect challenges with your bottom line when numbers aren’t reconciling as they should.”

Today, Dr. Shawnda Stewart stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when faith, knowledge, and purpose come together. She leads not only with intellect and strategy, but with heart—and in doing so, is changing lives, one policy, one family, and one story at a time.

Follow Dr. Shawnda Stewart on Instagram at @drshawndaspeaks to stay connected to her journey, insights, and upcoming events.

Follow Us On Social Media!

About the author