Minister Eloise Sepeda, D. Div. is a wife, beloved mother, mentor, author, teacher and spirit-led ordained Minister of Jesus Christ, who impacts people from every walk of life, by sharing her story of overcoming tragedy and finding restoration through the power of Christ. Dr. Sepeda passionately shares God’s transformative Word with those seeking to discover their purpose in life and launch into their destiny. It’s obvious that “she understands, she’s been there, and she knows how to get out.”
background
Eloise was raised in one of the predominantly minority populated neighborhoods in Austin, Texas. She was raised in a single parent home with 3 other siblings. Personal tragedies such as violence, rape, drug and alcohol abuse and gangs which affected her and her family. By the age of sixteen, Eloise became a mom and wife to her gang member boyfriend, which escalated into a tailspin of its own that led to divorce and single parenting. In 1997 she experienced a transformation while living in Oak Cliff Dallas, where she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ, and received a vision that she was to preach the gospel of Christ to the multitudes.
family
The Lord blessed her to marry her wonderful husband Ray Sepeda, who was a puppy love sweetheart. Their two families became one and blended generations for His glory! Her wonderful husband is also an example of unconditional love as a father by raising her children as his own. They have 5 children total, which has now added in-laws and 3 grandchildren!
recognition of ministry
As God healed and restored her, she served and began her biblical studies and training to prepare her to fulfill his purpose in her. Minister Sepeda began ministering in local areas of Austin Texas, since the late ’90s preaching and teaching extensive discipleship to souls in despair throughout the city and surrounding areas. She has joined impact city-wide ministerial efforts and local leadership to raise awareness of pressing needs to the public. She is partnered with Churches across the State of Texas to Minister to those in need fulfil her mandated mission: to transform lives, heal hearts, and win souls.
In 2012, she launched a faith based ministry, e-Steps Women’s Support Group for Women to serve all ages and stages of life by teaching extensive discipleship and life skills to women throughout the city and surrounding areas. Her prayer is for the voice of the Holy Spirit to reach “the voiceless” with a message of salvation and wholeness. Today, she is a public speaker and teacher of the gospel and recently completed her academic and service requirements as a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
professional experience
Eloise Sepeda is a well-respected independent statewide trainer and consultant for Restorative Justice. Her faith based business, Harmony One Restorative Justice provides professional training for Community, Churches, Schools and Law Enforcement to equip our communities to build healthy relationships, repair harm and actively participate in racial reconciliation.
Her professional experience paves a way for her vow to minister the truth of restoration by training for UT Austin Institute of Restorative Justice Restorative Dialogue, as the Director of Training and Founder of Harmony One Restorative Justice to use her testimony and expertise to develop innovative curriculum and training. She is a former partner in the development for curriculum at Texas State University, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and Life Anew Restorative Justice.
community service
Her community service includes partnership with secular and ministerial organizations to reach all walks of life. She is currently serving on the committee for Austin Travis County Integral Care Member of PNAC and City of Austin Task Force: Mental Health and Substance Abuse and a member of Christian Counselors of Texas; former City Serve committee.
education & training
• Ordination: July 2011
• VETI: Theology, Biblical Counseling & Christian Science
• Michigan State: Influencing People
• High Tech Graduate School of Education, Learning Mindsets & Skills
• Emory University: Understanding Violence
• Life Anew Restorative Justice & Talking Peace, Eric Butler: Restorative Justice Training
• University of Texas Restorative Justice Restorative Dialogue Institute: Restorative Discipline Practices
• Christian Bible Institute & Seminary, Honorary Doctorate of Divinity
awards and recognitions
• Betterment of Community: Margaret J. Gomez, Travis County Commissioner
• Recognition of Demonstrating Leadership and Service: Eddie Rodriguez, State of Texas Representative
• Outstanding Leadership and Community Service Supporting Dove Springs Youth & Families: Judith Zaffirini, State
• Senator District 21
• Dedicated Efforts and Achievements in Community: Lloyd Doggett, House of Representatives
• Recognition of continued Youth and Faculty Support: Ron Gonzalez, Mendez Middle School
• Panel Session, SXSWedu: “How Restorative Justice can impact your Community”
publications
Book: Restorative Discipline Practices: A Journey in Implementation by a Community of Texas Educators
Blog: http://www.someonediditforme.com/