Cheryl Martin believes when "God places His dreams in your heart, they will be accomplished, despite the odds." While growing up in the inner city of Houston, Texas, Cheryl's godly mother told her about a big God who was concerned about everything that mattered to her. In childlike faith, she believed her mother's words and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior around the age of ten. That event has shaped her life and her pursuits: to know God intimately, to accomplish His will for her life, and to pursue excellence in all her endeavors.
In high school, Cheryl dreamed of going to one of the top universities to prepare for a career in broadcasting. Her mother told her the family did not have the money, but served a "big God" who could do anything. They prayed and God answered. Cheryl left Houston to attend Northwestern University where she received an undergraduate degree in Speech and a Master's degree in Broadcast Journalism. She was one of the first alumni inducted into the School of Journalism's Hall of Achievement for excellence in journalism.
Cheryl's career in news began when she was hired out of graduate school by NBC as a News Associate for its television station in Washington, DC. She eventually became a reporter there, and then went on to produce and report for other stations in Washington, including the ABC affiliate. She joined Black Entertainment Television (BET), a national cable network in 1992 as an anchor, reporter and producer. Four years later, she was named the host of "Lead Story," the network's Sunday news analysis program.
Despite her professional achievements, Cheryl's passion remains God's Word and effectively communicating its relevancy in the 21st century. Her commitment is so strong that in 2002, she left her high-profile position to devote more time to speaking and writing. Audiences nationwide have experienced Cheryl using the ABCs of accuracy, boldness, and clarity in her presentations.
Cheryl is the host of Excellent Living, a weekly radio program launched in 2007, where she offers practical and culturally relevant principles that assist women in making wise choices. She is also the author of 1st Class Single: Rules for Dating and Waiting God’s Way.
Cheryl serves on the U.S. board of World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
