Draft:Michelle McKinney Hammond

Dr. Michelle Ayodele McKinney Hammond (born August 6, 1957) is a best-selling author, international speaker, singer/songwriter, and ordained minister known for her empowering teachings on relationships, faith, and personal growth. With a career spanning various creative and spiritual domains, Hammond has impacted millions through her written works, musical performances, and inspirational talks.

Early life
Dr. Michelle Sharon Branker was born in London, England on August 6, 1957. At the age of two, she relocated with her family to Barbados, West Indies. At the age of seven, she moved to Muskegon, Michigan in the United States. She attended various schools during her early years, including St. Gabriels’ Girls School, Froebel Elementary, East Grace Loftis Elementary, Muskegon Heights Junior High, and Catholic Central High School. After being adopted by her stepfather, William McKinney, her last name changed to Michelle McKinney.

Reuniting with her biological father, George Hammond, later in life, led to the addition of "Ayodele" to her middle name and "Hammond" to her surname, resulting in her present name, Dr. Michelle Ayodele McKinney Hammond. She pursued education in Graphic Arts at Muskegon Junior College and later attended Ray Vogue School of Design in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in Commercial Art.

Career
Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond's multifaceted career began as an award-winning art director, copywriter, and producer at Burrell Communications a prominent AA advertising agency in the United States. During her 15-year tenure, she worked on campaigns for renowned brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, GMC, and Ford Motor Company.

In the midst of her advertising career, she encountered a life-altering accident that left her bedridden. Overcoming this adversity, she penned her first bestseller, "What To Do Until Love Finds You," published by Harvest House Publishers.This marked the inception of her influential journey as a prolific author and motivational speaker. Throughout her career, Hammond has authored over 40 books, selling more than two million copies globally. Some of her notable titles include "Secrets of an Irresistible Woman," "Sassy, Single and Satisfied, " "The Diva Principle," and "101 Ways to Get and Keep His Attention." Her writings primarily focus on relationships, empowerment, and spiritual growth, resonating with a diverse audience nationally and internationally.

In addition to her literary accomplishments, Hammond is a gifted singer/songwriter. She has recorded several solo albums, including "It's Amazing," "Let's Go In," "Come Let Us Worship," and "With Love." She is also the visionary and pastor of Relevance, a music ministry in Ghana, West Africa, known for its unique fusion of rock, reggae, jazz, and African rhythms, creating a genre known as "Rockspiration."

She is an Emmy Award-winning co-host of the Total Living Networks television talk show "Aspiring Women," which she co-hosted for ten years. She has also appeared in various television shows and movies, including Roma Downey and Mark Burnett's productions "Women of the Bible" and "A.D. The Bible Continues."

Mentors
Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond attributes her songwriting and spiritual growth to the guidance of mentors like Morris “Butch” Stewart, Paul David Wilson, Denise Mitchell, Sandra Crouch, Terri McFaddin Solomon, P. “Bunny” Wilson, and Luther Blackwell. These mentors impacted the way she studied the word of God and eventually began her writing career

Magazines and Media Appearances
Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond's influence has extended to various media platforms. She has been featured in magazines such as Today's Christian Woman, Precious Times, The Plain Truth, Gospel Today, Spirit Led Woman, Discipleship Journal, Shine, Essence, Ebony, Jet, and Black Enterprise Magazine. Her insights and expertise have led her to appear on numerous television shows, including "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher," "Oh Drama!" on BET, "The 700 Club," "The James Robison Show," "Better TV," and "The Chicago Tribune ."

Published works
Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond has authored numerous books that have resonated with readers seeking guidance in relationships, personal development, and spiritual growth. Some of her notable works include:

What To Do Until Love Finds You

Secrets of an Irresistible Woman

The Power of Being A Woman

Sassy, Single and Satisfied

101 Ways to Get and Keep His Attention

The Diva Principle

A Sister Girls’ Guide to Living, Loving and Overcoming

If Men Are Like Buses How Do I Catch One?

How to Be Blessed and Highly Favored

How to Make Love Work

Playing God

The Real Deal on Overcoming Heartache

Release the Pain, Embrace the Joy

Her published works reflect her passion for empowering individuals, particularly women, to live purposeful and fulfilling lives.

Recognition
Throughout her career, Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond has received recognition for her contributions to literature, music, and inspirational speaking. Her accolades include an Emmy Award, Creative Excellence in Black Advertising Award, and a significant impact on her audience's lives through her teachings.