We recently connected with Dorian Stewart and have shared our conversation below.

Dorian, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Growing up, I always believed in the power of words to shape confidence, identity, and resilience. But it wasn’t until I became a mother—through adoption—that I truly understood how important it is for children to hear and see affirmations of their worth, strength, and purpose.

Before stepping into the world of children’s books, I spent years in healthcare leadership, helping people navigate complex challenges. But deep down, I knew my calling was bigger. I wanted to create something that would leave a lasting impact, especially on young minds who are still discovering who they are. That’s how Promise Pals was born—a book series designed to equip children with positive affirmations and real-world lessons on self-worth, courage, and resilience.

For me, this mission is personal. I’ve seen firsthand how children—whether in my home, classrooms, or even across the world in orphanages—light up when they realize they are chosen, capable, and enough. I want every child to have that moment. I want parents, educators, and youth leaders to have the right tools to pour confidence into kids, especially in today’s world, where self-doubt and fear are so prevalent.

This isn’t just about books; it’s about shaping a generation that walks boldly in their identity and purpose. And that’s why I do what I do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Before becoming a children’s author, I spent over 23 years in healthcare leadership, helping individuals navigate challenges and access critical resources. While my career was fulfilling, my true passion was always in mentorship and youth development. On weekends, I dedicated my time to volunteering with youth organizations that provided activities for children and teens. These faith-based programs focused on leadership, service, and character-building—giving young people the confidence and tools they needed to thrive. It was during this time that I saw firsthand how powerful storytelling could be in shaping a child’s self-worth, decision-making, and resilience.

When my husband and I adopted our daughter, I became even more intentional about ensuring she grew up knowing she was chosen, cherished, and enough. I quickly realized that so many children—whether adopted or not—struggle with self-worth, fear, and finding their place in the world. That’s when I created Promise Pals, a children’s book series designed to empower kids with confidence, faith-based values, and real-world strategies for overcoming challenges.

Through my books, speaking engagements, and interactive workshops, I help educators, parents, and youth leaders equip children with the tools to build resilience, make wise choices, and embrace their unique identity. My P.A.L. Framework—PARENTS & Educators, AFFIRM & Empower, LEAD with Purpose—guides my work, ensuring that every child who encounters Promise Pals walks away feeling stronger, more capable, and ready to take on the world.

What sets Promise Pals apart is its ability to take tough, real-life topics—like overcoming fear, self-doubt, internet safety, and grief—and make them accessible for young readers. These books aren’t just stories; they are tools that help open meaningful conversations between children and the adults who guide them.

One of my proudest moments has been seeing Promise Pals books in the hands of children globally, from students in Belize, Jamaica, and Tanzania to classrooms across the U.S. I want potential clients, schools, and families to know that this work isn’t just about selling books—it’s about planting seeds of confidence and resilience in children everywhere. Whether through school visits, community events, or one-on-one readings, my goal remains the same: to empower the next generation to believe in themselves and walk boldly in their purpose.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There was a time when I was certain my career path was set in stone. With a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Healthcare Management and a Master’s in Public Health, I envisioned myself retiring as a healthcare leader. I spent over 23 years in the industry, helping individuals and communities navigate health challenges. But life had other plans.

The biggest pivot in my journey came when my husband and I began the adoption process. Becoming a mother completely shifted my perspective. As we prepared to welcome our daughter, I became more aware of the unique challenges adopted children face—especially in areas of self-worth, identity, and belonging. Wanting to ensure my daughter always knew she was chosen, cherished, and loved, I wrote my first children’s book, I Am Chosen and Cherished. What started as a personal project quickly turned into a bigger mission to help children everywhere develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging through storytelling.

Leaving a stable career in healthcare to become a full-time children’s book author and speaker was a leap of faith, but it was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. Now, through Dorian Inspires, LLC and the Promise Pals book series, I use my background in education, leadership, and public health to equip parents, educators, and youth leaders with tools to raise confident, empowered, and self-assured children—because when kids believe in themselves, they can navigate life’s challenges with strength and courage.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that stability equals success. For over 23 years in healthcare leadership, I worked hard to build a career that felt secure and predictable. I earned my education, believing that climbing the corporate ladder was the ultimate measure of achievement. I thought if I just followed the plan—worked hard, took the right opportunities, and stayed the course—I would eventually retire feeling accomplished.

But then, life threw me a curveball. When my husband and I started the adoption process, my perspective completely shifted. Becoming a mother made me realize that true success isn’t about stability—it’s about impact and purpose. Watching my daughter grow, I became passionate about how children develop confidence, resilience, and self-worth. That passion led me to write my first children’s book, I Am Chosen and Cherished, which later grew into the Promise Pals book series.

Walking away from a structured, well-established career to step into the unknown world of writing, speaking, and entrepreneurship was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I had to unlearn the fear of uncertainty and trust that making a difference—helping kids build confidence and navigate life’s challenges—was worth the risk. Today, I see success differently. It’s not about how safe or stable your path looks—it’s about the lives you touch and the legacy you leave behind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DorianInspires.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorian.inspires/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DorianInspires

Image Credits

Patrick Stewart, Chip Dizard Studios, David F. Turner Creatives