As an avid and life-long learner, Dr. Lisa has earned an impressive number of degrees including the following: (2) Associate’s Degrees, (2) Bachelor’s Degrees, (5) Master’s Degrees and (2) Doctorate Degrees.  “I love to learn, and I love education.  If you stop learning, you stop growing.  I have found that people are not always comfortable asking for one-on-one help and counseling, so I have learned to be effective by utilizing my platform to counsel through my sermons.”  In 1993, Dr. Lisa and her family moved to Akron, Ohio, where they resided for 5 years, before relocating to Columbus, Ohio. 

“We moved to Columbus in 1998 so I could start my own church.”  Dr. Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit combines with her passion for ministry, and she serves individuals and families with empathy and compassion and without expecting anything in return.  “For 10 years we served families through our church and daycare which shared the same building.  By day, we served as a daycare, and on the weekends, we became the church.  In 2012, we separated the two and bought a church building on East 5^th Avenue and a daycare on Margaret Avenue.” 

“Throughout my ministry, and in talking with other ministry partners, we have seen hundreds of young homeless women and girls become forced into human trafficking.  Some of the young women already have children and are struggling to take of them.  It breaks my heart to see kids living on the street.  This is my motivation for launching Hopeless 2 Hopeful Community 4 Women. I have a heart for single mothers, and I am inspired and energized when I see those who are seeking help receive the assistance they need and deserve.”

H2H Community 4 Women is designed to provide not only shelter, safety, food and clothing, but offers a litany of services so women can take the steps to living a new and independent life. Once basic needs are met, daycare or transportation to school are provided for the children, so single mothers can focus on the counseling they need in order to begin to rebuild their lives.  H2H Community 4 Women also provides mentoring, resume writing, interviewing skills, and financial literacy workshops.  Women are equipped with the tools they need to move towards a safe and secure life. 

Dr. Lisa has been blessed throughout her life, and she is determined to make a difference in other people’s lives.  Her ability to motivate, encourage and come alongside others is part of her giftings.  She is a good steward of what God has entrusted her with, and she is generous on every occasion. She has been personally supporting children and supporting those who are hungry for 30+ years.

“Each of us have faced challenges along our journey.  How we respond and who we seek for guidance, counseling and support are critical to where we end up.  I am grateful for having a mentor who poured into me, during the time when I was earning my Bachelor’s Degree, and I know what a difference her mentorship has made in my life.  I am on a quest to do the same and I have spent my lifetime pouring into others.  Why?  Because using my time, talent, treasure and testimony to help others is what God has called me to do!”

Ruby Hunter, Board President, Thriving Lives Hopeless2Hopeful Community4Women (TLH2HC4W) is a humble, compassionate and empathetic Woman of God.  Born in West Virginia, Ruby’s family relocated to Akron, Ohio where they lived for 6 years prior to moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1997, where Ruby completed her senior year at Independence High School. Ruby went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Tiffin University and her Master’s in Business Psychology from Franklin University.  In 2025, Ruby enrolled at Liberty University to earn her Master’s in Counseling and is scheduled to graduate in 2027.

Throughout Ruby’s professional career she continues to dedicate herself to building relationships, networking, asking questions, listening, learning and teaching.  “I love learning from others’ wisdom, hearing their stories, and understanding their perspectives.”  Ruby thrives on serving others, speaking positivity into their lives, providing support and resources and impacting their lives.  “It is common for adults and children to thank me for my guidance and support not only at the time of receiving help with their basic needs, but years later when they see me out-n-about in the community.  It warms my heart to know they still remember me and that I helped them during a vulnerable time in their life.”

From her background as a Daycare Teacher, Corrections Specialist, Psychiatric Hospital Mental Health Technician to most recently, Care Coordinator at The Village Network, Ruby reveals to others that they matter, have purpose in life, and have divine gifts and talents.  Ruby fuels another person’s mind, body and soul.  At an early age, Ruby learned how solving one’s basic need for food could change their entire outlook and demeanor.  “I witnessed how food changed my own Dad’s disposition at home.  Time and time again throughout my career in Mental-Health, when dealing with upset, irate or agitated patients, if we simply solved their issue of being hungry, then amazingly enough we averted a crisis situation. Bottom line, I love to feed people!”

In January 2026, Ruby joined TLH2HC4W as Board President, working alongside her mother, Dr. Lisa Hunter, Executive Director of Thriving Lives Ministries.  “I have worked in her ministries as Teacher at Let The Children Come Day Care from 2001 to 2010 and as Assistant Director at Total Life Ministries Food Pantry since 2010. My mom, Dr. Lisa, is cut from the servant’s cloth, and I have observed her dedication to serving the homeless and abused and battered women and their children.  When she asked me to join the Board, I eagerly agreed.  We are making a difference in women’s and children’s lives.  They are welcomed into the Community Center, have their immediate needs—food, showers, beds and clothing provided—and are encouraged to stay for up to 6 months.  It is important to invest the time required to address the root issues of homelessness.  We do not want the women to end up in this situation again!”

Hopeless2Hopeful Community4Women is designed to speak positivity into women’s lives, to increase their self-esteem, to show them their value, to prepare them for the workforce and to elevate them to a level of self-sufficiency.  Ruby Hunter is on a mission to serve women and children suffering from homelessness and/or domestic violence through utilization of her ability to connect, communicate and collaborate.  As Ruby likes to say, “As we fulfill our calling to leave people better off than when we found them, we are serving God!”

Brenda Boynton, Board Secretary Thriving Lives Hopeless To Hopeful Community 4Women (TLH2HC4W) is cut from the servant’s cloth.  As a Women of God, she is a detail-oriented administrator who is true to her word and driven to accomplish whatever she says she will do! As a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, Brenda always loved school and was there to learn.  “I will always remember when my 2^nd Grade Teacher said to my mom, ‘Make sure this child goes to college.’”  Brenda earned her Associate of Technical Services Degree from Columbus State Community College, with a Major in Business and a Minor in Secretarial Science.

In 1980, Brenda passed the Civil Service Test and embarked on her life-long career working for the Federal Government. Between 1981 and 2016 she worked in Housing/Urban Development, at the Adjunct General’s Office, at the Small Business Administration and spent the last 28 years of her career with the SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.  “I am proud of my government service.  I was always known for meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, open communication and proactive thinking.  I was focused on delivering reports, budgets, data or solutions to my supervisors, colleagues or customers.  From time to time, a person will stop me in public and thank me for listening and treating them with kindness while resolving their issue. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I helped someone, and years later they still remembered how I made them feel.”

In 2009, Brenda’s relatives invited her to attend church services at Total Life Ministries, which was founded by Dr. Lisa Hunter, who is also the Executive Director of Thriving Lives Hopeless2Hopeful Community4Women, launched in May of 2025.  “When I met Dr. Hunter, I was initially drawn in by her charisma and then impressed with her academic pedigree, her accomplishments, her strength and her passion for serving others.  In 2024, I began volunteering in the Food Pantry.  When Dr. Hunter asked me to join the Board of TLH2HC4W in October of 2025, I joyfully agreed.”

Hopeless2Hopeful exists to provide a safe haven for single women and single women raising children to find acceptance, encouragement and support.  Taking care of immediate needs is first and foremost.  Food, clothing and shelter are provided for up to 6-months, while hope is being restored and instilled back into women.  TLH2HC4W is empathetic to the struggles, challenges, and abuse resulting from domestic violence, drug addiction, human trafficking and/or homelessness.  “Everyone is worthy of help.  A total transformation is what we are striving for.  We want women to think differently about their lifestyle, to become self-confident and self-sufficient, so they can provide for themselves and their children.  This is accomplished through our on-site comprehensive programs, services and counseling.  Within the next year, I would love to launch ‘Brenda’s Closet’ within TLH2HC4W.  This would give us the opportunity to provide interview-appropriate apparel, shoes and accessories along with basic household items for their new apartment or home.” 

Brenda Boynton is self-less and humble.  She is a good listener, process-oriented, learns quickly and communicates in a truthful, respectful and loving manner.  Brenda’s essence embodies the joy of The Lord as her strength.  When you meet Brenda, you can rest assured that she is determined to get something to you, not take anything from you!

Marke’tta Simpson-Lane, Board Treasurer Thriving Lives Hopeless to Hopeful Community 4Women (TLH2HC4W) is a self-sufficient, strong, confident and dynamic Woman of God.  She grew up in California, then made Columbus, Ohio her home in 1999.  Marke’tta earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio, her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is currently enrolled at Central State University to earn her MBA.  “I have become the voice of ‘the one who has already done it’ in our classes.  I enjoy passing along my wisdom to ‘my classmates’ who are in their twenties and have not experienced real-world executive leadership or the business environment yet.”

Throughout her career, Marke’tta has demonstrated her self-less, inclusive and supportive nature to colleagues, coworkers and employees.  “As soon as I earned my Masters, I accepted a position abroad and lived in Europe for 2 years.  The training position I held as a civilian working with government employees increased my aptitude for leadership and public speaking.”   Once Marke’tta retuned to the United States, she married, started her family, and accepted a position at Huntington National Bank in Wealth Management. 

In 2002, Marke’tta transitioned from Banks to Credit Unions.  She prefers the family-oriented culture which Credit Unions offer to their employees and members.  “A Credit Union has all the same litany of wealth products and services as banks but delivers the services with a personal touch.”  Marke’tta has served as Member Services Supervisor, Operations Supervisor, CEO and currently as V.P. of Internal Audits for 20+ Pathways Credit Union branches.  “I enjoy building rapport with the management team and staff.  Our open communication eases what can be a stressful audit process.”

When Marke’tta was in her late 30’s, her mother passed away.  “This was by far the most difficult time of my life.  I was a single mom raising 3 children and I felt broken and confused.  Fortunately, a friend invited me to Total Life Church where I met Dr. Lisa Hunter, Pastor and Executive Director of Total Life Ministries.  I immediately received an outpour of kindness and support.  Dr. Lisa was instrumental in piecing me back together and having the vision to see what I was to become.  She empowered me to become the impactful executive in the business community, which I am today.”

“In September 2025, when Dr. Lisa Hunter, Founder/Executive Director of Thriving Lives Hopeless to Hopeful Community 4Women, asked me to serve as Board Treasurer, I said yes without any hesitation.”  Marke’tta previously served 1 year as an advisor for a nonprofit Women’s Transition House, served 16 years as Treasurer for the General Alumni Association (GAA) for Central State University, and since 2024, has been serving as Chair of the GAA Nominating Committee. 

Marke’tta Simpson-Lane is an inspiration to everyone she meets and is elated to pour into others and support them in their journey from point A to point Z.  “A strong desire to change one’s outlook and environment are pivotal steps when anyone is seeking positive change in their life.”  Marke’tta accepts her lifelong responsibilities as a mother and a leader through to the end.  She often shares these words of wisdom—Let your character be your currency, If you can see it, you can be it and Be safe and do safe things!   “I share my wisdom as a way to pay-it-forward and to protect others, so they can be a better version of me!”