Minister Tawanda Marie Martin was born and raised in Washington, DC. She attended public schools in the District of Columbia, and graduated from Ballou Senior High School in June 1986. Immediately after graduation, she began employment with the Defense Intelligence Agency, working as an assistant editor for the agency's director. While working, Minister Martin always had a desire to be a stay-at-home mom, and to assist at her church. In March 2003, God opened a door for Minister Martin when her agency offered her an early out after 17 years of Federal government service. It was after this release from God that Minister Martin was able to clearly hear the Lord's voice and answer her call into ministry. She is now diligently working for the Lord whenever and wherever she can.

"Minister First Lady," as she is affectionately known to her church family, is married to Bishop James L. Martin, Sr., the Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church in Lanham, MD. Together, they have five daughters, two sons, and six grandchildren.

Minister Martin thanks God and gives Him all of the glory for everything that has taken place in her life thus far. It is because she knows where the Lord has brought her from, and because of the world's ups and downs that her scripture of declaration is Psalm 34:1, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."