Reverend 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 Reverend Martin when her agency offered her an early-out after 17 years of Federal government service. It was after this release from God that she was able to clearly hear the Lord's voice and answer her call into ministry. It was also during this break that Reverend Martin was called into the world of entrepreneurship because of her love for jewelry-making. She was led to start the design business GODZDVA (God's Diva) Designs.
Reverend Martin is currently employed by CACI, International, Inc. as a Systems Specialist. "Minister First Lady," as she is affectionately known to her church family, has always had a passion for the youth and takes great pleasure in providing them guidance and mentorship. She believes that because the youth of today have to deal with things we never could imagine, we should consistently pray for them and pour into their lives whenever the opportunity presents itself. On November 8, 2014, Reverend Martin was recognized by Radio One as one of the top First Ladies in the Washington Metropolitan area. She 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 nine grandchildren. Reverend 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."