Le’Rhonda Michelle (Mimms) Collier was born May 30, 1975, the youngest of three, to the union of George and Deborah Mimms.  Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, she professed her faith in God and was baptized at a young age.  Upon graduating from University City High School in 1993, she moved to Kansas City and attended University of Missouri-Kansas City which is where she met the love of her life, Christopher D. Collier.  They were united in marriage on September 16, 1996 and have two daughters Jazzmine Syless and Alyssa Christine.

 

Le’Rhonda began her career working for a local law firm as a Legal Assistant until the birth of Jazzmine in 2000.  While working at the Firm, Bishop Tolbert used to always joke and say, “One day, you’re gonna come work for me!”  For years, after looking at the many hats that Bishop Tolbert wore in the community, nationally and internationally, Le’Rhonda would always answer “Never!”  Well, never say never because after five years at the Firm and a few months of motherhood, Le’Rhonda began to work as the Executive Administrative Assistant to Bishop Mark C. Tolbert which meant that she assumed duties for the church, the school, and ALL of the positions/roles that he held for the 11 years that she worked for him.  Le’Rhonda worked as an employee but also served in the ministry as a Volunteer, Coordinator for the Wedding Ministry, Leader of the College & Career Bound Ministry, Adult Leader for H.Y.P.E. Ministries, Member of the Finance Counting Team, Member of the Choir (Youth and Adult) and assisted in the Culinary Ministry along with Hospitality.

 

Le’Rhonda worked in that rewarding position until the Lord spoke to her Husband about moving back home to St. Louis, MO to start a ministry of his own in September 2011.  By her husband’s side as First Lady of New Life Empowerment Center, Le’Rhonda was the coordinator of the Women’s Ministry - Ladies of L.I.F.E (Living in Faith Everyday) in which she hosted Annual Women’s Conferences & Retreats.  She held a monthly session for the Women called “Chocolate Talk” where the ladies discussed Hot Topics (spiritual and natural) while partaking of chocolate refreshments.   Le’Rhonda also coordinated the Ladies of L.I.F.E. to attend and participate in the Annual “Sista Strut” Breast Cancer Awareness Walk to honor the strength of survivors, their families and support teams while heightening awareness and promoting early detection.  Le’Rhonda also worked closely with the youth of “NLEC” coordinating outings, Holiday Events, establishing and leading Mentoring Programs and honoring the academic achievements of the students with Honor Roll Recognition and Graduate Receptions.

 

In 2018, her family packed up once again to continue God’s work by coming back to Kansas City to continue servanthood in the vineyard.  Le’Rhonda’s servanthood even extends into her profession as she works and services families daily as an Admissions Specialist for a local School District.  Le’Rhonda is the Owner of J&A Real Estate Investment Properties and Executive Director for Life and Destiny Community Development Corporation that has partnered with multiple non-profits, corporations and businesses to host events to give back to the community with food, coats, shoes, bikes and toy drives.

 

Le’Rhonda currently serves as the Auxiliary President for the VLC Family Fun Ministry and assists wherever needed within the Women’s Ministry of VLC.  Le’Rhonda is an inspiration to young ladies and women everywhere.  She is affectionately known as a woman that will keep you laughing and has a strong passion and gift for uplifting the spirits of others.  She is an awesome woman of God in her own right and after meeting her, you are sure to walk away feeling inspired and empowered to achieve your highest potential in life and in Christ.  Her favorite scripture, Romans 8:38-39 keeps her encouraged and through her devotion to prayer and a strong faith in God, she is determined to live for Christ and continue to follow the leading of the Lord.