Today we’d like to introduce you to Edna Howard.
Hi Edna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Voices of Encouragement began with a simple but powerful calling. I’ve spent more than 30 years in the personal development space, and throughout my life I’ve had a deep passion for serving, encouraging, and uplifting others—particularly women and girls. Encouragement is not only my gift; it’s my purpose.
VOE started as a grassroots effort in my home, where I invited women from all walks of life to gather, share, and support one another. What quickly became clear was that women needed a safe space—one where they could be seen, heard, and rebuilt from the inside out. That realization was the turning point. I saw firsthand, even among highly accomplished women, how deeply issues of self-confidence and self-worth were holding them back.
Launching Voices of Encouragement was intimidating. I wrestled with the familiar “what ifs”—what if no one showed up, what if people criticized the vision—but I chose to move forward anyway. I learned to leap in faith, trusting the calling placed on my heart.
Over time, VOE naturally evolved from small gatherings into structured empowerment workshops, coaching, and consulting services. In 2017, we hosted our first large-scale empowerment workshop, and in 2020 we pivoted to virtual programming to meet the emotional and mental wellness needs of women during the pandemic. That shift expanded our reach globally and deepened our impact.
Today, Voices of Encouragement is a training and coaching organization that blends personal development with faith-based principles, offering workshops, one-on-one coaching, podcasts, and resources designed to help women transform their mindset, build confidence, and thrive. What began as a vision has grown into a movement—one rooted in encouragement, purpose, and lasting transformation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Like many purpose-driven journeys, building Voices of Encouragement came with moments of uncertainty, fear, and stretching beyond my comfort zone. In the early days, I wrestled with doubt and the familiar “what if” questions—what if no one showed up, what if I wasn’t qualified enough, or what if people didn’t understand the vision. Those thoughts could have stopped me, but I leaned heavily on my faith and chose obedience over fear.
There were seasons where resources were limited, growth felt slow, and the responsibility of carrying a God-given vision felt heavy. I also had to learn how to balance serving others while taking care of myself spiritually and emotionally. Each challenge forced me to deepen my trust in God, refine my leadership, and strengthen my resilience.
Through prayer, perseverance, and complete surrender, I learned that the struggles were not setbacks—they were preparation. God used each obstacle to shape my character, clarify my purpose, and confirm that this work was never about me alone. Every challenge reminded me that when He calls you, He also equips you, and that faith, coupled with action, is what keeps you moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Voices of Encouragement (VOE) is a faith-rooted leadership, coaching, and personal development organization dedicated to empowering women to live confident, purpose-driven lives. At its core, VOE exists to help women strengthen their mindset, reclaim their confidence, and step boldly into who God created them to be—personally, professionally, and spiritually.
We specialize in confidence building, mindset transformation, leadership development, and emotional wellness, with offerings that include empowerment workshops, one-on-one coaching, group coaching programs, speaking engagements, podcasts, and educational resources. What we are most known for is creating safe, authentic spaces where women can be honest about their struggles, be encouraged through faith-based principles, and walk away with practical tools they can apply immediately.
What truly sets Voices of Encouragement apart is our unique coaching framework that integrates biblical principles with proven personal development strategies. We focus on transforming Perspective, Attitude, and Choice—helping women develop clarity, confidence, and behaviors that lead to lasting change. We don’t believe in surface-level motivation; we believe in inside-out transformation rooted in faith, self-awareness, and accountability.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust and community VOE has built over the years. Women from all walks of life—stay-at-home moms, professionals, business owners, executives, and retirees—have found encouragement, healing, and growth through our programs. The testimonies, messages, and stories we receive continually affirm that this work is making a real impact.
What I want readers to know most is that Voices of Encouragement is not just a brand—it’s a calling. Our mission is simple but powerful: to empower minds and transform lives. Every service, program, and message we offer is designed to help women overcome self-doubt, strengthen their faith, and walk confidently in their purpose. When women are encouraged and empowered, families, workplaces, and communities are transformed—and that is the heart of everything we do.
How do you think about happiness?
What truly makes me happy is seeing women experience breakthrough—that moment when self-doubt lifts, confidence rises, and they begin to see themselves the way God sees them. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching someone go from feeling stuck or unseen to walking boldly in clarity, purpose, and faith.
I’m happiest when I know I’m operating in my calling. Encouragement is my spiritual gift, and when I’m coaching, speaking, or creating spaces where women feel safe, supported, and empowered, my joy feels complete. I’m reminded that this work is bigger than me—it’s about obedience, impact, and transformation.
I also find deep happiness in knowing that the seeds planted through Voices of Encouragement don’t stop with one woman. When a woman is strengthened, it positively affects her family, her workplace, and her community. That ripple effect—combined with faith, purpose, and service—is what brings me the greatest joy.
Pricing:
- Empowerment Workshops (Quarterly / Special Events): Pricing varies by event; typically ranges from $25–$75 per participant, with occasional complimentary community sessions
- Group Coaching Programs: Starting at $197–$1,500, depending on program length and level of support
- One-on-One Coaching (Personal or Professional Development): Packages begin at $275 per session or $3,500+ for multi-session bundles
- Speaking Engagements / Workshops (Corporate, Nonprofit, Faith-Based): Custom pricing based on scope, audience size, and format
- Podcast & Community Resources: Many resources are free or low-cost, including A Woman’s Heart Podcast
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.voiceofencouragement.com
- Instagram: voemetoday
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-howard-1486a915/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VOICESOFENCORAGEMENTYT
