Bishop Dawn R. Brown
Pastor of “Cathedral Of Holiness Missionary Baptist Church & partner of Code Blue in Salem County”
Q; Do you feel like you have left a mark in history, if so, how?
A: Yes! I founded the first predominantly African American Church in Pennsville, NJ. I coordinated the first Ruwach International Women’s Conference in Atlantis, South Africa (we were the first Americans to ever do missions there), I organized the Cathedral Junior Missionaries missions’ trip to support and reside with the Lakota of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in Ziebach County, South Dakota in June 2014 (no African American church had ever done ministry there before). Additionally, I organized an international trip to Bangalore, India in October 2015 and I am the first female pastor to have a relationship with the ministry that held the conference. I recently, preached virtually at their pastor’s fellowship. I was the first female pastor to preach at SCI Benner in Benner Township, PA, an all-male prison. Finally, I co-founded, initiated, and successfully implemented a Salem County Code Blue Initiative in Salem County, the first in the county.
Q: How did you persevere through the tough times?
A: I pray, read my Bible, find inspirational and uplifting Christian/Gospel songs and spend time with my family.
Q: What do you want to achieve next?
A: I would like Salem County Code Blue, where I am President and CEO to build the first Homeless Shelter in Salem County. I also would like to build affordable homes in Salem County for the homeless through my community development corporation.
Q: Describe your leadership style and how you “lead” others.
A: I lead by example by serving. I try to be a person that people wish to follow, being truthful, transparent, respectful, caring, and inspiring.
Q: Who inspired you to be a leader and why?
A: My mentor and pastor Dr. T.E Kilgoe. He is a pastor’s pastor. He didn’t command attention but lead with integrity, humbleness, and vision. He is a good listener and communicator.Q: What are the benefits to having women in leadership?
A: Women are natural nurtures. Women tend to seek change rather than power.
Q: Have you ever been so discouraged you wanted to quit?
A: Yes, many times.
Q: How do you encourage women to not give up?
A: By helping them to understand their purpose and who called them to it. Teach them to make the mission about the mission and not themselves, thereby, allowing God to give them the strength, wisdom, and opportunity to carry out the assignment entrusted to them.
Q: What are the ways you stay grounded and take care of yourself?
A: My husband keeps me grounded. I am a believer in self-care. I take trips with my husband once a month, I spend time with my children and grandchildren, I call my mom almost every day, go to the beauty salon, get massages, and I do CrossFit.
Q: How can we include women leaders that are moms and balance their time?
A: Find out what they are passionate about and support their efforts through resources and communication.
Q: Who was/is your role model and/or leadership mentor?
A: Minister Jeannette Crawford (deceased), Dr. T.E Kilgoe, Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard and Bishop Robert F. Hargrove, Sr.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
A: Be yourself. Acknowledge that men and women have different leadership styles. You don’t have to act like a man to be successful in leadership. Stay connected with young people. Not only can you teach them, but they can also teach you. Always put yourself in a position to learn more. Don’t be to hard on yourself and don’t try to do it all yourself; use your network of community. Love yourself enough to be by yourself at times. Take care of your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
