Carnela Hill shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Carnela, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time and find myself again through experiences that fully engage my mind, heart, and spirit. Creating or expressing myself through writing, designing, speaking, or problem-solving, pulls me into flow. Serving and helping others through coaching, mentoring, volunteering, or offering acts of compassion, grounds me in purpose. Deep learning and exploration, whether through reading, research, or uncovering insights, expand my understanding of the world. Time seems to vanish when I am riding in the car with my worship music, in nature or in stillness by walking, praying, meditating, or simply intentionally resting. Moments of worship or spiritual connection remind me that my inner life is aligned with something larger.
One of the most remarkable experiences is helping someone see through a fresh lens, watching the light bulb go off as they realize the answer was right in front of them. These are divine moments, brief glimpses of clarity and grace, where both time and self seem to fall away, leaving only the beauty of insight and connection.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Carnela Renee Hill is a powerhouse of purpose — a faith-driven leader, licensed chaplain, author, seasoned educator, and creative entrepreneur who thrives in spaces from the pulpit to the classroom to transformational design projects. With over a decade of teaching experience, an Executive MBA, a Master’s in Christian Practice, and a natural gift for mentorship, she uplifts minds and hearts alike.
Whether crafting soul-stirring chapters for her upcoming book, guiding students online with excellence, or empowering executives through crisis with wisdom and grace, Carnela turns past “no’s” into prophetic blueprints for breakthrough. Her Nehemiah-like calling drives her to rebuild in marginalized communities and advocate for justice at every level, from local government to the White House.
Known for her authenticity, wisdom, and transformational impact, Carnela inspires diverse audiences worldwide. Her unique ability to connect, uplift, and motivate makes her a sought-after global speaker for conferences, corporate trainings, and faith-based events. By bridging purpose and performance, she equips others to thrive personally and professionally, delivering messages on leadership, resilience, and spiritual growth with clarity and compassion.
Among her many initiatives, she is the Founder and President of Thrive Resource Center, a transformative organization committed to empowering communities. By equipping youth, young adults, and individuals navigating life’s challenges with workforce development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and tailored guidance, Thrive helps people reclaim their paths, unlock their potential, and create lasting, positive change.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandparents were the first to recognize the calling on my life. I never imagined myself preaching or pastoring a church, but they saw something in me long before I could see it in myself. Their belief planted seeds I didn’t even know were there.
As I grew, others watered those seeds. In the entrepreneurial space, one of the most profound influences came through the North Carolina Women’s Business Center under the National Institute of Minority Economic Development. It was there that I met Ms. Andrea Harris, a petite woman with a towering spirit who became a mentor, coach, and mother figure to me and so many others. Ms. Harris was a trailblazer on Durham’s Black Wall Street and a fearless advocate for women and minority-owned businesses. When doors were slammed shut, she refused to accept it and instead, she broke them open.
She gathered six of us together through Sharon Campbell and we were named Women on The Move. We didn’t even fully understand at the time what she saw in us. She connected us with people of influence, pushed us into spaces we were afraid of, and challenged us to rise higher. Ms. Harris believed in us when we struggled to believe in ourselves.
Ms. Harris was well respected, known for making a difference, and pushing people into purpose. She left an indelible mark across the world and specifically on North Carolina’s businesses and minority communities earning awards like the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest honor, but her truest legacy was in the people she lifted. She called our names in rooms we imagined being in, and because of her, those doors remain open today.
There were others, too. Jimmy Davies was another encourager who pushed me to stretch. He challenged me to merge my love for interior design with new opportunities including radio, podcasts, and eventually three different shows. He also reconnected me with the legendary Joe Dudley, who hand-selected ten businesses, including mine, to mentor. That opened doors to meeting Dr. George C. Fraser and even being interviewed by Leon Isaac Kennedy about my White House decorating experience in 2015 and my HGTV features.
When I pause and look back, I realize how many extraordinary people have spoken into my life. They saw me clearly before I could see myself, and each one left fingerprints on the leader, entrepreneur, and woman I am today. Their belief became my courage.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I have been taught how to suffer well… a topic for another day. Suffering unlocked strength, resilience, and power in me that success alone could never reveal. Every hardship stretched me beyond my comfort zone and pushed me into places I never would have reached without the struggle.
Suffering taught me to release what was never meant to stay, including relationships, things, and even versions of myself that no longer served my purpose. In that process, I discovered the new Carnela Renee Hill, the woman God has called for this time.
I’ve learned to love myself again, to put myself first without apology, and to embrace the sacred gift of sabbath rest. I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself, to enjoy life again, and to walk forward even when I feel afraid, trusting the process and trusting God.
Success can give applause, but suffering gave me authenticity, clarity, and unshakable faith. It taught me that real power isn’t found in what I accomplish, but in who I have become for I have evolved.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is people, seeing them healthy, whole, and walking boldly in their purpose. They know I am a purpose pusher, passionate about seeing others succeed in their careers, entrepreneurship, and life. I am big on education, working a trade, or doing whatever you do to the best of your ability. Never stop learning, growing, and developing professionally, personally, and spiritually.
They would also say I strive to live life both on purpose and in purpose, fully committed to ministry, missions, and servant leadership. At my core, I believe that in all things we should seek wisdom and understanding; to love deeply, pursue unity and peace, and never be afraid to stand up for others through advocacy.
Titles have their place, but they should never weigh you down or define your worth. What matters most to me is impact.
I care deeply about the marginalized, the underserved, and those who feel voiceless. My heart is to pour into others so they can rise, thrive, and fully walk in the calling on their lives.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Carnela Renee Hill loved deeply, worked with passion, and served with her whole heart, often giving more than others ever realized. Even when challenges pressed hard, she leaned on her faith, drew from her resilience, and pressed forward with courage and determination. Her life was a testament to living with purpose, lifting others higher, and leaving every space better than she found it.
She had a way of pushing people, sometimes to the point of frustration, but those who knew her understood it came from love and an unwavering desire to see others walk in their God-given purpose. Carnela’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose, marked by a life that inspired countless others to rise, thrive, and live fully into their calling.
Those fortunate enough to be in her circle knew that when Carnela Reneé Hill took a stand, it was with conviction and courage. She advocated fiercely for people, for justice, and for meaningful causes even when no one was watching.
One of Carnela’s favorite quotes is by Howard Thurman. Thurman said,
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do
that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Carnela truly embodied these words. She came alive to be a blessing to the next generation and to empower those who needed help finding and using their voice.
We are grateful that her journey continues and she has crossed our path, for her work is far from finished. Carnela walks with purpose, fully aware and committed to the calling on her life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnelareneehill
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carnela-hill-022166320?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: None
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carnelareneehill
- Soundcloud: Faith, Motivation and Leadership
Image Credits
– DVOC Photography
– Grace the Face Photography
