Meet Ora O'Connell

Ora O’Connell, teacher, public speaker, poet, and Mississippi native, has been using her voice to connect people to God and one another since her adolescent years. Ora graduated with her bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Jackson State University before relocating to Michigan to pursue a master’s degree in organizational communication from Western Michigan University. Ora immediately began her doctoral degree, completing all coursework (ABD), when she responded to the call on her life to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The response was in keeping with Ora's life experiences and exposure to kingdom principles. She has served at the 5th largest bank in the United States for over 18 years as a corporate trainer and is currently a people manager. She often refers to the title "Market Minister" to describe the call to ministry combined with her vocation.

In pursuit of deeper knowledge, Ora is also working towards a master’s degree at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Raised in the church, Ora began to deliver the spoken word at a young age and served as a keynote speaker for people eager to hear “the good news.” Ora has taught youth in the church and in the secular world, led Sunday services, and served faithfully in the local church, understanding the need for disciplining others for the cause of Christ. Ora followed God’s lead to share the gift of the spoken word on a broader scale upon the passing of her mother, the late Yvonne L. Travis. That loss prompted a desire to pursue Christ and serve others.