Rev. Dr. Trish Harleston
Rev. Dr. Trish Harleston is a visionary leader, ordained minister, author, speaker, teacher, and community advocate whose life and work are centered on helping people discover purpose, strengthen their faith, develop their gifts, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
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She is the founder of Trish Harleston Ministries (THM), a religious nonprofit outreach organization created to provide accessible opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional growth. Through THM, Dr. Harleston has created spaces where women and members of the community can connect, learn, grow, and be encouraged through conferences, workshops, community outreach, and service initiatives.
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THM is the host of the THM Liquidated Ladies Conference and community service initiatives, as well as free workshops addressing topics related to spiritual development, leadership, personal growth, and professional development. Through the ministry's scholarship and community outreach efforts, more than $10,000 in scholarships has been awarded to local students. THM has also supported the community through toy drives, resource collections, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations.
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Dr. Harleston's ministry extends beyond the pulpit. A licensed and ordained minister, she has served as a highly requested preacher, teacher, conference presenter, and facilitator. She brings extensive experience in church administration, organizational development, Christian education, leadership development, and ministry operations. For 13 years, she served in church leadership and administration, overseeing Christian Education, Operations, Organizational Development, and Ministry Development.
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Her journey into ministry began long before she recognized the calling on her life. Raised in Clinton, North Carolina, Dr. Harleston began singing and serving in the church as a young person and was baptized in the Disciples of Christ Church. In 2002, she accepted God's call to preach the Gospel and was ordained in the Missionary Baptist Association in 2007. Her ministry continues to be grounded in a deep commitment to faith, service, leadership, and helping others recognize the purpose and potential God has placed within them.
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An accomplished writer and creative, Dr. Harleston is the author of eight publications, a contributing author to two additional releases, and the creator and publisher of The Fumble Bee Children's Book Series. She has also been a cast member of the award-winning gospel stage play Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child and has written a weekly inspirational message through her blog for more than twelve years.
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Dr. Harleston's commitment to service extends into the broader community. She is a member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and has devoted significant time to community service and volunteerism. In recognition of that service, she received the President's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. She has also received numerous honors for ministry, leadership, and community service, including the 2016 Spectacular Magazine Woman of the Year for Community Service; recognition in Who's Who in Black Raleigh and Durham as a Spiritual Leader; the 2017 Druecillar Fordham Award in Pastoral Excellence; the 2018 Woman of Distinction Award in Spirituality; a 2019 honor recognizing women in leadership; and the 2017 Merrick Fisher Spaulding Award for Community Service.
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Dr. Harleston holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management from Shaw University, a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling from Apex School of Theology, and a Doctorate in Christian Ministry from North Carolina Theological Seminary. She has also received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism.
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While her life carries a significant ministerial and community commitment, Dr. Harleston considers her greatest blessings to be found in the relationships she holds closest. She cherishes her life as the wife of Charles Harleston, mother of two adult children, and Mimi to her grandchildren. She and her husband worship at Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, under the leadership of Dr. Harry White.
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Dr. Harleston's life and ministry are anchored in the words of the Apostle Paul:
“But by the grace of God I am what I am.” — 1 Corinthians 15:10
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Her life's work is a reflection of that grace—equipping people, empowering women, strengthening communities, and creating spaces where faith, purpose, leadership, and service can flourish.