Minister Gloria J. Randolph grew up on the south side of Chicago with her parents, her sister and two brothers.  She and her husband Reese are residents of Hazel Crest, Illinois.  She is the mother of six children and grandmother of six.  Presently, Gloria is enrolled in the Master of Divinity Program of studies at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.   She received her Type 75 Administrative Certificate from Concordia University in 2002.  She earned the Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Governors State University in 1988. Her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood was earned from Chicago State University in 1969, formerly called Chicago Teachers College.  In May of 2003, Gloria retired from the Chicago Public School system after 34 years of dedicated service.

Gloria's professional excellence has been recognized both nationally and locally.  June 2007, she was the recipient of the Woman of Worth Award, bestowed upon her by the Working on Wholeness Ministry, in acknowledgement of extraordinary service and visionary leadership in education, ministry and community work.  Gloria is the founder of GGG Ministries (Giving God the Glory).  Under this ministry, Gloria facilitates and organizes bereavement programs and support groups as well as mentoring programs for teens and women.  She is also a motivational speaker for churches, Christian conferences, organizations and schools throughout the city and state.  Her community activities have been featured in area newspapers and other media. In February 2004, Gloria became Co-Director of CLEAR II Inc. (Clergy Ladies Experiencing Affirming Relationships).  Gloria’s faith is the foundation of all that she does; therefore, whatever task she takes on – be it professional, religious, personal or social, becomes a real ministry.

In October of 1989, Gloria’s oldest son, Sean, was murdered at age 21.  She turned this tragedy into triumph as she co-founded R.A.Y. (Reclaim A Youth) in 1991 with a friend, Addie Mix, whose 18-year-old son had also been murdered.  R.A.Y. is a non-profit organization, which offers mentoring programs for boys and girls, college scholarships, and support group sessions for the bereaved.  Gloria feels her real healing came from helping other mothers deal with their pain and grief, and by helping young people to succeed.  Minister Randolph was sponsored by Alpha Chapter of the Central Region.

Let us salute Minister Gloria J. Randolph - Iota Phi Lambda's National Woman of the Year!

Dorothy White
Central Regional Director