Misty Knight, the CEO and founder of Tenacious Woman Ministries (TWM) based in Midland, Texas, is supporting and empowering women across the Permian Basin.
With a master's degree in social work earned in 2006, Knight’s social service journey began as a medical social worker at Medical Center Hospital. She then went on to become a case manager in the Children with Special Health Care Needs program at the Texas Department of State Health Services.
In 2007, Knight became a single parent by becoming a foster mom, and in 2011 she welcomed her first biological child. For over five years, Knight embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom before feeling called to re-enter the workforce. However, faced with discrimination for her career gap, Knight transitioned into entrepreneurship as an insurance agency owner.
Knight began to feel financially confident with her job and then decided to confront the challenges of the emotionally and mentally abusive marriage she was in.
“After those two years of working, I felt like I was strong enough financially to leave,” said Knight in an interview with Midland Times. “I initially stayed in my marriage for the sake of my children, but the fact that they could model behaviors seen in our marriage was enough for me to call it quits.” Knight endured a difficult divorce and soon faced difficulties with her ability to work due to COVID-19.
Returning to her roots in social work, Knight then navigated various income streams, including coaching for women and life coaching, which according to Knight, resonated with her passion for helping others. Despite some setbacks, Knight’s perseverance guided her forward.
She recalled a pivotal moment when she turned to the Gospel, which led to the creation of Tenacious Woman Ministries.
“I then asked God, ‘What gives?’ I feel like You gave me this mission to help women and it's not working,’” said Knight. “And that's when I got the hard answer - ‘It's not about you.’ I then spent the next few months after that talking with God and listening to Him tell me what I had to do to move forward.”
When asked her goals for her organization, Knight said, “Tenacious Woman Ministries is a place for women to come to receive healing, support, and resources to create the life that they want, and to experience belonging, transformation, and recovery. I want it to be a community, which is something we’ve lost due to technology and the normal act of isolating ourselves within our homes.
“All humans, especially women, need face-to-face interactions and feel connections with others around them.”
Knight emphasized the importance of building confidence and faith to fulfill one's unique purpose. “I know that every single one of us has something that God has planted in us that he wants us to do. If we don’t have the confidence and the faith to step out and do it, we won’t and He won’t be accomplishing his mission here on earth through us,” she said.
Through Tenacious Woman Ministries, Knight and her team offer coaching services in various areas including life, abuse recovery, health and fitness, finance, spiritual, and business. With forthcoming services in parenting, relationship, and career coaching, Knight aims to empower women on their journey to self-discovery and fulfillment.
When asked for advice for women facing similar challenges, Knight offered a tip, saying, “Start your days with a conversation with God, ask Him to show you how He sees you, and to show you who you truly are by revealing the lies you may have believed.”
To learn more about Tenacious Woman Ministries, visit their website or Facebook page.