Key People
Erica N. Benjamin, Founder & President
Erica’s life and testimony reflect the redeeming power of God’s grace and the transformative work of spiritual surrender. After losing her father at the age of 11, she spent years searching for love, identity, and healing in places that could never fully satisfy the deep void she carried. However, in 2011, Erica rededicated her life to Jesus Christ and experienced a life-changing encounter with God that forever altered the trajectory of her life. On September 12, 2011, she made the decision to pursue a life of purity and wholehearted devotion to Christ, and shortly thereafter was baptized as a public declaration of her faith.
What began as a personal journey of healing, obedience, and transformation eventually evolved into a calling to lead, disciple, and encourage others. Through her own experiences overcoming grief, brokenness, shame, and struggles with sexual sin, Erica developed a deep passion for helping women understand their identity in Christ and pursue holistic purity in every area of life. Her journey from struggle to spiritual leadership became the foundation for the work and vision of the Journey to Purity Foundation.
Today, Erica serves as a wife, mother, speaker, author, mentor, and Christian leader dedicated to empowering youth, young adults, women, churches, and communities through biblical discipleship, spiritual formation, and practical life transformation. She is the founder of Journey to Purity®, a global movement committed to helping individuals embrace purity not only sexually, but spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially.
Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). She also earned a Certificate of Christian Ministry and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Christian Leadership. Her academic pursuits reflect her heart for equipping the next generation and helping churches effectively disciple people both in-person and through digital ministry spaces.
Through the Journey to Purity Foundation, Erica remains committed to sharing the hope of Christ, cultivating spiritually healthy communities, and helping individuals discover that their past does not define them—God’s purpose does.
Markeshia Williams, Secretary
At 45 years old, Markeshia is blessed to be a devoted wife, mother of three, and a woman whose life has been strengthened by faith in God and His gift of a solid Christian tribe. She has a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and 14 years of experience in the classroom. Through every challenge and season of hardship, Markeshia has witnessed God’s grace, mercy, and unfailing love firsthand. She praises Him daily for sustaining her, guiding her, and reminding her that even in difficult moments, His purpose for her life remains greater than her struggles.
What keeps Markeshia grounded is her love for others and her desire to reflect the compassion and kindness God has shown her. To not be ashamed of her past, but humbled because of grace and mercy. She understands the power of love through Christ, and it is her mission to encourage, uplift, and inspire those around her to keep their faith strong no matter what they face. Her testimony is a reminder that God can bring healing, strength, and peace through every storm.
Markeshia is passionate about serving others, building meaningful relationships rooted in faith, and being a light in her community. Whether through her words, actions, or daily walk with Christ, she strives to live with purpose, humility, and gratitude. Her prayer is that others will see God’s love shining through her and be encouraged to trust Him more deeply in their own lives.
Mary B. Williams, Board Member
Mary is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ with a deep passion for prayer, encouragement, and helping others grow in their faith. Guided by the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, she has dedicated her life to serving God and uplifting those around her through compassionate ministry, Christian education, and discipleship.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Claflin University and a Certificate of Christian Ministry from the New Covenant School of Ministry. Mary’s background in education and ministry has equipped her with a unique ability to nurture, teach, and inspire individuals across generations.
Throughout her faith journey, Mary has served in various ministry roles, including Christian Education Director, Sunday School teacher, Usher, and local church Missionary. She has also had the privilege of supporting and participating in Bible study ministry at Kirkland Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of God’s Word.
As a board member of the Journey to Purity Foundation, Mary is instrumental in helping equip the next generation of women to live boldly for Christ through prayer, mentorship, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance. Her heart for people and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel continue to make a lasting impact within churches, families, and communities.
Mary is a widow, proud mother of two, and grandmother of four. In her free time, she enjoys working in her flower and vegetable gardens and spending time with her family.