Today we’d like to introduce you to Olayinka Olubunmi.
Hi Olayinka, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Rev. Dr. Olayinka Olubunmi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, the sixth of eight children. With a father who was a pastor holding a Doctorate in Theology and a mother who was a professional seamstress, she grew up in a home deeply rooted in faith, service, and creativity.
An ordained minister, Dr. Olubunmi began her journey after high school, in the U.S. military, serving in the Air Force and Navy before returning 20 years later to the Army as a Chaplain. During her service, she ministered to soldiers in Kuwait and Iraq, baptized in the Persian Gulf, prayed with troops before missions, and visited the wounded in Baghdad Hospital. She retired with the rank of Captain, carrying forward a legacy of faith and resilience.
Beyond the military, she received a bachelors degree in Biblical studies, from Beulah Heights University in Atlanta. GA., and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University and a Masters degree in Christian Education from Interdenominational Theological Center (I.T.C.) in Atlanta, GA.
She earned a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University. Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Olayinka co-founded American Bible University inc, in 2011, which has graduated over 3,000 students worldwide. She was also honored in Ghana, West Africa, where she was stooled as a Queen Mother of Development in both the Honugo Traditional Area and Dodowa, a role that deepened her commitment to education and community development.
Dr. Olubunmi has been married to Gary Williams for 37 years. Together they have raised four children—Shintika, Joiteena, Mercedes, and Gadrien—and are proud grandparents and great-grandparents. Now retired from formal service, she runs her school and has embraced cinematography and documentary filmmaking as a passion, using storytelling to inspire and give voice to meaningful experiences. Across every chapter of her life—daughter, minister, Chaplain, educator, Queen Mother, wife, mother, and grandmother—she remains committed to showing up, serving, and leaving an impact wherever she is called.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Life has brought its share of challenges, but each struggle has shaped me into who I am today. As a young mother of 18, recently out of the Air Force and now in the Navy reserves and later a divorced parent of two young girls. I had to make difficult choices to ensure stability for my children while still pursuing my own calling. I decided to go active Navy to support my girls After five years of being a single parent, In 1987, met my now husband and we married and had two additional children. After graduating with my doctorate degree in 2006, I decided to return to the military (this time the Army) after a 20-year break. This was both physically and emotionally demanding, especially serving as a Chaplain in war zones where I witnessed pain, loss, and the weight soldiers carried.
Beyond the military, building American Bible University from the ground up required faith, resilience, and perseverance in the face of limited resources and skepticism about private, faith-based education. Even with those obstacles, I’ve always held to the belief that setbacks are setups for growth. Those struggles have fueled my passion for service, deepened my empathy for others, and strengthened my resolve to keep showing up no matter the season.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is rooted in faith, education, and creativity. I specialize in developing curriculum, writing books and workbooks, and equipping leaders through American Bible University, which I co-founded. I’ve published a doctoral dissertation, authored several works, and created programs that help students connect theology, counseling, and ministry to real-life practice. I’m also stepping into the creative arts through cinematography and documentary filmmaking, which allows me to tell powerful stories that inspire and uplift.
I’m most proud of the lives touched through my service—whether it was as a Chaplain walking alongside soldiers in war zones, as an educator guiding students toward their calling, or as a Queen Mother in Ghana supporting community development. What sets me apart is the way I blend experience, scholarship, and creativity. My journey has not been limited to one lane—I’ve been a minister, military officer, educator, writer, and now filmmaker. Through it all, I remain committed to showing up authentically, serving with integrity, and leaving behind work that not only teaches but transforms.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is simple: don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you begin. Start with what you have, where you are, and trust that the rest will unfold as you move forward. Too often we get paralyzed by fear, doubt, or comparison, but the truth is, growth comes through action.
I wish I had known earlier that setbacks are not failures—they are stepping stones. Every closed door, delay, or challenge I faced was preparing me for the next season. If I could go back, I would remind myself to embrace the journey, stay consistent, and never lose sight of the bigger purpose.
Above all, keep your faith strong, surround yourself with people who uplift you, and remember that your calling is unique to you. No one else can walk it the way you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.americanbibleuniv.com
