Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor, Dr. Canzada Twyman.
Hi Pastor, Dr. Canzada, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Raised in Washington, D.C. with eight brothers and one sister, my childhood was good, but challenging. I started my journey early, traveling through life alone for many years. Always had the desire, the dream of being a medical doctor, so I decided to go into the U.S. Army. I believed I was finally safe and that a long-term goal was within reach. I was determined to succeed—for my daughter and myself. I trained hard in the Army, proud to be appointed squad leader and platoon guide. I loved the discipline, the structure, and the sense that I was on my way to success. Despite missing my family and early morning raisings, I felt motivated and inspired.
After returning from the U.S. Army, I felt lost and was close to giving up on life. One of the two darkest moments was sitting in a cold, foul-smelling jail cell, facing a possible life sentence. Society had labeled me a career criminal, and even the methadone doctor told me there was no hope. After years of substance abuse, I was overwhelmed by despair and suicidal ideation.
Fleeting thoughts of serving my country and daily how, I reported for duty. It was the month of September 1981, around 2 a.m., I was on guard duty at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. But that morning, the first darkest moment of my life, my world shattered. I was overcome by anger, betrayal, and bitterness. During my rounds on Tank Hill, I was ambushed, yanked by the neck, and assaulted by three officers. I cried out, asking why, but all I heard were cruel taunts—racist name calling, and degrading. I felt utterly betrayed.
Weeks later, I fainted during my PT exam and woke up in Moncrieff Army Hospital, diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy a direct result from the gang-raped while on active duty. Emergency surgery was conducted and my reproductive organ was removed.
Shortly after, I was sent home with the promise I could return in two years—something I couldn’t accept. Back home, feelings of betrayal, shame, anger, and worthlessness grew stronger. With nowhere to go, my daughter stayed with her father for a few months. Eventually, I found work and moved into an apartment. I worked tirelessly for me and my girl, but inside, I was broken, torn. I wanted to erase the memories—the voices, the betrayal, the shame, and hopelessness.
In my pain, I connected with a young man who had money and drugs, which temporarily made me feel good. My daughter wanted for nothing, but I was on a destructive path I didn’t see coming. There was a heavy price to pay. Oh, but today I have something to truly SHOUT ABOUT—I am free. I choose me. I continue to work through the unwanted memories, shared my story, and give God all the Glory.
SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT!
After many years of substance use, serving time in a women’s prison, and being given the opportunity to receive treatment, there is much I have to celebrate. I was able to attend a long-term, faith-based residential treatment program in Brooklyn, NY. Upon successful completion, I secured employment in the Women’s Program as the Director of Intake Services and Counselor-in-Training. I also enrolled at the Manhattan Christian Counseling Center, where I obtained certification in Christian Temperament Counseling. I worked in both roles for seven years.
In 2001, I returned home to Washington, DC. The following year, I was accepted into Lincoln University, an HBCU located in Philadelphia, PA. There, I earned a Master of Human Services degree, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
While living in Brooklyn and participating in the Teen Challenge program, I received a vision and two words that were placed on my heart: Divine Exchange. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what it meant. Later, during my graduate studies, I was assigned to develop an outreach program to present to my learning group. I completed the assignment and named it Divine Exchange Ministry. The presentation received a standing ovation, and my professor encouraged me to submit it to the IRS for 501(c)(3) charitable organization status. I did so.
It is truly a journey I never imagined I would undertake. I am forever grateful and thankful for this hand-picked path, which has required me to remain Focused, Faithful, and Flexible. This journey has opened doors for me to pursue higher education within the faith community. I am proud to have attended Jericho Bible College, graduating with honors, and to have successfully completed programs with the Full Gospel International Baptist Fellowship, where I was ordained as an Elder. I also completed and was installed in the office of Pastorship through Emmanuel International Church Fellowship, and I graduated with high honors from the Kingdom Leaders Seminar, earning a doctorate in Religious Philosophy and Christian Counseling.
Through it all, the Power greater than myself, the Almighty Yeshua, has renewed, restored, and reconciled me—allowing me to maintain a healthy and happy marriage, a joyous family, grow the ministry business, serve those in need, and continue to sustain a healthy state of mind, in spite of the challenges. Today, I continue to fulfill my role as the Founding Executive Officer and Pastor of Divine Exchange Ministry, Inc. (DEMI). So, I do have much to Shout About!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout my journey, I encountered numerous hurdles that tested my resilience. Managing the demands of a growing family, a burgeoning ministry, and pursuing higher education while working full-time was a constant balancing act. The physical and emotional fatigue was real, and there were moments when I doubted whether I could sustain the effort required. Financial challenges often added stress, especially when trying to fund my education and ministry initiatives. Leadership uncertainties and the pressure to excel in every area sometimes left me questioning if I was on the right path. Despite these difficulties, my faith remained unwavering, and divine strength carried me through. Each challenge became an opportunity for growth, pushing me to develop greater perseverance, resilience, and trusting in God’s plan. Looking back, I realize that these struggles refined me and made my victories even more meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Divine Exchange Ministry, Inc.?
Divine Exchange Ministry, Inc. (DEMI) Divine Exchange Ministry, Inc. (DEMI) is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) veteran owned, faith-based community organization serving the Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia areas. Our mission is guided by the 5E’s: Embrace, Edify, Encourage, Educate, and Empower. This mission focuses on building a strong sense of community among youth, adults, and families.
Readers, should know that DEMI operates through four key components, which together create an ecosystem that supports the organization’s overall mission and impact:
1. The Women’s Component
2. Youth Component
3. Family Component
4. Training & Consulting Component
The organization is people focused, which is the driving force of each component. The Women’s Component focuses on empowering women by providing resources, education, and opportunities tailored to their specific needs. It aims to foster gender equality, enhance women’s skills, and support their economic and social development. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and advocacy initiatives, this component strives to elevate women’s roles in their communities and beyond. The Youth Component targets young people, offering programs that promote education, leadership, and life skills. It seeks to nurture a new generation of responsible, confident, and capable individuals who can contribute positively to society. Activities may include mentorship, vocational training, and extracurricular engagements designed to inspire and equip youth for future success. The Family Component emphasizes strengthening family units by promoting healthy relationships, family planning, and community support systems. It recognizes the importance of a stable family environment in fostering overall community well-being. Initiatives could include parenting workshops, family counseling, and community outreach programs that encourage unity and resilience within families. Then there is The Training and Consulting Component that provides specialized training and consultancy services to organizations, institutions, and community groups and residents. It aims to increase community awareness, build capacity, improve organizational effectiveness, and promote best practices. By sharing expertise and offering tailored training sessions, this component helps ensure that the organization’s impact is sustainable and scalable across different sectors and communities.
It’s a known fact that together, these four components create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports DEMI’s mission to foster social development, gender equality, and community resilience. Each component complements the others, ensuring a holistic approach to creating lasting positive change.
Together, the four components—Women’s, Youth, Family, and Training & Consulting—form a comprehensive ecosystem that actively supports DEMI’s mission to promote social development, gender equality, and community resilience. Each component is designed to complement the others, ensuring a holistic approach that drives lasting positive change.
While many organizations are engaged in similar efforts, DEMI’s impact is distinguished by several unique qualities and approaches. Its strength lies in a comprehensive, principle-driven, and culturally sensitive framework that nurtures individuals, families, and organizations all at once. This integrated strategy creates a ripple effect of sustainable transformation, setting DEMI apart from others working in this space.
In essence, DEMI’s distinctiveness is rooted in its ability to foster deep, lasting change through an inclusive and adaptive approach that aligns with community values and needs—making its work not only impactful but also truly transformative.
We are most proud of DEMI’s holistic and culturally attuned approach to community development. Our ability to create a comprehensive ecosystem through our four interconnected components—Women’s, Youth, Family, and Training & Consulting—sets us apart. This integrated model allows us to foster sustainable, positive change at multiple levels, empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building resilient organizations. Our commitment to principles-driven work—centered around Embrace, Edify, Encourage, Educate, and Empower—ensures that every effort is rooted in fostering deep, lasting transformation that resonates within the communities we serve.
We want our readers to understand that DEMI is dedicated to creating meaningful and sustainable impact through a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach. Our services are designed not just to address immediate needs but to build capacity, inspire growth, and encourage leadership within communities. Whether through empowering women, supporting youth, strengthening families, or providing community and organizational training and consulting, our work is rooted in principles that promote social development, gender equality, and resilience. We invite you to learn more about how DEMI’s unique, holistic model can contribute to lasting positive change and community transformation.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network are vital steps for personal and professional growth. My suggestion/advice is to start by identifying individuals whose work or values resonate with your goals. Attend industry events, workshops, or community gatherings where you can meet like-minded people. Be genuine in your approach—seek to build authentic relationships rather than just transactional ones. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or mentorship; many experienced professionals are willing to share their knowledge if approached respectfully. Consistency and follow-up are key—maintain relationships by staying engaged and showing appreciation.
What has worked for me is building a network through active participation and contribution has been most effective. Volunteering, joining relevant organizations, and participating in community initiatives have opened doors to meaningful connections. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders and joining online groups or forums has expanded my reach and provided valuable insights.
Our Women’s component is developing a mentorship program to empower women by connecting them with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. The goal is to foster personal growth, develop leadership skills, and build confidence among women in the community. Mentors will serve as role models, helping mentees navigate challenges, set goals, and unlock their full potential. Ultimately, this initiative aims to cultivate a strong network of empowered women who can inspire others and drive positive change in their personal lives, professional pursuits, and communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.divineexchange.org | www.womenofexchange.com
- Instagram: womenofexchangeempowerment
- Facebook: womenofexchange
- Email: info@divineexchange.org | woe@divineexchange.org
Image Credits
We are forever grateful to our donors and sponsors. We are not grant funded as of yet, however, we thank Safeway, Publix, Texas Road House, One Resource Center, St. Paul AME Church, Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA), VA-Community Engagement Team, and all our individual sponsors and monthly donors. Your giving is not in vain! Would you like to help us as we help others—Together we can change a community! Thank You!
