Leanetta Gilliard has been married for nearly 15 years to her loving husband, Pastor Edward T. Gilliard Jr. Together, they are blessed with two adult children, as well as two adopted young children—a daughter age four and a son age six—who bring great joy to their family.
Leanetta has always had a passion for helping others and serving her community. Her professional background includes working as a Manager at the Lowcountry Food Bank for two years and serving as a Transportation Supervisor for six years. Throughout her career, she has managed both large and small organizations, gaining valuable leadership experience while discovering that her true calling is rooted in serving people with compassion and care.
Despite enduring six major back surgeries that ultimately removed her from the workforce, Leanetta never allowed those challenges to diminish her passion for helping others. Instead, those experiences strengthened her faith and inspired her to continue growing personally, spiritually, and academically. She pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies, and is now an aspiring Ministry.
Today, alongside her husband’s pastoral leadership at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Leanetta actively serves the church and community through numerous outreach efforts. She founded the praise and worship team, established a women’s ministry, and coordinates senior food box distributions and community food giveaways. She also started and organizes an annual Back-to-School Bash that supports both the church and the surrounding community.
Her commitment to service has led to partnerships with organizations such as Walmart, Target, and Staples to help provide resources and support for youth and senior citizens each year.
Leanetta founded Chosen Vessels Ministries before it became an official nonprofit organization because she recognized a genuine need within the community. Giving and serving have always been at the center of her heart. Whenever someone was in need, she sought to help in whatever way she could.
Leanetta firmly believes that she is a vessel chosen by God to do His good work, and her greatest reward is living a life that pleases Him through service, love, and ministry to others.