Meet Daria Dillard Stone of Dayton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daria Dillard Stone

Hi Daria Dillard, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Bio
Revised 10.1.24 Daria Dillard Stone

Daria Dillard Stone, born on March 5, 1951, to Gilbert Dillard and Norma Jean Roebuck, stands as a beacon of service and inspiration within her community. The eldest of twelve siblings, with ten siblings still thriving, Daria’s journey is marked by a profound commitment to education, advocacy, and positive change. After graduating with distinction from Roosevelt High School in 1968 earning the accolade of “Most Talented” in her class, Daria embarked on a path of academic and professional growth. Her pursuit led her to Sinclair Community College from 1980 to 1984, where she dedicated herself to the fields of Business Administration and Psychology. In October of 2000, she achieved certification as a Family Development Specialist from the esteemed National Resource Center For Family-Centered Practice, situated within the University of Iowa School of Social Work. Beyond her professional endeavors, Daria finds solace and joy in various interests, including dancing, singing, music appreciation, leisurely walks, cherished family moments, community outreach, culinary pursuits—particularly in crafting delectable sweet potato pies—and the collection of fish-themed memorabilia.
With three adult daughters and four beloved grandchildren, Daria embodies the roles of Educator, Family & Community Advocate, and Champion of positive transformation. Her remarkable skill set encompasses creative problem-solving, finely honed interpersonal understanding, and a steadfast commitment to fostering meaningful connections.
Daria’s extensive career in community service traces back to 1970 when she commenced her journey as a Traffic Clerk for William Zeller Clerk of Courts, a position appointed by C.J. McLin. Subsequently, she served at the Children’s Services Board from 1974 to 1985, undertaking roles encompassing Foster Care, Staff Development, and Executive Support.
Her tenure at the Dayton Urban League, spanning from 1985 to 2000, under the leadership of Willie F. Walker, showcased her administrative prowess as the executive secretary. From 2000 to 2014, she served as the Program Manager at Parents Advancing Choice in Education/PACE, where her dedication to empowering parents and advocating for educational equity earned her the moniker of “the mother of school choice in Ohio.”

Transitioning to a consultancy role with Dayton Public Schools from 2014 to 2017, Daria continued her impactful work, collaborating with parents and students to implement programs aimed at enhancing educational access and support. Simultaneously, she contributed her expertise to the Preschool Promise Program from 2015 to 2017, further cementing her commitment to fostering academic excellence from an early age. Since 2017, Daria has brought her wealth of experience and passion to her current role as the Parent Engagement Liaison at Dayton Metro Library, where she continues to spearhead initiatives such as the transformative Rock Your Homework program—now known as Homework Help Centers—across seven branch libraries. Harnessing her extensive network cultivated through affiliations with Children’s Services, the Dayton Urban League, Parents Advancing Choice in Education/PACE, and the Dayton Metro Library, Daria remains a steadfast catalyst for positive change. Her impact resonates profoundly within educational spheres, facilitating access to scholarships, nurturing parental engagement, and empowering individuals of all ages to pursue pathways to success.
Outside her professional endeavors, Daria served as an Associate Minister at The Word Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Chad A. White. Her commitment to spiritual enrichment and community empowerment is further exemplified through her organization, Sharing Ministries, which is dedicated to uplifting women through spiritual guidance, educational support, and entrepreneurial mentorship. In 2021, Daria initiated the S.T.A.R. (Smart Talent, Awesome, Respected) program, heralding a new era of empowerment for women from diverse backgrounds. This initiative has emerged as a beacon of hope, equipping women with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to overcome barriers and realize their fullest potential.
Daria’s unwavering dedication to service and empowerment has earned her numerous accolades and honors, including:
2024 Dayton Skyscraper
2024 Ordained Minister
2023 Mother of the Year Award – Inspire Me Learning Center
2023 Woman of Influence – Sisters Of Strength Empowerment Ministry
2021 Sandie Geib Ambassador of the Year Award (the first) – Women in Business Networking
2018 Women Of Influence Award – YWCA Dayton
2016 Ambassador of the Year Award – Women in Business Networking/WiBN
2012 Nominated TOP 25 Women to Watch in 2012 – Women in Business Networking/WiBN
2010 Woman of Integrity Award – Abigail’s Journey Inc
2009 Mary Scott Nursing Home Legacy Award
2004 The Heart of Gold Award
2003 The Virginia Walden-Ford Parent Leadership Award – Children First American
2001 Kizzy Award – Chicago, Illinois (previously awarded to Mae Jamison and Oprah Winfrey)
Rev. Daria Dillard Stone epitomizes the spirit of service, leadership, and empowerment in every facet of her life. Her legacy inspires and uplifts countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.
Rev Daria Dillard Stone, The Servant
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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?
No no it has not been a smooth road. Allow me to share

Major Life Events: I could list several MAJOR life events- Lord knows I have had many of them. However, the one that has changed the trajectory of my life the most as the Servant Leader I am today is because of my husband, James Todd Albert Stone, who died on 8.8.07. You see when Todd was dying, he spoke these words to me: “Baby, don’t you die with me; you go get some help because you are going to need it. You can not die with me, Daria. You have been a great wife and mother, and it is time for you to soar like an eagle. God has great things ahead for you but you will need to get some help. You must stop fighting your ministry; you are a preacher, and you don’t need anybody to validate you – God has already affirmed and validated you. Stop fighting who you are. You are going to write books, and you are going to love again, but the brother is gonna catch hell because I have spoiled you.” Well, I hit the bed and cursed Todd when he said I was going to have a good life without him. He was my Boaz – I finally landed the man God wanted me to have, and he was 37 years my senior (we used to joke about him walking past my bassinet saying, “One day I am going to marry you…smile). He loved the Lord and I had a husband I could pray and play with. You see, he was my second husband (the one God sent me, not the first one I picked, even though we are good friends now).

Todd and I did everything together, and I never talked about anything he spoke of with his dying breath that I would do. Well, guess what? I am a licensed/ordained minister/preacher (I have been preaching since 1998, but I was not accepted at my church as a preacher, so I went where God sent me, and it was ok), and I am co-author of 3 books, I am the Founding CEO of Sharing Ministries LLC (14 years) that was birthed out of me grieving for Todd after he transitioned and the curriculum developer of The S.T.A.R. (Smart Talented Awesome Respected) Program (launched in November 2021).

My Prayer: LORD, I AM WILLING TO GO ALL THE WAY, AND I KNOW EACH TIME I SAY THAT YOU ARE GOING TO ALLOW OPPOSITION TO BE AN OPPORTUNITY AND ADVERSITY TO BECOME AN ADVANTAGE. I WILL WRITE ABOUT WHAT I STRUGGLE WITH, AND THAT IS YOUR PLAN BECAUSE IF IT STAYS IN ME, IT WILL DECAY, DEACTIVATE, AND NOT DELIVER THE MESSAGE YOU HAVE PUT IN MY HEART AND SOUL. SO, LORD, I TELL IT. NOW I AM EMBARKING UPON MAKING WHAT I DO FOR YOU THE MAIN THANG…BUT I NEVER WANT TO STOP LISTENING TO YOU. SO IF MY PRESENTATION DOES NOT MEET THE MARK OF SOME FOLKS WHO LISTEN BUT YOU APPROVE, I PRESS. IF I AM NOT SUPPOSE TO HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE, BROCHURES, PR PERSON, OR COACHING GROUP – YOU TELL ME. BUT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME ALL OF THAT IN PREPARATION FOR THIS NEW CHAPTER IN MY LIFE AT AGE 73 – SO I KNOW YOU ARE ORCHESTRATING EVERYTHING…I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT IS NEXT, AND I STILL HAVE A TENDENCY TO WANT TO KNOW THE OUTCOME BEFORE I GO THROUGH THE PROCESS. HELP ME LORD. I AM TRYING, AND I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE NEXT CHAPTER. IN FACT, THAT IS SO WEIRD. I HAVE THIS ANTICIPATION LIKE I CAN SEE A PREVIEW OF MY LIFE, AND THEN SOMEONE CUTS THE LIGHT OUT AND TURNS THE VOLUME DOWN. THEN THAT GRAY AREA SETS IN, AND IF I DON’T FIGHT THOSE AREAS BECOME BLACK. LORD, I SURRENDER ALL TO YOU. SOME SINS I HAVE NOT EVEN YET ACKNOWLEDGED YET. THAT IS WHY I AM PRAYING AND CALLING OUT TO YOU NOW…SHOW ME WHAT I DON’T WANT TO SEE; TELL ME WHAT I DON’T WANT TO HEAR. SEND ME I WILL GO…EVEN KICKING AND SCREAMING – I WILL GO! I AM ON MY WAY TO A NEW AND BRIGHTER DAY! THANK YOU FOR JESUS it is in HIS NAME, I PRAY. AMEN

Short Bio: Founding CEO of Sharing Ministries LLC- celebrating 14 years in 2024. Rev Stone was the Associate Minister at The WORD CHURCH (Rev. Dr. Chad A. White, Sr. Pastor). She is the Parent Engagement Liason with the Dayton Metro Library since 2017, helping to educate students and their parents about educational options that are available for their S.T.A.R. (Smart, Talented, Educated, Respected) Students! Minister Stone can now add “curriculum developer” to her impressive bio for she released in November 2021 The S.T.A.R. Online Self Development Program that helps individuals 13 and up to baby boomers find more clarity, courage, and character, especially going through this pandemic. https://sharing-ministries.com/starprogram/

Rev Stone was interviewed by WHIO TV 7 (tinyurl.com/2p8d7tkb) on 3.8.22 (and 2023) during International Women’s Day/Month, sharing about how the S.T.A.R. Program has transformed lives in just a short period. “I aspire to serve women/men/people based on the SM Mission Statement: Built on a foundation of faith and integrity, Sharing Ministries helps women/men from all walks of life develop character, clarity, and courage by offering spiritual guidance, educational resources, business connections, and moral support.”

Daria shared “The amazing life experiences I have had are indicative of how God lets me know to “stay on the road you are on, Daria. Don’t look to the left or right – keep your focus on me. I already knew you’d get to this fork in the road and I have already made an escape.”Proverbs 4:25-27. I have made this one of my affirmations: Meet you at the Finish Line Jesus…for I will not quit. #SheNeverGaveUp

Autobiography
Where and when I was born: Hello. My name is Daria Dillard Stone, The Servant. I was born on 3.5.51 in Dayton, OH, at Miami Valley Hospital, weighing 9 lbs two ozs. I have been raised in Dayton, OH, for all 73 years of my life. I am a proud product of Dayton Public Schools.

Family Composition: My mom and dad are Norma Lartigue and Gilbert Dillard (deceased). They had me when they were teenagers. I am the eldest of 12 (now ten living) siblings. I did not have the best childhood, but I did not have the worst, either. Looking back on my life, I realize that I had to be an adult before I became an adult. I started working at age 15 to help my mom care for my siblings after she divorced her second husband. I started working part-time at age 15 as secretary of the church, Mt. Carmel MB Church, under the tutelage of Cora Franklin (now deceased). That, in and of itself, taught me how I did not want to be a Christian and what God required and equipped me to be. I never thought that my being secretary part-time from grades 9 to 12 would have such a positive impact on me in my adult life/profession. Yet it did. In fact, that was my first intro to “Christian Life 101!” People still get on my nerves, but not as much. I don’t like admitting that, but it is true. My family is not always “my family.” Sometimes, I feel more like I may be in enemy territory, yet I love them unconditionally, and they love me. Being a big sister has been a burden and a blessing, but that is life.

I press and come to a day like today when my children rise and call me blessed. My three daughters (even though I have hundreds of spiritual daughters) are Keisha Vaner Lane (Everett), Katoshi Varner, and Billi Ewing (Toby), and I have four grandchildren/gems. They are my joy, and I fight to this day to stay “authentic with God” and be an example in front of them and transparent with people. I am a person who has been on a journey for many, many years, and I have allowed myself to be broken and rejected, and I have allowed others to treat me with disrespect. I’ve fallen, but the Lord allows me to get back up. I strive to be a light in dark places, even if I am in a dark place myself. It is good therapy for my spirit, man. I have been paralyzed with fear, had disturbing doctor’s reports, and I have scars no one sees but the Lord. Some people love me, and some like me or hate me (for no reason), but this does not stop me from loving the unlovable. I have done good in my life, and I have not done so well. I am a survivor and a thrivor, but it gets rough. Every mistake Daria made, every disappointment, betrayal, achievement, and/or success has made me who I am becoming today.

What school/college I attended: I attended Garfield Elementary, McFarlane Middle School, Roosevelt High School (Class of 1968 – Teddies 4Ever), and Sinclair Community College (1980 to 1984 maintained status on the Deans List). All these schools were/are in Dayton Ohio.

Places I have worked/career changes: My first job was at Mt Carmel MB Church as the part-time secretary (from 9-12 grade); I worked at The SWATS CLUB – a private supper club on West Fifth Street (no longer in existence); McCalls Patterns on McCall St (no longer business), Dayton Traffic Court (appointed by C.J. McLin); Children Services Board (11 years), The Dayton Urban League (15 years), Parents Advancing Choice in Education/PACE (14 years), Dayton Public Schools (under Supt Lori Ward – 4 years) and now at Dayton Metro Library since July 2017.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What do I do? – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qfhyCvjNXGYCh4LAUStfO2PVRqMDNEqD/edit
On the attached material you will see where my heart is – serving people and allowing them to find their S.T.A.R. power. People suffer from an identity crisis and we are constantly searching for the STAR of success not realizing it is not in Cash, Cars, Condos, but in Courage. I teach and live a life of demonstrated COURAGE. Yes, being a S.T.A.R. (Smart Talented Awesome Respected) Person is key. But who is teaching folks how to look inside themselves to find that place of purpose, peace and progress. I am! I never gave up! Through an attempted suicide in 1974 I never gave up. When doctors told me I had ovarian cancer and was in Good Samaritan Hospital 21 days in 1984. Sent home to die being divorced and with 3 lovely daughters, I never gave up!! Listen people what we are looking for on the outside is already in the inside. Today is a gift that is why it called the present. I teach people how to embrace their fear and enjoy the PRESENT. (Oh wee, I get excited thinking about the goodness of God in my life and all the hell I have been through to get to this place of peace, purpose and power all in prayer I press).

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Apps: Not really – I kind of pick up on many resources but none that stand out here for me to elaborate on.
Books: The Bible, anything by Joyce Meyer or John Maxwell, The Purpose Driven Life by Watterson
Podcasts: Not really – I kind of pick up on many resources, but none that stand out her for me to elaborate
Groups: Women in Business Networking, Women in Christian Leadership, Mentoring Collaborative, Declare Dayton, City Gates Ministry, Omega Christian Leadership Academy, Lead2Live John Maxwell Group in Dayton,
Blogs

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Colossians 3:23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
http://www.sharing-ministries.com

Mentor, Licensed Minister, Certified Family Development Specialist, Motivational (International) Speaker, Curriculum Developer of The STAR Program (online), Parent Advocate Consultant

Founding CEO of Sharing Ministries LLC, celebrating 14 years in 2024. She is the Parent Engagement Liason with the Dayton Metro Library since 2017, helping to educate students and their parents about educational needs and/or options that are available for their S.T.A.R. (Smart, Talented, Educated, Respected) Students! Minister Stone can now add “curriculum developer” to her impressive bio for she released in November 2021 The S.T.A.R. Online Self Development Program that helps individuals 13 and up to baby boomers find more clarity, courage, and character, especially going through this pandemic. https://sharing-ministries.com/

She was interviewed by WHIO TV 7 (tinyurl.com/2p8d7tkb) on 3.8.22 (and 2023)during International Women’s Day/Month sharing about how the S.T.A.R. Program has transformed lives in just a short period. “I aspire to serve women/men/people based on the SM Mission Statement: Built on a foundation of faith and integrity, Sharing Ministries helps women/men from all walks of life develop character, clarity, and courage by offering spiritual guidance, educational resources, business connections, and moral support.”

Ms. Stone engages, educates, encourages, and empowers others to be champions of courage and positive change. As a Servant Leader, she is the recipient of many awards including the 2021 SANDIE GEIB WiBN AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD by Women in Business Networking, WOMEN OF INFLUENCE by the Young Women Christian Association/YWCA, the GOALden Globe Community Service Award by the Dayton Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Daria is an internationally known motivational speaker/presenter and was honored to travel on a cruise when asked to minister internationally with the Sister To Sister Conference (Dr. Karen Townsend), and she is an award-winning co-author of the book SUCCESS Powered by Relationships- The founding author is Jeanne Porter; The 40/40 Rules – 40 Women over 40 sharing wisdom, and The CEO Playbook 1.0 – the #1 Playbook To Transform Your Business Into An Empire And An Entrepreneur into a CEO. Daria was featured as a “Seasoned Model” (along with 11 other wonderful seniors) on the 2021 to 2023 Greater Dayton Senior Care Advantage Calendar. The campaign is called “Dayton 60 Strong” – highlighting Dayton residents who are strong in mind, body, and spirit and are proof that life after 60 can be a vibrant and active time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c76Syg_QBRQ
Introducing Sharing Ministries http://sharing-ministries.com/ https://www.facebook.com/daria.stonetheservantSM
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-dillard-stone-9aa2056/ https://twitter.com/theservantSM
https://www.instagram.com/theservant2/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Usu_cDo-1gNjCLHCtcwDA

Daria Dillard “The Servant”

DARIA’S EXPERIENCE – You are equipped!

Dayton Skyscraper (2024)

Dayton Metro Library/Parent Engagement Liaison Coord (since 2017)

Founding CEO Sharing Ministries (since 2010)
Curriculum Developer of The S.T.A.R. Online Self Development Program

Dayton Urban League (15 years)

Parent Advancing Choice in Education/PACE (14 years)

Dayton Board of Education (4 years)

PreSchool Promise (3 years)

International Motivational Speaker

Author

Vocalist

Mentor

Certified Family Development Specialist

Ordained/Licensed Minister

Pricing:

• $349 – The S.T.A.R. (Smart Talented Awesome Respected) Online Program https://sharing-ministries.com/product/online-star-program/
• $39 The S.T.A.R. Workbook (optional)https://sharing-ministries.com/product/s-t-a-r-workbook/
• $25 https://sharing-ministries.com/product/you-are-a-s-t-a-r-book/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sharing-ministries.com/product/donations/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theservant2/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharingMinistries
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvisEVx0Yfg