In the fast-paced world of business, where success is often measured by metrics, milestones, and market share, it’s easy to lose sight of a deeper purpose. But what if your professional path isn’t just a career—it’s a divine assignment? Hilda Young, founder of Praise in Progress Ministry, embodies this truth. Her story of vocational transformation from media maven and fitness entrepreneur to faith-based ministry leader is a beacon of inspiration for Christian professionals seeking to align their work with God’s calling.
Many of us in the business community are navigating career pivots, family relocations, or that nagging sense that there’s more to our work than the bottom line. Hilda’s journey resonates because it’s not about abandoning success—it’s about infusing it with eternal significance. “What I thought was once a career… it wasn’t,” Hilda reflects. “It was an assignment from God.” Her testimony reminds us that God can redirect our skills, experiences, and passions toward something profoundly impactful.
Hilda’s professional roots trace back to media and journalism, where storytelling was her core strength. For over a decade, she thrived in that space, honing her ability to connect with audiences and craft compelling narratives. But life took a dramatic turn when she embarked on a personal health journey, shedding 100 pounds and diving headfirst into the fitness and wellness industry.
This physical transformation sparked a business venture: building a vibrant community through pop-up events and wellness gatherings. From Phoenix to Las Vegas, Hilda hosted large-scale events that promoted health and empowerment. “It created a really big community,” she shares. “I had a heart for helping others transform themselves.” Yet, amid the applause and achievements, Hilda sensed a profound void. “There was this big void happening, and I knew it was more than physical breakthrough. It really needed to be spiritual.”
For Christian business leaders, this moment hits home. How often do we chase external successes—closing deals, expanding teams, or hitting revenue goals—only to feel unfulfilled? Hilda’s realization underscores a biblical truth: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Her story challenges us to examine if our work is sidelining Jesus, as she puts it, or placing Him at the core.
The turning point came during a fitness event in Las Vegas. As Hilda prepared to head home to Phoenix, she experienced what she describes as an internal “ground-shaking” moment—not an earthquake (she’s from California, so she’d know), but the unmistakable presence of God. “Hilda, this isn’t the way. More importantly, this isn’t my way,” she heard in her spirit.
This divine interruption led to a season of reflection and obedience. Hilda began seeing her life through a new lens, recognizing that God was calling her back to Him. It wasn’t an overnight shift; it took time to discern and respond. But as she leaned in, her faith deepened, and her professional path evolved.
Relocating to Cincinnati, Ohio, with her family marked a fresh start. In this new Midwest chapter—far from the familiar West Coast vibes—Hilda sought community and spiritual growth. Attending a local church, she felt convicted to fully surrender. In February, she took the plunge—literally—through baptism. “That was huge because it really allowed me to drop and surrender what my old beliefs were,” she explains. “The more that I leaned into Him, the more my prayer life started to unlock.”
Baptism symbolized her transition from old to new, accelerating her vision. “Things became so clear, very quick,” she says. Puzzle pieces of her life—storytelling from journalism, community-building from wellness—fell into place, forming Praise in Progress Ministry. Today, it offers prayer tools, devotional resources, and faith-based guidance, weaving spiritual transformation into everyday life.
Hilda’s story isn’t just inspirational; it’s instructional. Here are key takeaways for those of us in business:
- View Work as an Assignment, Not Just a Career. Hilda distinguishes between “careers” like media or wellness and her God-given “assignment.” In business, this means asking: Is my role a stepping stone or a sacred calling? As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
- Embrace Divine Interruptions: That pivotal Las Vegas moment teaches us to listen when God shakes things up. Whether it’s a boardroom crisis, a market shift, or a personal conviction, these can be invitations to realign with His purpose
- Integrate Faith and Work Seamlessly: Hilda urges Christians to make faith central, not sidelined. For business people, this could mean starting meetings with prayer, mentoring with biblical wisdom, or infusing company culture with kingdom values. “He’s in the stretching, the breaking, the pruning, the growing, and the elevating,” she affirms.
- Surrender Leads to Clarity.: Her baptism experience highlights how yielding to God brings supernatural insight. Throughout our lives, where mid-career pivots are common, this encourages us to seek spiritual renewal to gain fresh vision for our vocations.
Hilda’s obedience has borne fruit: Praise in Progress is thriving, helping others integrate faith into their daily lives. Her story echoes the Apostle Paul’s transformation—from persecutor to pioneer—showing that God repurposes our past for His glory.
If Hilda’s journey stirs something in you, you’re not alone. Many Christian professionals grapple with blending faith and work, but her example proves it’s possible—and rewarding. “When we know that it’s from God… it’s important to be obedient and to listen when He calls you by your name,” she says.
As you reflect on your vocational path, remember: God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. What’s your assignment?