We had the good fortune of connecting with April Biondolillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want every girl out there to feel special, valued, and loved. When I meet girls, I hope they leave feeling better because of our connection. I want them to see kindness and love in me, like a reflection of Jesus. I want people to see the real me in my story and to feel heard and understood when they share theirs. I want to acknowledge their struggles and inspire them to reach for the amazing things God has planned for them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was young, I struggled with feeling valued. I didn’t fit in with the other girls and often questioned why God seemed to overlook me. I didn’t get invited to school dances, boys didn’t show interest, and I couldn’t keep up with the latest trends. I felt invisible and unimportant. Despite hearing about God’s love and how wonderfully made I was in church, I didn’t see it reflected in my daily life. This led me to fall into destructive habits and seek validation in all the wrong places, which only brought sadness, anxiety, and thoughts of giving up. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school when I encountered Jesus and heard the truth about my worth for the first time. I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles as many others shared similar experiences within the church.

That night, I felt a calling to ministry to share my story of healing and transformation with others. Despite facing challenges as a female leader in the church, God continued to open doors for me. Through launching Cherish Ministry, I saw the need for a safe space where girls could openly discuss their struggles and be accepted without judgment. I want girls to feel valued, loved, and supported, no matter their past or the lies they’ve been told. My desire is to empower women to embrace leadership roles and recognize the strength God has placed within them.

I want girls to fall in love with who Jesus is. I want them to know the truth of who they are, to encounter Him and be changed from the inside out, allowing Him full access. From that place, I hope they step out and share with those around them, leading in roles to empower, equip, and disciple others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My BFF is in town – we’re totally hitting up my fave coffee spots La La Land, Fox Trot, and Houndstooth. Torchy’s Tacos are a must! Thrift shopping for hidden gems. Then off to the Fort Worth Stockyards to flaunt our Texas vibes. Shopping and strolling around downtown – let the fun begin!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and opportunities provided by churches, pastors, and leaders who helped me develop my talents. My friends and family have been my rock, encouraging me and reminding me of my worth during tough times. I’m grateful for Marisol, my intern, and Lara, my marketing manager, who have worked tirelessly to bring my vision for Cherish Ministry to life. Every word of encouragement, prayer, donation, and word-of-mouth support means the world to me.

Website: https://www.cherishglobal.org

Instagram: Cherishministry / aprilbiondolillo

Facebook: Cherish Ministry / April Biondolillo

Other: Podcast — The Asterisk Podcast

Image Credits
Alyssacatesstudio Vickermanvisuals

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.