In an era where storytelling leads movements, these ten authors are more than just voices on a page, they are catalysts for global change. From spiritual empowerment and military strategy to leadership coaching, memoir, justice reform, and personal healing, each of these authors brings a unique message that resonates far beyond the written word.
They are speakers, entrepreneurs, veterans, philanthropists, and visionaries- and their influence is expanding across industries and communities worldwide. Here are ten powerful authors to follow in 2025 whose work is redefining what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and legacy.
1. Erica Gifford Mills
Erica Gifford Mills is an international speaker, award-winning and bestselling author, certified empowerment coach, and dynamic talk-radio host. As the founder of Balanced Symmetree, she helps high-achieving women rise above burnout, embrace their purpose, and build deeply rooted lives. With master’s degrees in Management, HR, and Military Psychology, Erica blends academic rigor with life coaching, offering a holistic approach to transformation. She has been named one of the Top 10 Female Mindset & High‑Performance Coaches by Disrupt Magazine and has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and MSN. Her bestselling book The Rooted Life and podcast Get Rooted Radio inspire women to live and lead from within.
2. Joseph Giammarco
Joseph Giammarco is a first-generation Italian American, retired engineer, and author of God’s Message to Men, a heartfelt exploration of faith, marriage, divorce, and redemption. After a 37-year career in engineering, five years with General Motors and 32 with Honda, Joseph turned inward to answer a spiritual calling he first felt in his forties. His book is a reflection on Genesis and how God’s word applies to the modern man’s relationship with God, family, and self. Combining faith, humor, and vulnerability, Joseph shares personal life lessons, including the pain of divorce and the joy of rediscovering purpose in retirement. He currently performs stand-up comedy and encourages readers to embrace healing through faith.
3. Dr. Brian Kent
Dr. Brian Kent is a global consultant, investor, and retired military leader with more than 30 years of experience advising the Department of Defense, State Department, and commercial enterprises. As a serial entrepreneur and academic leader, he has helped build companies in real estate, biotech, aviation, and defense. He’s also a philanthropist, providing scholarships for underprivileged youth and veterans through the Kent Family Foundation. Dr. Kent’s deep expertise in technology, strategy, and systems thinking makes him a sought-after speaker and author in the fields of innovation and global security. His leadership continues to influence how governments and entrepreneurs scale for the future.
4. Valerie Juillerat
Valerie Juillerat is a bestselling author, international speaker, and founder of Lessons of the Heart Ministries. Her memoir Finding Hope When Storms Don’t Cease chronicles her powerful journey through emotional abuse, the loss of a business, and her children’s struggles with addiction- ultimately emerging with unshakable faith. Her multi-media presentation Lessons of the Heart blends storytelling, music, and drama to uplift and inspire audiences. Valerie is also the VP of EPCO Accounting & Tax Services and serves on the board of Chandelle Global Education. Her work fuses faith, resilience, and leadership, bringing hope to thousands across stages, churches, and communities worldwide.
5. Mike Cromwell
Mike Cromwell is the owner and president of a commercial contracting company turned author whose raw and compelling memoir Dr. Black Widow explores love, betrayal, and the justice system through the lens of his own life. After a 38-year marriage and the heartbreaking loss of his son, Mike penned his story to process trauma and challenge broken systems. His work reflects the resilience of a father, businessman, and proud Kentuckian determined to create legacy and reform. Mike’s message of personal truth, family love, and advocacy for justice is resonating with men and women alike who are ready to speak up and heal.
6. Debbie Widhalm
Debbie Widhalm is an award-winning author, burn nurse, and survivor whose memoir No More Silence and children’s book The Story of Tops the Chinese Goose explore themes of love, loss, inclusion, and healing. A former nurse who worked closely with burn patients and the dying, Debbie brings a deep sense of empathy and courage to her writing. Her life story spans early abuse, single motherhood, and years of personal transformation. Today, she empowers others to find their voice through storytelling, grief recovery, and authenticity. Debbie’s powerful voice offers hope, healing, and a raw reminder that even the deepest pain can become purpose.
7. Alan Santana
Alan Santana is a former professional boxer, entrepreneur, and author whose life reads like a comeback story in real time. With over 200 amateur fights and multiple championship titles, Alan’s boxing career ended abruptly due to a tragic accident – but his fight for purpose didn’t stop there. Today, he’s the founder of Bay Cities Paving Inc., a boxing commentator, and author of Unprotected: The Final Round — Navigating the Shark-Infested Waters of Sports, Business, and Life by Alan Santana He also leads the nonprofit No Teen Riders and mentors youth across the country. Alan is a board member for the World Boxing Hall of Fame and a dynamic speaker committed to transforming lives through discipline, strategy, and service.
8. Kathryn Selvidge
Kathryn Selvidge is a seasoned nonprofit development executive and former performer who has raised over $50 million for global organizations like the American Red Cross, YMCA, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. With a background in the performing arts and a career spanning 20+ years in corporate social responsibility, Kathryn brings storytelling, empathy, and business acumen to every initiative. She has worked with brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and PG&E to drive social impact and elevate community programs. A passionate fundraiser and public speaker, Kathryn empowers others to embrace their potential and give back through purpose-driven partnerships.
9. Dr. Kathryn Kemp
Dr. Kathryn Kemp is a historian, ordained minister, and literary trailblazer whose work preserves and elevates the legacy of gospel music and its sacred cultural roots. As the author of Anointed to Sing the Gospel: The Levitical Legacy of Thomas A. Dorsey, Dr. Kemp brings to life the influence of gospel pioneers while advocating for their recognition through educational and cultural preservation. Her book inspired the upcoming documentary Anointed to Impact, which aims to honor the unsung heroes of gospel history and launch a movement to build a Gospel Music Museum. With a doctorate in history and decades of ministry and community service, Dr. Kemp’s work bridges the past with the future and reminds us that faith, music, and storytelling are powerful forces of impact.
10. Dr. Craig Cooke
Dr. Craig Cooke is a doctor of Chinese Energetic Medicine, spiritual teacher, and founder of The Dao of Qi, a transformative personal development program that integrates ancient Eastern wisdom with modern leadership. Known for his magnetic presence and profound understanding of energy, healing, and consciousness, Dr. Cooke teaches individuals how to align with their true essence to create flow, balance, and impact in their lives and work. He leads workshops, retreats, and certification programs focused on energy medicine, qi gong, and heart-based leadership. His upcoming book and workshop series are designed to help conscious leaders unlock the power within to lead, heal, and transform the world from the inside out.
As we move into 2025, these ten authors stand at the forefront of influence – amplifying voices that matter, stories that heal, and ideas that move the world forward. Whether through business, faith, healing, education, or advocacy, each of them represents a different facet of what true leadership looks like in today’s literary landscape.
They’re not just writing books. They’re building bridges, launching movements, and creating legacies that will ripple for generations.
Follow their work. Share their stories. Support their missions. Because in a world that’s hungry for truth, purpose, and connection – these are the voices leading the way.
– Presented by the International Impact Book Awards, where authors become global leaders.
For more information visit our website at internationalimpactbookawards.com or email us at contact@internationalimpactbookawards.co