Tanequa L. Badger is a dynamic pastor, mentor, speaker, and community leader whose life work is rooted in purpose, healing, and transformation. As the visionary founder of Perfectly Chosen Ministries, she is devoted to helping women and youth rise from adversity, walk in their God-given identity, and live intentionally.
Known to many as “The Purpose Builder,” Tanequa empowers others through faith-based mentorship, powerful teaching, and heartfelt leadership. She is also the creator of Impact Youth, an elevated Bible study experience that guides teens in truth and identity.
A native of Astoria Houses in Queens, New York, Tanequa was recently honored as the 2025 Senator Award Recipient for District 59, recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community. Whether preaching, hosting conferences like Celebrating Her Story, or mentoring one-on-one, she brings authenticity, wisdom, and deep compassion to every space she enters.
A proud mother of five, Tanequa is a strong advocate for domestic violence victims, drawing strength from her journey as a survivor. She also passionately supports teen mothers, as she became a mother during her teen years and now serves as a living testimony of resilience and restoration. Through advocacy, she offers hope, guidance, and empowerment to those walking similar paths.
Tanequa is committed to creating safe spaces where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Through her brand, Tanequa I Am, she inspires women to embrace wholeness, purpose, and grace in every season of life.
She lives by her quote:
“Nothing you’ve been through will be wasted—the good, the bad, the ugly. God has a way of using it all.” —Tanequa L. Badger.

Tanequa, your story is one of transformation and resilience. Can you share a pivotal moment that led you to embrace your calling as “The Purpose Builder”?

A pivotal moment for me was not just one event but a deep realization that my pain had a purpose. My heart has always been tender toward people, especially those silently struggling. I know what it feels like to fight battles in private, to feel unseen, and to question your worth. That compassion and the desire for others not to go through what I did without hope became the fuel behind my calling. That is when I fully embraced being ‘The Purpose Builder.’ I knew God was calling me to help people rise, rebuild, and realize they were created with purpose on purpose.

Growing up in Astoria Houses in Queens and becoming a teen mother, what challenges shaped the woman and leader you are today?

Growing up in Astoria built me up to be both tough and tender. I experienced grief, pain, and abuse, some directed at me and some I witnessed. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to process what I had endured. My grandmother tried her best with what she had; likewise, my mother did all she could. My parents were married, but not always happily. Their relationship showed me the weight of commitment and the strength it takes to keep going. My father was present and worked hard to provide, but we still faced many struggles as a family. The environment in Astoria wasn’t always easy. Some nights it was gunshots in the air instead of fireworks. Still, it wasn’t all bad. We were a community, a family. I’m still connected to people I went to preschool with. That kind of bond stays with you. Becoming a teen mother added to my challenges, but it also gave me purpose. I knew I had to rise, not just for myself, but for my children and others like me. Those hardships didn’t break me. They built me.

Perfectly Chosen Ministries has empowered many women and youth. What inspired its creation, and how has it evolved over time?

Perfectly Chosen Ministries is a reflection of my journey. As a teen mother and survivor of domestic violence, I created this ministry with women and youth like myself in mind, those who have felt overlooked or broken.
Inspired by Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart,” we remind each person of their God-given purpose.
Today, we offer free advocacy for women affected by domestic violence and mentorship for youth ages 12 to 18. What began as a personal mission has become a powerful community where healing, purpose, and identity are restored.

What does intentional living look like through the lens of faith, and how do you teach that to others?

It looks like showing up for yourself and others, even when life feels heavy. It means choosing to pause and reflect instead of just reacting. It could be as simple as making that phone call you’ve been putting off or having dinner with your family when life’s pace is pulling you in every direction. In those small, intentional moments, we honor God with our time, presence, and relationships. I teach this by encouraging people to be present, prayerful, and proactive. Faith isn’t just about believing God can move, it’s about living like He already has.

Impact Youth sounds like a transformative Bible study for teens. What makes it different from traditional youth programs?

Impact Youth, or what I call elevated Bible study, is more than just biblical studies. It’s about learning how to live out our faith in practical ways, especially in how we interact with others. It’s about equipping our youth to navigate the world with wisdom and purpose. To truly impact our youth, we have to meet them where they are, both spiritually and in the real-world challenges they face. That means integrating community outreach, educational trips, and financial literacy into the program. We’re preparing them to live with intention in every aspect of life, not just what they read in the Bible but how they apply it in their day-to-day actions.

As a survivor and advocate for domestic violence victims and teen mothers, how do you balance vulnerability and strength in your work?

One word, authenticity. I show up as myself, no matter what that looks like. On the days I feel strong and equipped, and even on the days I do not, I remain committed to the work. Being both a survivor and an advocate means allowing others to see my humanity. I have learned that vulnerability does not weaken strength, it deepens it. When people see that I lead from a real place, they feel safe to heal and grow too. That is how I balance the two, by being honest, present, and purpose-driven.

How do you create safe spaces for those who feel voiceless or overlooked, especially young women and survivors?

By first making sure they feel seen and heard. I remember what it felt like to be voiceless and judged. So I lead with compassion, not correction. I create spaces where listening comes before advising and presence matters more than performance. Whether it is through mentorship, open conversations, or simply showing up consistently, I make sure young women and survivors know they are not alone. Safe spaces start with trust, and trust begins when people feel valued just as they are.

Your conference, Celebrating Her Story, uplifts women’s voices and journeys. What kind of stories and experiences do you aim to highlight?

I hosted the Celebrating Her Story Conference, and it was such a full-circle moment for me. It took place in Astoria, Queens, New York, in the very building where I lived for the first 12 years of my life. That made it personal and powerful. The women we highlighted shared stories of resilience, faith, and purpose. Each one brought something unique to the table. One is an elementary school principal shaping young minds. Another owns a luxury boutique and is building a legacy through entrepreneurship. These are real women doing incredible things, and my goal was to make sure their voices were heard and their journeys celebrated. It is about honoring the strength in every story.

Through your personal brand Tanequa I Am, you encourage women to embrace grace and purpose. What’s next for your brand and ministry?

The stars and the moon, seriously everything is next. I truly believe that you will harvest what you planted in due season, and I have been obedient to what God told me to do. Tanequa I Am represents all of me the mother I am, the pastor I am, the nurse I am, the mentor I am. I want women to know that you are not limited to the one thing you are known for. You can walk boldly in every role God has called you to. My ministry will continue to reflect faith in action, not just words. It will stand out because it is rooted in real-life obedience and purpose. This feature is part of that next step, sharing my story beyond the blurred lines, filters, and reels of social media. I am here to remind women that your truth has power and your purpose is still unfolding.

Connect Online:

Instagram: @iam.mstanequabadger

Facebook: Tanequa L. Badger

Ministry Accounts:

Instagram & Facebook:

@perfectlychosenministries

Website:

www.perfectlychosenministries.com