Imani Joi Raeford was born in the Bronx, New York, the eldest of three children to Pastor Douglas Tyson Jr. and Evangelist Marlyn Tyson. Grateful for her mother, Marlyn Tyson, who taught her how to be a well-rounded woman of God, a lady, a wife, and a mother, Although a mentor herself and founder of Esteem Me mentorship cohort, Imani has been blessed to receive mentorship as well. Specifically from other powerful women of God, including Prophetess Barbara Calloway & Pastor T Renee Glenn.  On July 17, 2020, she married Clarence Paige Raeford III, a music director, producer, and her closest confidant, and together they are raising two sons, Clarence IV (4) and Cairo Portier (3). Her family is both her foundation and her inspiration, forming the cornerstone of her ministry and leadership.

Submitted under the covering of Bishop Patrick L. Wooden Sr. of Upper Room COGIC, Imani serves in multiple capacities across local, jurisdictional, and national levels. Locally, Jurisdictionally and Nationally in various capacities.

Imani has humbly served in opportunities of ministry, those including having reached millions of viewers through prayer lives and across international stages such as the National COGIC Convocation, AIM Convention, Pastor John Hannah’s 12-Hour Prayer, and Power to Live. She is a worship leader, preacher, gospel recording artist, and intercessor with releases including Grace (2018), He Can Do It, and To Worship You.

After almost a decade in property management, Imani now walks in full-time ministry while simultaneously pursuing her real estate career as a licensed broker & CEO of Raeford Property Management. Her life and ministry reflect a harmonious blend of devotion, discipline, and divine calling—anchored in family, propelled by vision, and sustained by prayer—continuing to inspire and impact lives locally, nationally, and internationally.