D.L. Hawkins exemplifies a paradigm of leadership distinguished by a multifaceted career at the intersection of public health, urban development, and faith-based administration. Originating from Baltimore, Hawkins has strategically leveraged his expertise to advance health equity within marginalized populations, meticulously crafting affordable housing initiatives responsive to community needs. His proficiency in institutional governance and logistical optimization has fortified operational frameworks across a breadth of organizations, thereby enhancing their capacity for impactful service delivery. Noteworthy is Hawkins's recognition at the national level, underscoring the significance of his contributions to sectors as diverse as healthcare, municipal governance, and housing policy. Institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine/University, the Baltimore municipal government, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development have formally acknowledged his leadership excellence. Moreover, Hawkins’s development of standardized protocols and administrative systems has yielded measurable efficiencies and elevated organizational effectiveness. His consultancy and executive oversight have extended to prominent entities including the Baltimore Orioles, American Cancer Society, Thomas Jefferson University, and numerous other civic, cultural, and faith-based institutions. Collectively, this trajectory illustrates a commitment to transformative leadership that intertwines innovative administrative practices with a profound dedication to social justice and community empowerment.

For over three decades, D.L. Hawkins has been a pivotal figure in the dissemination of ecclesiastical knowledge and leadership acumen, delivering lectures, sermons, and seminars at numerous conferences and worship assemblies. His contributions have cemented his reputation as an authoritative leader in the domains of Church Administration, Organizational Leadership and Structure, as well as Protocol within the global Body of Christ. Hawkins’s ministry foundation is deeply rooted in the tutelage of three distinguished mentors - the late Bishop Kevin Avon Rogers (Baltimore, MD); the late Reverend Dr. Prathia Hall-Wynn (Philadelphia, PA); and his own mother, the late Pastor Priscilla Doretha Hawkins, whose spiritual legacy profoundly shaped his ministerial ethos. Moreover, his professional journey has been enriched through collaboration and mentorship under renowned faith leaders, including the late Apostle Robert Evans, Jr. (Baltimore, MD), the late Bishop Benjamin F. Reid (Inglewood, CA), and the late Bishop Kenneth H. Moales, Sr. (Bridgeport, CT). Through these relationships, Hawkins has honed a dynamic and innovative approach to church leadership that continues to inspire transformative growth within ecclesial communities.

In 1993, D.L. Hawkins was granted his preaching license by the Chesapeake, Delaware, and Potomac District of the Church of God, marking the commencement of his formal ministerial journey. Over the ensuing years, he demonstrated steadfast dedication to his ministerial duties, culminating in his ordination as an Elder on May 17, 2013. This significant ecclesiastical milestone was conferred upon him by Archbishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr., during the Mid-Atlantic District Convocation of the Mount Calvary Holy Churches of America held in Washington, D.C. Notwithstanding this achievement, Hawkins’ vocational trajectory continued to ascend; on March 19, 2022, he was consecrated as a Bishop and simultaneously appointed Assistant Presiding Bishop at the Leadership Summit of the Fellowship of Ecumenical Assemblies in Wilmington, Delaware. Throughout his distinguished career, Hawkins has been entrusted with numerous national leadership roles, each serving as a testament to his God-given talents and his resolute commitment to advancing the mission of Christ within diverse cultural and community contexts. These appointments have not only expanded his influence but also underscored his dedication to ecclesiastical leadership and community engagement.

Some of these opportunities include:

• 3rd Vice President of the International Young Peoples Union | Pentecostal Assemblies of the World - Indianapolis, IN

• Minister of Youth and Young Adults | The Charity Church [formally the Charity Community Church of God] - Baltimore, MD

• Music Director | Community Church of God - Glen Burnie, MD

• Establishmentarian and Executive Secretary | Praise Covenant Interdenominational Fellowship - Sparrows Point, MD

• Executive Minister | God’s Way Church and Ministries [Formally The Church of God Ministries] - Elliott City, MD and Randallstown, MD

• Assistant to the International Director of Marketing and Public Relations | Mount Calvary Holy Churches of America - Washington, DC

• Founder and Provost | The Institute University [a subsidiary of Greater Paradise Christian Center] - Baltimore, MD

• Bishop of Administration | Fresh Fragrance Covenant Fellowship - Wilmington, DE

• Establishmentarian and Interim Presiding Prelate | The Fellowship of Ecumenical Assemblies - Raleigh-Durham, NC

D.L. Hawkins, as the founding pastor of Fellowship Cathedral, has established a Christ-centered congregation situated in the Greater Baltimore Metro area. Under his leadership, the church extends its mission beyond conventional worship settings by actively encouraging congregants to engage in service that impacts the local community, broader regional contexts, and global initiatives aimed at advancing the Kingdom of God. The church’s diverse range of programs exemplifies a holistic ministry model that integrates spiritual formation, community support, and educational development, thereby fostering comprehensive growth in both individual believers and the collective community.

D.L. Hawkins finds his greatest joy in being the father of his only child, Harper Ashlee-Wynter Hawkins. His close bond with his family is a key part of who he is and what makes him happy.