Pastor Jacquelyn “Jackie” Gwinn-Villaroel

Pastor Jacquelyn “Jackie” Gwinn-Villaroel is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Affectionately known as Pastor Jackie or Pastor V, she is a proud product of the Atlanta Public School System and a passionate servant-leader called by God to advance His Kingdom with excellence, integrity, and love.

Pastor Villaroel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science degree in Public SafetyAdministration. Throughout her academic and professional career, she has received numerous awards and recognition, reflecting her commitment to excellence, leadership, and lifelong learning.

She is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Unstoppable Praise Ministries of Atlanta, a ministry birthed through obedience, faith, and a clear call from God. In December 2018, the Lord called Pastor Villaroel to step out from familiar places and trust HIM fully. By taking that step of faith, it had resulted in a thriving ministry dedicated to authentic worship, sound teaching, spiritual growth, and operating under the absoluteguidance of the Holy Spirit.

In addition to her pastoral calling and serving in ministry for over 20 years, Pastor Villaroel also served with distinction in law enforcement for almost 3 decades. Successfully climbing through the ranks within the Atlanta Police Department reaching the level of Police Major; then reaching the highest position in law enforcement once operating as the Chief of Police of Louisville Police Department. However, there is no previous position obtained that she is prouder to have held or hold than being called a child of God. She is also a certified Senior Instructor with the State of Georgia, a CPR/AED Instructor, and a Michigan University Researcher–Practitioner Fellows Certification holder. Her heart for service extends beyond the pulpit and into the community, with a special passion for mentoring and empowering youth.

Pastor Villaroel’s leadership and influence have been recognized nationally and locally. She has been featured on COPS, various news outlets, The Real Housewives of Atlanta during a tribute honoring Willie A. Watkins, and The Katie Couric Show as part of Team Shred with Dr. Ian Smith for the City of Atlanta. She was honored as a Spotlight Pastor on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and had the honor to be featured in a Black History Spotlight on FOX 5 Atlanta.

Family is central to Pastor Villaroel’s life and ministry. She is a devoted wife and mother. One of her guiding mottos reflects her testimony and praise-filled life: “There is a testimony behind my praise, because my story isn’t over yet.”

Known as a reachable servant, Pastor Jackie’s bold, yet compassionate preaching style makes the Word of God clear, practical, and transformative. Her heart is to reach those once considered unreachable, guided by her Christ-centered philosophy: “Thank God I don’t look like what I have been through; for it is only because of the grace of God.”

Pastor Jacquelyn “Jackie” Gwinn-Villaroel continues to hear and follow the voice of the Lord as she faithfully leads Unstoppable Praise Ministries of Atlanta and carries the torch of advancing the Kingdom of God.

To God be all the glory—forever.