Meet the Team
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Maria-Elisa Maki
Maria-Elisa "Lisa" Maki is the Founder and Executive Director of Step Out Ministries International. Her gifts are in the areas of teaching and prophecy. Maria has 15 years of ministry experience, both in the Philippines where she came from, and here in the U.S.
Back in the Philippines, Maria served as Communications Director in an evangelical church, and also as head of Women’s Ministry. From there she formed a ministry for women specializing in emotional healing, which opened doors to the women’s prison where Maria pastored for three years. Part of the services that this ministry offered was Bible-based seminars and workshops for corporate offices. She was then commissioned as minister in 2006 by a church fellowship with congregations and ministries throughout the United States and the world.
Maria moved to Washington State in 2009 where she pastored a church with her street-evangelist husband -- a church for those who can't find their fit in traditional churches. This included drug addicts, alcoholics, and those labeled as "rejects" in society. In 2011 she founded God’z Gurlz, a Bible-based online magazine for women, which is now Step Out's official web magazine.
Prior to her surrender to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, Lisa, as she is known in the professional world, was a successful consultant in Human Resources in Organizational Development. She specialized in designing and conducting Leadership, Management, and Self-Development training programs for companies, including Kraft Foods, Dole Asia, Kimberly-Clark, Aetna, and others.
Maria holds a Bachelor's Degree in English, and has a Consulting business that specializes in Personal Development, Business-Career, and Leadership. She is a Motivational Speaker, Coach, and Professional Writer in one.
Lisa is the author of: Armour Bearer Wife, Armour Bearer Wife II, Where is he? Into His Inner Court, and Breaking Chains.
Prophetess Maria's prophetic gifts help release people to the fulfillment of their purpose. She has the gift of discerning inner issues that lie within a person, issues that get in the way of his and her respective calling.
A prophetess after God's own heart, Maria has a mandate from the Lord to lead people to a deep intimacy with Jesus, and to bring them at His feet.
Back in the Philippines, Maria served as Communications Director in an evangelical church, and also as head of Women’s Ministry. From there she formed a ministry for women specializing in emotional healing, which opened doors to the women’s prison where Maria pastored for three years. Part of the services that this ministry offered was Bible-based seminars and workshops for corporate offices. She was then commissioned as minister in 2006 by a church fellowship with congregations and ministries throughout the United States and the world.
Maria moved to Washington State in 2009 where she pastored a church with her street-evangelist husband -- a church for those who can't find their fit in traditional churches. This included drug addicts, alcoholics, and those labeled as "rejects" in society. In 2011 she founded God’z Gurlz, a Bible-based online magazine for women, which is now Step Out's official web magazine.
Prior to her surrender to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, Lisa, as she is known in the professional world, was a successful consultant in Human Resources in Organizational Development. She specialized in designing and conducting Leadership, Management, and Self-Development training programs for companies, including Kraft Foods, Dole Asia, Kimberly-Clark, Aetna, and others.
Maria holds a Bachelor's Degree in English, and has a Consulting business that specializes in Personal Development, Business-Career, and Leadership. She is a Motivational Speaker, Coach, and Professional Writer in one.
Lisa is the author of: Armour Bearer Wife, Armour Bearer Wife II, Where is he? Into His Inner Court, and Breaking Chains.
Prophetess Maria's prophetic gifts help release people to the fulfillment of their purpose. She has the gift of discerning inner issues that lie within a person, issues that get in the way of his and her respective calling.
A prophetess after God's own heart, Maria has a mandate from the Lord to lead people to a deep intimacy with Jesus, and to bring them at His feet.
VICE-PRESIDENT | COACHING DIRECTOR
Fedena Pinet
Fedena Pinet has 15 years of experience in conducting Bible studies, and providing Biblical guidance to women who are going through emotional issues in their lives. An encourager by nature, Fedena has helped empower women, single and married, to overcome childhood and relationship issues. She has likewise helped women understand their Christian life and walk better, as they are realigned with Christ and the essence of salvation. She also has a prophetic gift and can interpret dreams. Her ability to relate well with others, her listening skills, and her empathy balanced with firmness make her very effective as Step Out’s Coaching Director.
A resident of Georgia, Fedena handles the online one-on-one coaching for those who sign up for any of Step Out's programs. She has a team of coaches, each one with her own area of expertise.
Fedena is gifted in writing, with some of her works featured in God’z Gurlz web magazine, the official online magazine of Step Out. She has an upcoming book that unlocks the deceptive ideas in marriage.
A resident of Georgia, Fedena handles the online one-on-one coaching for those who sign up for any of Step Out's programs. She has a team of coaches, each one with her own area of expertise.
Fedena is gifted in writing, with some of her works featured in God’z Gurlz web magazine, the official online magazine of Step Out. She has an upcoming book that unlocks the deceptive ideas in marriage.
BOARD MEMBER | ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR FOR STEP OUT PHILIPPINES
Cathy Villanueva Lago
Cathy Lago is a commissioned Minister under Step Out Ministries International. She is a Revivalist with strong gifts in healing. A mother of five and grandmother of one, Cathy's dedication and commitment to her children helped establish her discipline in the Lord, and became a training ground for the purpose that God has given her. Cathy's administrative background is backed up by her experience in working as an Executive Assistant for a Human Resources Consulting firm, and a Management Consulting firm. She regularly attends a small group in her home church, and has finished classes in Kingdom Principles. She and her husband have graduated from "Married for Life", a 12-week course that teaches life-giving principles that make a marriage last. Cathy completed 200 units towards a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce, with major in Marketing.