J. René Walker

J. René Walker is no stranger to breaking barriers. She is a dynamic speaker, accomplished real estate leader, and breast cancer survivor who brings unwavering faith, fierce passion, and heartfelt transparency to every stage and page. With more than two decades of experience as a broker and businesswoman, she now devotes her life to empowering others—especially women—to discover purpose through pain and healing through hope. Her life goal is to live out God’s commandment to love one another.

She is the founder of Her First Place, a foundation dedicated to helping Black women become first-time homeowners, and she is a passionate advocate for spiritual identity, legacy, and wholeness.

Widely known as a mentor and motivator, J. René affectionately calls God “Daddy”—a name born from deep relationship and divine dependence. Her words testify to a life lived boldly, even during brokenness. She is also the author of Daddy, I Have Cancer – Navigating Cancer With Faith & Hope.

She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Phil, and their son, Christian. J. René continues to write, teach, and walk alongside others as we fulfill God’s commandment to love one another.