Sheba Interview Published on: 19, Dec 2024
Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to become known as the Queen of Empowerment?
I believe all of my life experiences has inspired me to become known as the Queen of Empowerment. From very young, people have said that I had wisdom beyond my years. In High School, I was exposed to public speaking, and that was it for me! I fell in love, found my purpose and passion.
I would have never imagined myself on some of the platforms that I have been able to speak and empower others, but I do believe that God has a set plan for my life. It is a good plan, and I am just getting started.
How did your background in Early Childhood Education influence your approach to writing children's books and creating soundtracks and lullabies?Based on what I know about child development; how they learn and grow, it was quite an easy transition to tap into my other gifts and abilities. The soundtracks and lullabies pretty much stem from my family gift, we are a musically inclined family.
What key messages do you aim to convey through your books and professional development training?Hmmm….my books and professional development trainings have two different audiences, but I believe I can put it into one word: AUTHENTICITY. I would sprinkle authenticity with kindness, grace and FUN!!
You emphasize that "to empower is to educate." Can you share some examples of how you bring this philosophy to life in your work?In many of my coaching sessions, I find myself telling my clients and mentees that knowledge is something that no one can take away from you. When you not only see the importance of personal development, but also invest in it, you become unstoppable.
“To empower is to educate!” is infused into everything that I do and speak. I want others to make the connection that knowledge and action or the lack thereof can either make or break you!
What challenges have you faced on your path to becoming a recognized leader in both professional and empowerment circles?I will say this, you would have to make the connection, “Age ain’t nothing but a number!”
Can you describe the concept behind "SHEBA" and what it means for women to discover that they are also SHEBA?This is my favorite question of all times! Thank you for asking. SHEBA is an acronym that stands for (SHE)s(B)better(A)fteritALL. I have experienced many challenges in life but one thing that I can also attest to is the fact that I have bounced back from each one of them.
Was it automatic? Absolutely NOT! It first started with a mindset of resilience. I am stronger than any challenge. I can overcome any mountain. This too shall pass. I can keep going on and on about this question, but I believe you got the message!
If women could also adopt this mindset, they too will be SHEBA! After all, what does not destroy should really make you stronger!
How do you maintain such a high level of energy and enthusiasm in your work, and how do you inspire the same in others?First word: PURPOSE. Second word: PASSION. With every interaction, others see and feel it. It becomes contagious, and they are inspired to follow suit.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career as an author and consultant?After conducting a training or having a casual conversation with someone and they end the conversation with the understanding that others need grace, but they also cannot neglect the fact that they too need it as well.
This human experience is not easy, but grace can take us a long way!
As a contributing author in "She Is an Overcomer" and "Our Mothers, Our Daughters," how did these experiences shape or influence your message of empowerment?It solidified it and also made me realize that my message resounds in a greater community of women, not just my own personal circle or spaces. We are truly all connected in one way or the other!
What advice would you give to women who are struggling to find their own sense of empowerment and joy?I always say that you can not grow alone! Find a mentor! Find a community of others with like passions and value systems. Before you know it, you will be on the right track!
In your opinion, what are the most significant barriers to empowerment for women today, and how can they be overcome?One of the most significant barriers to empowerment for women today is the idea that women only exist to fulfill certain roles and responsibilities. Sorry but not sorry, we are created for more than that!
We continue to overcome it by knowing our power and not being afraid to walk in it!
How do you integrate your personal experiences into your books and teachings to connect with your audience?I am very personable. Storytelling has been quite effective; people like to connect to people.
Can you share a story or example from your career where you saw a profound impact of your work on someone’s life?Of course! This is another great question, by the way! I remember coaching a wonderful educator who was quite older than me. To be quite honest, she was old enough to be my mom. During our coaching debriefs, she would always say that I reminded her of her daughter; I was honest/direct but also compassionate and resourceful. She felt as if I always challenged her to grow. You are never too “old” to learn and grow.
When we finally reached the end of our coaching cycle, not only did she brag about our sessions and everything she learned, but the Administrator praised me on my ability to impact her in that way. It was not as successful with others.
I was extremely honored and grateful for that experience because as much as she learned from, little did she know, I was learning so much from her as well. The foundation of our coach-coachee relationship was respect and I believe that is what made it successful for both of us.
What upcoming projects or initiatives are you excited about, and how do they align with your mission of empowering women?My Vision Board Empowerment Workshops are in demand, especially as we conclude 2024 and enter into 2025. I am also excited to announce that I will be releasing my first single on December 31, 2024 and finally, my plan is to launch another children’s book in March 2025
Who or what introduced you to AllAuthor? How would you describe your experience so far?A fellow author! She is amazing, the person who spearheaded the Mother, Daughter Anthology project.
My experience was and continues to be amazing. I was blown away by the communication and support I received even after winning the June contest. I am looking forward to continuing this partnership, and also taking part in future contests!
