Today we’d like to introduce you to Shameka Jones.
Hi Shameka, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion for learning and helping others began early in life. I was just a child in elementary school when I watched my mother, a single mom of three, pursue her LPN nursing degree while working full time. Witnessing her strength and determination left a lasting impression on me—it lit a fire inside me that has only grown stronger over the years.
At 13, I began volunteering at the nursing home where my mom worked in the Atlanta area. I would visit patients’ rooms, offer them conversation, assist the nursing staff however I could, or simply bring someone a glass of water. Even at that young age, I felt a deep sense of purpose. The desire to serve others by improving their health took root in my spirit and began to grow into something powerful.
In high school, I was blessed to meet Dr. Gayla Dillard—a surgeon, who became both a mentor and a friend. She welcomed me into her world, took me under her wing, and shared with me her love for medicine. Her encouragement and belief in me gave me the confidence to chase my dream of becoming a doctor.
From my mother’s example to the mentorship I received along the way, my journey has always been guided by strong women, unwavering faith, and a calling to care for others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to becoming a physician was anything but smooth. One of the biggest challenges I faced was financial. Like many aspiring doctors, I had to rely on student loans to pursue my medical education. At one point, I was faced with the very real possibility of postponing medical school when my financial aid was unexpectedly denied. It was an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. But through God’s grace and a deep sense of purpose, I was able to push forward and continue my journey. That experience strengthened my resilience and deepened my appreciation for every step I’ve taken since.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Family Medicine Physician in Georgia, I currently serve as a supervising physician, mentoring and guiding new doctors at a clinic in South Georgia. While I’m deeply passionate about medicine and the opportunity to help shape the next generation of physicians, my greatest pride comes from being a mother to three wonderful children and the wife of an incredible husband—an Emergency Medicine physician whose dedication inspires me every day. Medicine may be our shared passion, but service is our true calling. There’s no greater joy than making a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
That same spirit of service extends beyond the walls of the clinic. Looking back on my childhood, I was fortunate to be surrounded by love and support—but educational resources were often out of reach. That early experience left a lasting impression, and years later, it became the driving force behind a project close to my heart. My husband and I launched an after-school tutoring program (STEM NG2 Math and Reading Success Center) for students in grades 3 through 8, aiming to create a safe, supportive space where kids could build confidence and develop the tools they need to succeed. Watching those students grow has been one of the most rewarding and humbling ways we’ve been able to give back to our community.
What were you like growing up?
I was a mix of silly and adventurous, but also a bit shy at times. I spent a lot of my childhood on my grandparents’ farm, helping them milk cows, feed hogs, and collect eggs from the chickens. It was a fun and unique way to grow up, and I think it fed both my curiosity and my love for the outdoors.
I was also pretty bossy—especially with my brother and cousins! One time we even built a treehouse in the backyard, and of course, I tried to be in charge of the whole project. I really enjoyed spending time with my family, and those memories are some of my favorites from growing up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stemng2.com
- Instagram: @STEM_NG2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QdGD9fctc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
