Today we’d like to introduce you to Shemeka Dawson
Hi Shemeka, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story begins with a life shaped by deep struggles. Growing up, I faced unimaginable challenges, from being affected by trauma and abuse to feeling lost and disconnected from my true self. I was caught in a cycle of shame, guilt, and brokenness, running away from the past and the pain that haunted me. But through it all, there was a whisper in my heart – a quiet, persistent reminder that God had a plan for me.
At my lowest point, I found God’s grace in unexpected places, and it was through my faith that I began to heal. I remember the first time I truly understood that my past didn’t define me. It was a transformative moment where I realized that God’s love and redemption were greater than any darkness I had experienced.
This newfound hope ignited something in me. I started to share my story, hoping that my experiences could help others heal, too. From overcoming struggles with addiction, abuse, and trauma, I realized I had been called to lift others up, especially women and families facing the same battles.
I began working on my ministry, Family Recovery, and launched Women With FYA, a mentoring group dedicated to helping women who had faced prison, trafficking, and abuse. I became involved in my community, from working with the governor on human trafficking policies to being recognized for my efforts in fighting for those who had no voice.
Today, I continue to work towards breaking generational cycles and empowering individuals through faith. Whether it’s through writing, speaking, or leading workshops, my heart is focused on bringing healing, restoration, and faith to families and individuals who need it most.
I am not just a survivor, but a victor. I am proof that no matter how broken you may feel, God has a purpose for you that far exceeds your past. My journey has shaped who I am today: someone passionate about lifting others out of their struggles and showing them that healing is possible through God’s love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I faced challenges that many people will never understand – struggles with trauma, abuse, and a constant battle with feelings of shame and guilt. Growing up, I often felt lost, disconnected, and invisible. I ran away from home and from the pain I couldn’t escape. The weight of my experiences seemed too heavy to carry, and for a long time, I believed I was trapped in a cycle of despair.
There were countless moments when I felt like giving up. I battled addiction, isolation, and a sense of hopelessness that clouded every aspect of my life. I struggled with feelings of unworthiness, wondering if I could ever break free from the chains of my past. And at times, I felt like I was fighting a battle I couldn’t win.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
. Through my ministry, Family Recovery, I provide resources, teachings, and workshops that focus on restoring faith, rebuilding families, and breaking generational curses. I know that the journey to healing isn’t quick or easy, but it is possible, and I’m here to walk alongside those who need help.
What sets me apart is my unique perspective. Having overcome the very obstacles I now help others with, I speak from a place of authenticity. I’ve been through the depths of addiction, abuse, and the devastating effects of human trafficking, and because of that, I bring a deep level of empathy and understanding to my work. I’m not just offering advice from an outsider’s point of view – I’m sharing the lessons I learned from living through it.
The foundation of my work is rooted in faith, but it’s also grounded in practical tools for healing. Through Women With FYA, I mentor women overcoming life challenges such as s*xual abuse, domestic violence, prison time, and s*x trafficking. I help them rediscover their worth, rebuild their lives, and find hope again. I’ve witnessed the power of community and the strength that comes when we support each other through the darkest times.
Additionally, I’ve worked with policymakers, helping to change laws and raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking, particularly in Georgia. Being able to sit down with the governor, speak about the issue on national platforms like CNN, and help create laws that protect vulnerable populations is a source of pride for me. Knowing that I’ve been part of efforts to impact real change in the world brings me deep fulfillment.
What I’m most proud of is the tangible difference I’ve made in people’s lives. I’ve seen women walk into Women With FYA broken and lost, only to leave with renewed faith, restored confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve helped families find healing through Family Recovery, teaching them how to break generational cycles and build a foundation of faith for the next generation. And perhaps most rewarding is the chance to speak and mentor young girls and women, helping them navigate the complexities of relationships, self-esteem, and finding their identity in Christ.
Another proud moment is my ability to create resources that help others in their journey of healing. Through my Family Recovery curriculum, Raising Lilies workbook for young women, and my upcoming cookbook, Cooking My Way Through It, I’m able to share practical tools, teaching, and inspiration to help people not just survive but thrive after trauma. These resources provide space for healing, reflection, and growth, and I’m honored to offer them to those who need them.
At the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is the fact that I am living proof that healing is possible. I am proud that I’m now able to help others rewrite their stories, just as I’ve rewritten mine.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is our annual family reunion, a sacred time when my grandmother, my mother, and my grandmother’s four sisters would bring the entire family together. It was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of love, faith, and legacy.
Each year, we would come together, no matter the distance or circumstances, to reconnect and strengthen the bonds that held us together. The kitchen was the heart of it all, filled with the rich aromas of home-cooked meals that carried the flavors of generations past. The laughter of children blended with the harmonies of old hymns as we sang, prayed, and poured our hearts into the stories we shared.
It was during these reunions that I learned the true meaning of family. We welcomed new babies with joy, honored the wisdom of our elders, and wrapped each other in love, even through tears. We cried for the struggles we had endured, but we also rejoiced in the victories we had won. It was a time of healing, of remembering that no matter what storms life brought, we could always return to the foundation that was built by those who came before us.
At the end of each reunion, we didn’t just say goodbye—we took something home with us. Whether it was a word of wisdom, a prayer that carried us through hard times, or the strength to keep going, we left filled, knowing we were part of something greater than ourselves. The lessons shared in those moments became our armor against the battles of life and a source of blessing that carried us forward.
Even now, as I walk in my purpose, I often reflect on those reunions. They remind me why I fight so hard to help families heal and restore what has been lost. The love, faith, and unity I experienced during those gatherings continue to inspire my work, and I pray that every family can find that same strength in one another.
Pricing:
- Speaking Engagements & Group Workshops Virtual Speaking (30-45 Minutes) – $75+ In-Person Speaking (Travel Costs May Apply) – Starting at $200 Small Group Workshop (Faith, Healing, or Family Restoration) – $99+
- One-on-One Coaching & Mentoring 30-Minute Spiritual Guidance Call – $25 1-Hour Deep Healing & Strategy Call – $50 Monthly Mentorship (4 sessions per month) – $150
