Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Sherika Duncan
Hi Dr. Sherika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
**Sherika Duncan: A Journey of Resilience and Achievement**
Sherika Duncan, born in Georgia, is an accomplished author of five books, including her debut novel, *The Setup*, which encapsulates the essence of navigating life’s adversities. She holds a doctoral degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in project management from the Forbes School of Business at Ashford University. Sherika is also a globally recognized PMI Certified Project Management Professional® and Certified ScrumMaster®.
Her academic journey includes studying computer information systems at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and earning a public management certification from Florida State University. Currently, she resides in Florida with her children and family, continuing to inspire others through her writing and professional achievements.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey included various struggles, such as:
1. **Balancing Education and Personal Life**: Managing rigorous academic programs while raising children and maintaining a family life was very challenging.
2. **Career Transitions**: Transitioning from different fields of study and career roles, especially in highly specialized areas like project management and information systems, required significant effort and adaptability.
3. **Financial Strain**: Funding higher education, especially at the doctoral level, and balancing those costs with family needs were a considerable burden.
4. **Professional Certification Challenges**: Achieving and maintaining certifications like PMI Certified Project Management Professional® and Certified ScrumMaster® and the State of Florida certifications such as Florida Certified Contract Manager and recently completing the Florida Certified Contract Negotiator course and credits requirements involves extensive preparation, study, and keeping up with evolving industry standards.
5. **Writing and Publishing**: The process of writing and publishing five books, especially the first novel, involved numerous rejections, revisions, and time constraints.
6. **Adversity and Resilience**: Personal setbacks and unforeseen life events tested my resilience and determination to succeed academically and professionally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Someone would love to learn more about my work for several reasons:
1. **Self-Publishing Expertise**: Gaining insights into my self-publishing journey, including the challenges I faced and the strategies I used to successfully publish five books, would be valuable for aspiring authors.
2. **Academic Research**: my research in information technology projects and project management within public government environments is highly specialized. People interested in these fields would appreciate learning about the various methodologies, findings, and their practical applications.
3. **Dissertation Journey**: The process of defending a dissertation and earning a doctoral degree is a significant academic milestone. Sharing my experiences, from the research phase to the defense, could inspire and guide other doctoral candidates.
4. **Personal Achievements and Motivations**: Understanding what drives my passion for writing, research, and exploring the world would resonate with those seeking inspiration for their own pursuits.
I’m thrilled to share that I have successfully defended my dissertation and am now officially a Doctor of Business Administration! With this milestone achieved, I’m ready to embark on new adventures and explore the world. I specialize in self-publishing and conducting academic research in information technology projects and project management for public government environments. I can’t wait to discover new places, meet incredible people, and see what the world has to offer.
Cheers to new beginnings and unforgettable experiences!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
A surprising fact about me that most people might not know could be:
**My Passion for Adventure**:
Despite my academic and professional achievements, many might not realize my strong desire to explore new places and embrace new experiences. Recently my family and I had an opportunity to travel out of the country to the Caribbean visiting Grand Caymans Islands and swim and interact with stingrays and dolphins. Then traveled to Cozumel Mexico and Tulum to visit the ancient ruins. This adventurous spirit complements my scholarly and professional pursuits, showing a well-rounded and dynamic personality.
**Overcoming Personal Challenges**: There were significant personal challenges or setbacks I’ve overcome that have shaped my resilience and determination. Sharing these stories could provide a deeper, more relatable insight into my journey and inspire others facing similar obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sherikaduncan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherika.duncan/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sherikaduncanauthor?wtsid=rdr_0532UXPATAlPQBJva
- Other: https://dot.cards/sherikaduncan
Image Credits
Melvin McClurkin Photography
