Meet Sheena Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheena Williams.

Sheena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It was 2009, I had just completed undergrad and started my career as an Accountant, I could not believe how much student loan debt I accumulated. I wondered, “how can I advance with this much debt.” I was living paycheck to paycheck due to irresponsible consumer spending. My credit score was 580 because of poor financial choices. The turning point was during my time as an Accounts Receivable Coordinator, managing thousands of dollars daily for the company. I became frustrated at knowing I could balance their books but failed at my own. I prayed and trusted God to change my mind and the way I viewed money. Once I began taking control of my finances, I thought about little girls who needed advice and guidance on doing the same. I grew up in an upper-middle-class home where my father preached money management until he was blue in the face, yet I missed out on the opportunity to understand the importance. The next year SheWill, Inc, an organization created to educate young girls, between the ages of 8 and 17, on the importance of financial literacy and career empowerment was born. I knew this was my purpose because of the way it was given to me. I was sitting in my cubicle one day and something said, “SheWill.” My name is Sheena Williams and there I had it, a declaration for girls. Amazed at the name, I texted my mom, SheWill and she responded, “that’s it!” I also saw the colors red, blue, and purple. Red means passion. I am passionate about educating girls to not make the same choices I made. Blue means loyal and faithful, God was faithful when he gave me this vision to start SheWill, Inc and SheWill teaches girls to be faithful in the process of learning financial literacy. Purple means royalty. Royalty are the women who make wise money decisions. Little did I know, these colors are synonymous with banking and the financial industry, which was even more proof that I was called to do this. 

Today, I am in a much better place financially and professionally. By career path, I am a Senior Financial Analyst for a tech-driven third-party logistics company in Alpharetta, Georgia. My next career goal is to receive my Certified Management Accountants designation and become a traveling Consultant.

SheWill, Inc has achieved so much in such a short time frame. In 2013, I attended the White House Youth Summit for young entrepreneurs making a difference in the community. In 2014, I joined the Georgia Consortium for Personal Financial Literacy and partnered with Governor Nathan Deal to Proclaim the month of April National Financial Literacy Month. In 2016, I was selected to attend the United States of Women Address hosted by President Barack Obama and the White House Council on Women and Girls. I also attended the White House Champion of Change reception to address the economic inequality and health disparities plaguing women and girls of color.

SheWill has reached thousands of families and continues to grow. Our vision is for all girls to become strong, bold leaders with complete financial independence free from debt and financial illiteracy.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. It took SheWill over a year to receive our first $1,000 in Earned Revenue. It took over four years to receive our first $10,000 grant. The majority of the money I received when in the beginning phases came from family and friends that believed in my vision. I called my Mom crying weekly about the challenges and she prayed for me and spoke nothing but success and greatness.

Building relationships was challenging because many people didn’t understand the importance of teaching kids so young about money. Many parents were hesitant because of their financial insecurities so it took several years of creative marketing and actual results for buy-in. 

Please tell us about the organization.
SheWill is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization created to educate young girls, between the ages of 8 and 17, on the importance of financial literacy and career empowerment. We provide interactive activities to educate girls on fundamental financial skills. Our goal is to provide life skills and education so girls are prepared for post high school endeavors.

I am most proud of the impact we have made in the community and mentor – mentee relationships built through our programs and events. Also, proud of the opportunities to work directly with the President Obama administration and Governor Nathan Deal.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The nonprofit sector is always evolving. I do believe financial literacy is a leading contender in education and will assist our future generation in becoming debt-free and financially responsible.

Pricing:

• $45 – Sponsor A Girl (Donate of $45 will help sponsor a girl to attend an event)
• $250 – Sponsor An Interactive Session (Donation of $45 will assist in providing supplies and meals for participants, event hosts, and volunteers)
• $900 – Sponsor A Community (Donation of $900 will help us impact the lives of 20 girls in the local community)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shewill.org
• Email: info@shewill.org
• Instagram: @SheWill_Inc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shewillinc
• Twitter: @SheWill_Inc

Image Credit:
Sheena and SheWill Events

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