Meet Sherryl Fisher of Teen Life Choices in South Fulton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherryl Fisher.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As I contemplate my own high school time, I reflect on how blessed I was to have had the opportunity to be part of a Coop Program that allowed me to go to school one week and work the other. I was fortunate to have learned so many skills which made me driven, diligent, dependable, strategic, deadline-driven, methodical and to interact with a diverse group of individuals who were my co-workers.

I worked at General Motors Legal Library as a File Clerk during my senior year in high school and that translated to me going to school to earn a Masters Degree in Librarianship. Today I specialize in prospect research working for a medical school in their fundraising department providing guidance and strategy as we seek funding to support its initiatives.

I started Teen Life Choices out of a need to provide opportunities to our young people that I had. Our teens need to be given the opportunity to be a part of society and be allowed to expand their skills as relates to the business environment. Internships are key, not only to college students but more importantly to high school students. The experience and exposure I received was immeasurable and I believe TLC will allow for a larger pool of workforce ready individuals who are skilled, eager, fresh thinkers and motivated to take the world by storm!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I worked and went to college which took me ten years to complete. It took eight years to finish my BA degree in Social Sciences and 2 to complete a Masters in Library Science. I had a full-time job, married with one daughter so I had to earn a degree with a full load on my plate.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Teen Life Choices is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to prepare students ages 13-18 to enter the workforce through career exploration and development, and personal growth sessions. Our Program: The TLC Career Exploration project consists of 10 industry tours provided throughout the academic school year, taking students to various corporate environments to explore careers and opportunities within those industries. I am the Founder and Executive Director and work to network with Atlanta professionals and corporations to bring opportunities for the students to interact. I have learned to ask for what I need as relates to developing and expanding my network to allow for greater access for my students. I work within one school currently as part of my pilot program and will eventually seek to expand the program to other schools throughout the Atlanta community.

I come from a place that knows the needs of young people as I have (3) daughters and (1) granddaughter. I have mentored several of their friends just talking through their issues and just being there for them to bat ideas. Mentoring and being a listener to young people has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. The mentoring does not stop at a certain age but continues today with several of them. I am most proud of having started my organization “officially as a 501(c)(3) in August 2019 and currently have speakers through 2020 who want to join me in this worthwhile cause as well as a pilot program in Langston Hughes High School working with 40 students. I only see greater things as I continue to network and work closely with our students.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as finding your niche and doing it to the best of your ability. I have said that there is no place I have worked or things that I do or have done that I do not give 110% effort. I instill that in my daughters and those around me as well as the young men and women I work with through Teen Life Choices.

My markers and the things I consider are do I love what I do. Do I bring knowledge and understanding to others to help them grow and be better at what they do. Do I share what I know unconditionally. If the answer to these questions is yes, then I have succeeded. By the way, the answer is yes to all as this is the fiber that sets me apart. Knowledge and information to me is key. I breathe it and work at it every day.

Contact Info:

• Address: Teen Life Choices Inc
  5575 Hunters Forest Lane
  Atlanta, GA 30349
• Website: www.teenlifechoice.org
• Phone: 404-850-3452
• Email: sfisher@teenlifechoice.org
• Instagram: TeenLifeChoices
• Facebook: TeenLifeChoices

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