Rising Stars: Meet Shanika Welch of Mobile

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanika Welch.

Hi Shanika, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was raised in poverty by a single mother in Mobile, Al who, despite her love, carried her own history of abandonment and abuse. She did the best she could with what she knew, but I often found myself navigating life without the guidance and supervision a teenage girl needs. As a result, I experienced many challenges that no young girl should have to face.

My first encounter with a social worker happened during my teenage years while babysitting for an older friend. Someone had reported that I had been caring for multiple children alone for several days. When the social worker arrived, I wasn’t afraid—I was amazed. For the first time, I saw what it looked like for someone to show up, to care, and to take action. That moment stayed with me.

Throughout school, career assessments consistently pointed me toward social work or helping professions. Still, I didn’t believe college was within reach. I watched my peers prepare for their futures while I felt left behind. Everything changed when a school counselor asked why I hadn’t applied. After I explained my concerns about finances, she introduced me to financial aid—something I had never heard of—and gave me an application to Alabama State University.

With my mother’s help, I applied. In 2003, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and in 2006, I went on to receive my Master’s degree from the University of Alabama.

For over 22 years, I have worked as a Public Health Social Worker. While my career has been fulfilling, my passion has always been rooted in working directly with teen girls—especially those who need guidance, support, and a safe space to be seen and heard.

In 2025, I founded Sincerely Loud, a nonprofit mentorship program dedicated to empowering teen girls by building confidence, providing guidance, and creating an environment where their voices matter.

Because every girl deserves to be seen.
Every girl deserves to be heard.
And every girl deserves the opportunity to thrive—out loud.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been easy. As I shared, we lived in deep poverty. My mother worked seven days a week, yet we still struggled to make ends meet. There were times when we had no lights, gas, or water, and I would stay with my godmother for months at a time. I was bullied in school for not having what other kids had, and out of embarrassment, my behavior became disruptive. At times, I used my words as a defense and became a verbal bully myself.

I was also very vulnerable in my relationships with men, a pattern that followed me into adulthood. I entered a difficult marriage that mirrored what I witnessed growing up, and even after my divorce, I continued to face challenges in my relationships. It wasn’t until my mid-thirties that I began to experience real growth and clarity. Even now, I continue to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-awareness.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have worked as a Public Health Social Worker for 22 years. While the title is broad, the responsibilities are extensive. My primary focus is ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate healthcare while addressing everyday challenges that may create barriers to access. I serve individuals across the lifespan—from birth through end of life—connecting them to essential resources and support systems that may have otherwise remained unknown.

I recently began providing therapy as an Associate Mental Health Therapist, with a strong focus on teens and women. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges by equipping them with the tools, insight, and guidance needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
What often surprises people most about me is that I am naturally very shy. While I can be outgoing and even the life of the party in comfortable settings, being put on the spot or asked to speak publicly brings a level of fear that I continue to work through.