The journey from educator to executive is one marked by vision, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to empowerment. Dr. Sharon exemplifies this transformation, having transitioned from a successful career in education to becoming a trailblazer in media and publishing. Her story is one of adaptability and purpose, rooted in the lessons learned from leading classrooms and school communities to pioneering platforms that amplify underrepresented voices. In our interview, Dr. Sharon shares her experiences navigating male-dominated industries, her strategies for overcoming challenges, and her advice for women aspiring to leave a lasting impact in their fields.
FEMI: Dr. Sharon, you’ve transitioned from a successful career in education to leading a thriving media and publishing firm. What key experiences or lessons have empowered you to succeed in male-dominated industries, and what advice would you give to women aiming to create a similar impact in their fields?
Dr. Sharon: My journey from education to media and publishing has been deeply enriching and I believe several key experiences have empowered me to succeed. First, my years in education taught me the importance of vision and adaptability—two qualities that are essential in any industry. I learned how to lead teams, cultivate creativity, and remain steadfast in the face of challenges, which seamlessly translated to my work in media and publishing. Second, mentorship and sponsorship played a pivotal role in my journey. Having people who believed in my potential and guided me was instrumental, and it’s something I now strive to provide for others. Ultimately, success is not just about what you achieve; it’s about the legacy you leave and the doors you open for others. Empowering others, especially women, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. As for advice to women aiming to create impact:
- Own Your Voice
- Build Relationships
- Stay Resilient
- Be a Trailblazer
FEMI: The Heart of Vision & Purpose: Storytelling in Media Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine has become a powerful platform for authentic storytelling, especially for Black women. Can you share the inspiration behind founding the magazine and how you ensure it remains a space for genuine, diverse narratives?
Dr. Sharon: Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine was born out of a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to creating a space where Black women could see themselves authentically represented. The inspiration came from my own experiences and the stories of countless women I’ve encountered—women whose voices, struggles, triumphs, and contributions were often overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream media. I wanted to build a platform where our narratives could be told boldly, unapologetically, and with the depth they deserve.
FEMI: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders: APLA’s Impact Your Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy is shaping future school leaders across the nation. What are the core elements of your program, and how do you believe these strategies are equipping assistant principals to step confidently into leadership roles?
Dr. Sharon: The Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy was designed with one central mission: to prepare assistant principals to transition confidently into the principalship by equipping them with the skills, mindset, and tools they need to lead effectively. These strategies equip assistant principals to transition into leadership roles with confidence because they don’t just learn the theory of leadership—they practice it. We place a strong emphasis on experiential learning, giving participants real-world scenarios to navigate and reflect upon.
Ultimately, the academy aims to inspire and empower participants to lead with courage, resilience, and a heart for service, ensuring they are ready to meet the complex demands of the principalship and create schools where students and staff thrive. The core elements of our program include:
- Visionary Leadership Training
- Operational Excellence
- Instructional Leadership
- Equity and Inclusion
- Mentorship and Networking
FEMI: Balancing It All and Managing Multiple Roles with Excellence. As a media executive, school principal, mentor, and show host, you wear many hats. How do you effectively balance these diverse roles while continuing to pursue professional growth and personal development?
Dr. Sharon: Balancing multiple roles as a media executive, school principal, mentor, and show host requires intentionality, discipline, and a deep connection to my purpose. At the heart of it all is a clear understanding of my ‘why’—everything I do is rooted in a commitment to empowering others, whether through education, storytelling, or mentorship.
Ultimately, the key is staying true to my purpose and being fully present in each role when I’m in it. Balancing these responsibilities isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling because I know I’m contributing to meaningful change in multiple spaces.
FEMI: Mentorship and Community Involvement: Keys to Success Mentorship seems to be a significant part of your work, and you’re also active in organizations like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, NABJ, and the Forbes Coaches Council. How have these connections influenced your journey, and why do you believe mentorship and community engagement are vital for professional success?
Dr. Sharon: Mentorship and community engagement have been cornerstones of my journey, and my involvement with organizations like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, NABJ, and the Forbes Coaches Council has profoundly shaped my path. These connections have provided me with a strong sense of belonging, a wealth of knowledge, and an expansive network of trailblazers who inspire me to aim higher.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority instilled in me the importance of service and sisterhood. The sorority’s legacy of empowering communities has deeply influenced my commitment to mentorship and my drive to uplift others. Similarly, NABJ has amplified my voice as a media professional, offering resources, connections, and opportunities that helped me grow as a storyteller and leader. Being part of the Forbes Coaches Council has introduced me to innovative thinkers and given me a platform to share insights and exchange ideas with industry leaders globally.
FEMI: A Legacy of Inspiration: What Drives Dr. Sharon You’ve accomplished so much and have touched many lives through your work in education and media. What motivates you to keep striving for excellence, and what legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of leaders?
Dr. Sharon: Thank you for those kind words! What motivates me to keep striving for excellence is my unwavering belief in the power of purpose and the responsibility that comes with leadership. I’m driven by the opportunity to create spaces where others—especially women and marginalized communities—can thrive, feel seen, and unlock their full potential.
Every life I’ve touched through education, media, and mentorship reinforces why I do this work. Seeing others grow, succeed, and use their voices inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and setting new goals. I believe that excellence is not just about personal achievement but about empowering others to rise alongside you. The legacy I hope to leave is one of impact and inspiration. I want the next generation of leaders to know that with vision, determination, and a commitment to service, they can break barriers and achieve greatness.
Dr. Sharon’s path from educator to executive is more than a personal success story—it’s a blueprint for empowerment and legacy-building. Her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers, amplifying diverse narratives, and fostering the next generation of leaders reflects the heart of her mission. To women striving for excellence, her message is clear: own your voice, cultivate relationships, and embrace resilience as you chart your path. By staying true to her purpose and empowering others along the way, Dr. Sharon has not only redefined leadership but has also left an indelible mark on the industries she’s transformed.
Stay Connected with Dr. Sharon: Instagram | LinkedIn
Images Courtesy of Dr. Sharon
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