Conversations with Shere Walker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shere Walker.

Hi Shere, 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 grew up in a small town on the skirts of Clarksdale, MS called Jonestown, MS with a population of little over 1000 people. My dad passed away when I was 12 years old and my mom worked as a housekeeper until I graduated from high school. I graduated at the top of my class and defeating the odds by attending college, where I received my Bachelors of Science degree from Delta State University. With more on plate, I became a mother at the age of 21 and decided to move to Colorado in 2011 upon receiving my bachelor’s degree. Although with a new degree and being a mom, I did not have a clear path of what I wanted to do in life because I really didn’t have that proper guidance as far as careers, but I knew that I had to figure something out. I kept pushing, asking questions, and exploring the many options in this new city. I went back to school to get my Master’s of Education where I took my first Admission Counselor at a university in Denver.

I then later decided that I wanted to work youth, so I became a High School Behavior Interventionist, where I excelled in the position. I knew then that I had made the right decision. After working as an interventionist for many years, I later became a reengagement coach and promoted as Director of Work Base Learning at a local school district. During this time, I decided to pursue my Doctorate in Education Degree (EdD). Fast forward, my daughter is now ten years old and I am currently a leader in the school and also the Denver – Aurora Community. I am also the education co-chair of NAACP Denver where I get to give back, advocate, and support our BIPOC community through educational programs that support our secondary and higher ed students. I am also only two dissertation sessions away from obtaining my doctoral degree and I recently started a Foundation called Black Parents United Foundation (BPUF). The purpose is to spread the message of love, hope, and compassion to our neighbors. BPUF believe that a single action can make a difference in the community and that collective action can greatly impact the world through good deeds and helping those who need it the most. I cannot believe that a little girl from Jonestown, MS can accomplish so much in a short period of time with the support of my mom, sisters, brother, and leaders in Denver who took this country girl under their wing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My mom raised four kids alone without a high school diploma. I became a mother at the age of 21 and had no clue how to be a parent. I have many setbacks which I thought I had no way out of. I stopped my doctoral degree because I felt like I couldn’t handle the pressure of life. My life has never been easy, but I am thankful for all the trials because it has molded me to become a leader, advocate, and mother. My goal is to set the best example for my daughter because she sees everything I do and of course, no one is perfect, but I strive to ensure that my actions in the community spread the fragrance of perseverance and hope to little girls and boys like me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Founder, Black Parents United Foundation (BPUF) Director of Internships and Apprenticeships (Jeffco Public Schools). 2021 Jeffco Public School Entrepreneurial Spirit District Value Award Winner. Masters of Education: Curriculum and Instruction (Equity, Ethics, and Justice)

CO – Triple Endorsed Secondary Teacher: English, Business, and Marketing
CO – CTE Endorsed Secondary Business and Marketing
CO – CTE Endorsed Work-based Learning Coordinator
Doctorate of Education: Educational Leadership (candidacy). NAACP Denver – Education Chair.

In order to be the best version of myself is believing with confidence. What sets me apart is knowing that I don’t need permission from anyone to do the things I want to do. If I want to go, I will go. If I want to reach a goal, I will do it. Many times we tend to fall into the trap of asking others for permission from something we can do on our own. Confidence is thrown around loosely, but we must practice this continuously because it isn’t something that is taught. Confidence is learned!

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising is that when I was younger is that I wanted to become a singer.

Contact Info:

• Email: blackparentsunitedfoundation@gmail.com
• Website: www.blackparentsunitedfoundation.org
• Instagram: adyashere
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackparentsunitedfoundation