We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Sherika Duncan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Sherika below.
Dr. Sherika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I have taken many risks like most but there were a few worth mentioning that will propel the readers forward into their destinies which are starting a nonprofit organization, changing careers and going back to school.
“Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Founding Excellence Dance Studio and Embracing Leadership Amidst Risk”
I took a risk of starting a dance group, Excellence Dance Studio, Inc., in my childhood home town, Madison Florida, which lacks many resources due to the inspiration of having a beautiful daughter, Nia Janae, who is very talented and creative. She inspired me when I faced a pivotal moment of adversity with her being apart of another dance group at the age of three and it lacked consistency in programming and affordable enrollment opportunities.
The real challenge occurred when it was time for me to apply for a federal 501c3 nonprofit organization status in 2006 by doing the paperwork independently. There were so many financial, emotional, and practical risks. I had experienced launching something that could have failed without the proper support.
It seemed forever when waiting on the official nonprofit approval. Yet, it benefits so many families with youths and shaped my growth as a leader.
“From Code to Leadership: Navigating the Risky Leap from Software Development to IT Project Management”
I decided to do a career transition from software development to IT Project management. I had advanced from a Junior Computer Programmer gradually worked up every level all to senior IT Business Consultant to realize how much I desired to be in another position to provide services to senior leadership in their decision-making processes.
It definitely came with many risks of uncertainty of leaving a familiar profession which felt like starting over completely. I underwent re-educating myself into Project Management after observing my prior supervisor successfully execute the process into our software application development team members. I had self-doubt during my career transition during the process of becoming globally certified as a PMI project manager proved my value in this new field. Also, I had to develop self discipline and sheer determination which through my loved ones support helped shaped my growth. It has paid off immediately as I am mentoring and supervising my own set of globally certified PMI project managers within my Project Management Office.
“Embracing the Leap: How Risk-Taking and a Doctoral Degree Redefined My Career and Future”
All the transitioning inspired my decision to go back to school to pursue my Doctoral degree in business administration. TThere are professional doors unlocking for me with this sense of accomplishment and new opportunities that have opened up because of my degree. I learned sometimes the scariest leaps are the ones that bring us the greatest rewards. I am a living proof that with determination and passion, you can rewrite your story, no matter how late in the game it seems.
Looking back on each of my risks shaped who I am today whether it was offering free services to a community that needed them, finishing my degree faster than two semesters early, or completely reinventing my career. I hope my story encourages you to face your fears, take that leap and trust that you have the power to create the future you want.
Dr. Sherika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Meet Sherika Duncan: Author, Scholar, and Advocate for Resilience
Born and raised in Georgia, Sherika Duncan is an accomplished author of five books, including her debut novel, The Setup, which highlights the power of perseverance when faced with life’s toughest challenges. Her passion for storytelling emerged from a deep-rooted desire to inspire others by showing that resilience and determination can lead to success.
Sherika’s professional journey is marked by academic excellence and leadership. She holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from Saint Leo University and a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on project management from Forbes School of Business at Ashford University. Her skills are further highlighted by globally recognized certifications such as PMI’s Project Management Professional® and Certified ScrumMaster®.
Her earlier education in computer information systems at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and public management certification at Florida State University demonstrate her versatile and technology-driven background. Now residing in Florida with her children and family, Sherika blends her expertise in business, project management, and technology with her love for writing.
What I Offer
As an author and project management professional, I provide a wide range of services, including consulting for businesses and writing inspirational stories that resonate with readers. As a cybersecurity professional, I am committed to safeguarding data and systems while ensuring that organizations stay ahead of emerging threats. This role has enhanced my ability to manage risks and strengthen overall security in an increasingly digital world. My literary works dive deep into themes of overcoming adversity, finding strength in difficult circumstances, and celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. In addition, my professional background enables me to assist organizations in strategic project execution, ensuring efficiency and success.
What Sets Me Apart
What distinguishes me from others in my field is my dual expertise in both business and creative writing. My experiences across different industries allow me to approach projects and stories with a unique blend of analytical and creative thinking. Whether it’s a business consulting project or crafting a novel, I focus on providing high-quality work that adds value and inspires others.
What I’m Most Proud Of
In addition to being a loving mother, I also take the most pride in my ability to mentor and guide others through challenging moments in their careers or personal lives. I have faced and overcome many challenges myself, and I understand the importance of having support during trying times. My work—both as an author and a business professional—reflects my commitment to helping others realize their potential.
What I Want Readers to Know
At the core of everything I do is the belief that persistence, coupled with a positive outlook, can lead to success. I strive to create stories and projects that not only entertain but also empower others to push through adversity and achieve their goals. My journey continues to evolve, but one constant is my dedication to helping people, whether through my writing, business consulting, or mentoring.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society can support artists, creatives and an thriving creative ecosystem by providing financial backing through grants, scholarships, and fair compensation for artists. Investing in accessible creative spaces and promoting arts education from an early age are also crucial. Artists benefit from having physical and digital platforms where they can showcase their work and collaborate across disciplines, as well as protection for their intellectual property rights. Additionally, lowering the cost of creative resources and offering targeted training opportunities help reduce barriers for emerging artists.
Local governments and businesses can foster cultural engagement by investing in and commissioning art that reflects the community’s identity. Supporting mental health resources specifically for artists also ensures they can maintain a healthy balance in their creative pursuits. By celebrating artistic contributions as vital to societal growth, society can empower artists and creatives to flourish.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
A noncreative person might have trouble understanding how personal and emotional being creative can be. For many artists, our work reflects a part of ourselves, which makes it hard when our ideas are criticized or rejected. The emotional ups and downs—feeling great when things go well and frustrated when they don’t—are often intense.
They might also not realize that the creative process doesn’t follow a clear path like some other jobs. Creatives face a lot of uncertainty, experimenting and sometimes failing, before finding success. This unpredictability can be confusing for someone who is used to more traditional, step-by-step career paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sherikaduncan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherika.duncan/profilecard/?igsh=MXQ1YjNxNjBmZTFhbg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/4Pxz3BnSXpefVxK2/?mibextid=qi2Omg
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherikaduncan?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/SherikaDuncan_?t=pse-q0GDlWDX1TaCNYD5nQ&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sherikaduncan?feature=shared
Image Credits
Pictured in the purple shirt is my son, Nyles J. Duncan who is a High School Senior and serves as the SGA Secretary and band percussion student at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Developmental Research School Melvin McClurkin Photography Pictured in the black shirt is my daughter, Nia Janae who is a Aveda licensed esthetician full specialist and college student at Tallahassee State College . Photo credit by Melvin McClurkin Photography Pictured in the all white tutus are Excellence Dance Studio, Inc. PreMadonna dancers at a Tallahassee Winter Festival Performance. Photo credit by Excellence Dance Studio, Inc.