Our Founder
Shemmyla Green
There’s a saying, that “when life gives you lemons—you make lemonade”, but we seem to forget a step. We know that lemons are tart and in order to actually make lemonade, one must find a “sweet” additive to make palpable lemonade for consumption. Lucky for me, the “sugar” came from the most trusted source—my mother.
As a pre-teen, I was diagnosed with a rapid and progressive form of scoliosis that required surgery, or my spine would have curved to puncture my heart and lungs. My mom, instead of reacting in a way that would make me feel inadequate or abnormal; she normalized the experience for me. She supported my recovery and only spoke in terms about all the things that I would continue to do once I healed from the surgery. Never once did it occur to me that this could ever be a disadvantage for me.
The surgery was corrective but required a fusing of my spine and permanent rods to be placed into my back for the duration of my life. Before the next school year could come around—my mom and I agreed that it would be good for me (mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally) to resume my competition dance and gymnastic pursuits and I did so without ever thinking that I was incapable or at a disadvantage because of my previous health issue. It was a one-and-done experience and my life returned to normalcy or at least until I made the decision to join the U.S. Military.
Struggling to figure out how I would pay for college courses and trying to find my way in a professional space led me to the U.S. Air Force recruiting offices. I seemed to be an ideal candidate until I informed the recruiter about the permanent rods placed in my back. The recruiter disqualified me immediately. The USAF offered me no other options and sent me on my way. I decided to speak with an Army recruiter where we discussed my disqualification status and was informed about medical waiver opportunities for people like me. The U.S. Army was willing to pursue one on my behalf. One door was closing but another door opened before I could hear the last door shut. I was qualified for the U.S. Army and started my brief yet impactful stint in the Army, experiencing character building events and meeting phenomenal people that continue to enhance my life to this very day.
Because I was raised to keep moving forward despite missteps and obstacles, I have never had time to sit and wallow about lost opportunity. I have faith that I will continue to design the path that I am meant to walk on. That path is in service to others—specifically women servicemembers and helping them find access points in mentorship that helps their lives thrive.
The resilience and work ethic my mother instilled in me, is one which manifests ways to always accomplish my goals—it just might not look like my original design. My original design wasn’t meant to have rods placed in my body, nor have a career ending foot injury in the Army, but these obstacles allowed me to become the strongest version of myself and I use that strength in servant leadership.
I am on an intentional mission to help other women maximize their design—where they can achieve excellence no matter what and with a community of support that is unmatched—with other empowered women.
Together with amazing partners, we are the V.I.P. experience for women working in male dominated industries. Our community provides our SHEROES with the tools, benefits, and resources to help them reach every dream they have for themselves.
