Shardai Sallye

After School Program Leader at SHE Academy Inc., 23

At 23, Shardai Sallye is still young herself, yet she’s highly attuned to the importance of the next generations, so much so that each school day she makes tangible impacts on students’ lives at the SHE Academy, an after-school mentorship program for girls in grades 8-12 that empowers them to cultivate life skills and inner confidence.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success? 

The single greatest person who influenced my journey to success is Ms. Shaqualynn Shedrick.  She helped me to become more empathetic toward the youth I encourage. She helped me to recognize my own power in the midst of struggle and adversity and encouraged me to never give up. Always remember, it’s not what you wish for but what you work for!

What motivates you?

The youth of today. So much promise is in each of them, and if you are able-bodied enough to help anyone, it should be them. My great grandmother taught me, “If I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living is not in vain.” Being that guiding light in our youth’s eyes shows me every day that my living is in fact not in vain.

What advice would you give 20-year-old you?

Your race is not their race. They are sprinting and you’re running a marathon and that’s okay! Everyone’s journey is not the same and you have to have faith in God that yours will work out in his favor. Stay the course and follow God.

What would be the title of your autobiography?  

“She never Gave up.”

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?  

Don’t be afraid to step out on your own. Yes, it’s scary but so worth it. You need connections in this lifetime to make it, and you can’t do that if they don’t know your name. if you’re scared to do it, do it scared.