Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! Today, let’s Get To Know BOOST Ambassador, Sheila James (she/her).
Thank you, Sheila, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Ambassador Sheila James (she/her)
Sheila is the STEM Consultant for Ohio Afterschool Network in Columbus, OH.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration.
One thing that motivates me is empowering adults who work with youth to feel confident and excited about the impact they can have. I’m inspired by the idea that, by equipping these adults with the tools and resources they need, we create a ripple effect that reaches countless young people, especially those from underrepresented communities. Seeing the difference this makes in both the adults’ and the youths’ lives fuels my passion and drives me every day.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I have a 3-year-old Bullie named Lucy.
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night?
Sister Sledge “We are Family”
Share any unique hobbies or talents.
I am an avid walker (I’ve lost 200 lbs), I love crafting, scrapbooking, smoking cigars, reading, and wine tasting.
Birds chirping.
What is your most treasured book to read? What are you currently reading?
I love reading devotionals. I pick up a book called “Sit Down God, I’m Angry” by R. F. Smith, Jr. often. Currently, I’m reading “You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience” by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown.
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss
If I could be anyone for a day, I would choose to be my mom. She passed away when I was just 10, and I would love the chance to learn more about who she was — her likes, dislikes, and the little things that brought her joy.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Trust yourself: have faith in your abilities and listen to your inner voice.
If you really knew me you would know that…
I love deeply and I am an ambivert.
Today for breakfast I had…
Fried lobster and waffles
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Sheila, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!