These Women are Dope Series. Featuring Sherkira

Hello readers! This series is seriously off to a fantastic start! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am! I am excited to continue to share with you over the next several days!

This post is to CELEBRATE Sherkira! ….Soooo Sherkira is literally my first friend, at least she’s the first friend that I can remember. We met in the mid 90s at Maxwell Elementary School. SHOUT OUT TO SPANISH IMMERSION (I had to throw that on in there, it’s fine.)

Sherkira is the one person that I literally spent all of my school-aged years with. We’re in our 30s now and have insiders from middle and high school school that we STILL fall to the floor laughing at that NO ONE ELSE would ever understand. She’s the friend behind the reason I refer to myself as a comedian. :)

Sherkira is extremely quiet, which is funny because y’all know I am just the opposite. But listen, don’t let her quietness fool you, she is POWERFUL. She’s an amazing mom, friend and just all around an awesome human being. She set a goal a few years back to get a second bachelor’s and she crushed it. Knowing her and keeping in touch with her after all these years is a gift.

Let’s go!

Sherkira Smith 

Hometown: Lexington, KY 

Occupation: Registered Nurse 

My name is Sherkira (pronounced Sher-Ky-ra) Smith. I’m a mother of an amazing four year old son who is my WORLD. I’m an introvert that enjoys the simple things in life. I EARNED two bachelor degrees from the University of Louisville, one in Communication and another in Nursing. I’m always up for a challenge and setting new goals for myself. One of the biggest challenges that I have faced is completing my Nursing degree... while working full time..with a toddler!

What is your why? 

My why is my son. Everything I do, I do for him. Constant growth and improvement is important for me as I continue to set an example for him.

Life is short and I want to do as much in this lifetime as I can… Impact the world..Make a difference!

Doing administrative work in the healthcare field I felt I wasnt living the life I wanted. I thought I could be doing MORE. I wanted to challenge myself, impact the world, make more of a difference.

In addition to me wanting more… I wanted those who look like me to see more.. More representation in the medical field.

Growing up in Lexington, becoming an adult in Louisville I have never been cared for by a nurse that looks like me! REPRESENTATION MATTERS! It is important to see people that look like you in the healthcare field (or any field).

WE ARE nurses, WE SHOW UP and WE MAKE a difference. Throughout all the racial bias and inequalities Black people deal with...WE ARE STILL HERE.

So I decided to become a nurse..

What brings you joy?

Traveling brings me joy..
Relaxing
Spending time with my son, my family, and my friends

What has been your favorite project so far?

My own spiritual growth. My journey to find my inner peace has introduced me to a whole new world. I have used meditation which has allowed me to: free my mind, stay in my happy place, create a positive mentality, and stay level through life’s ups and downs.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

“You get what you focus on” most things worth having in life require hard work, determination and dedication. It is important to know exactly what is you want out of life and to focus on that.

“Cut out all distractions and go after it."

A message! Thank you, Sherkira! You continue to inspire me, sis. #youbelonghere