Meet Dr. Stacy Shepard | CEO, Author, and Principal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Stacy Shepard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Stacy, how do you think about risk?
I am a huge risk taker, but I do not like to look at it as if I am taking a risk. I prefer to look at it as I am stepping out on faith. Every single decision I have made career wise thus far has been with the direction from God. I spend time with Him, so I am comfortable taking risks because no matter what happens and how hard things get, I know that with God I will not fail. I received my Ph.D. because I stepped out on faith. I am a principal because I stepped out on faith. I am an author of a book that is currently in 16 states because I stepped out on faith. I started my business, AriseNOW because I stepped out on faith. I believe in order to LIVE a life well lived you must be comfortable taking risks/stepping out on faith. I do not want to have any regrets because I did not go after something because I was afraid to take the risk. I have to be an example for not only my children, but other women that you can do anything if you are willing to take the risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently a middle school principal. I have been in education for 16 years, and being a principal has always been one of my dreams. I wanted to be a leader because I wanted to create a school that my children could thrive in. I wanted to create a safe space for scholars of all colors and demographics. I chose to be a leader because I wanted to pour into younger teachers the same way my favorite principal and teacher poured into me. I chose to be a leader because I knew if I didn’t get to the table, I couldn’t trust others to make the “best” decision for scholars. I chose to be a leader because I wanted a student-centered school one in which scholars are known by name, their interests, strengths and weaknesses. One in which scholars feel safe and comfortable speaking up. I truly want to know that when scholars leave my school, they feel empowered and ready to chase their goals to be the change agents of the world.

I am also an author of “Finding Beauty in Shattered Glass,” which is part 1 of my memoir, and the CEO of AriseNOW, an organization that supports and empowers women in their quest for motivation, personal development, or professional growth. At Arise NOWwe believe in supporting women in finding themselves and helping cultivate their God given talents. I want women to know that no major their age, it is NEVER too late to take the step that can lead them to their dreams.

I am most proud of my journey, and the woman I have become along the way. This new version of me allows me to reach down and help pull others up so everyone can experience freedom. Some of the challenges I have faced along the way include, but are not limited to discrimination, acceptance, or lack thereof, and losing it all, but through losing it all, I found me and although the journey wasn’t easy, where I am in life right now makes those challenging moments worth it.

One thing I want the world to know about Dr. Shepard, CEO of AriseNOW is there is absolutely nothing to hard for God, and if you truly put your trust in Him, He will blow your mind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My most favorite spots are ones that include water, sand, jazz, and good people. I would literally take my best friend, and others to locations that provide that ambience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a few people that I want to shoutout. I want to shoutout my mom for her love, fervent prayers, and support in everything I do. I want to shoutout my father, God rest his soul because he played a major role in the woman that I am today. I want to shoutout my children for being my motivation to keep living and going after everything God has for me. I want to shoutout my support system. I do not need to name them because they know who they are. I am grateful for each one of them as they support me and my children in a BIG way! I lastly want to shoutout my spiritual mother for her spiritual guidance.

Website: https://arisenowllc.com

Instagram: @arisenowllc

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/stacy-shepard-ph-d-581655b7

Facebook: @arisenow2024

Other: “Finding Beauty in Shattered Glass” https://a.co/d/asFk2UE