Dr. Shamara L. Byrd

Growing up in the inner city of Miami, Florida could have been to my detriment but because God had a plan for my life; all of the pain, struggles, and dysfunctions worked together for my good. I often relate my life to Moses. At the age of 10, my mother sent me to live in Germany with my aunt and uncle. After returning to Miami years later, I realized that my outlook on life was a direct result of my
experiences while I was away and not my present environment. I matriculated to
FSU and earned BSW. I then earned a MSW and an Ed. S in Exceptional Student
Education and Educational Leadership from Barry University, and lastly, I earned a DMin. in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. Professionally, I have held the position of a juvenile probation officer, teacher, school social worker, adjunct professor, and assistant principal.

As I grew spiritually, I served as a member of the counseling ministry, a prayer counselor, Sunday school teacher and leader of the singles and women's ministries'. My mission is to educate women on the importance of studying the Word (Joshua 1:8), the importance of speaking the Word and taking authority
(Proverbs 18:21), and to encourage women to walk by faith ( Proverbs 3:5-6). I
believe that our desires start out as thoughts in the mind and then move to the
heart, which then drives our behavior. The Word of God tells us "be not
conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2,KJV). I believe that when we find ourselves in the middle of a battle, we must turn to the Word of God, which is our weapon. I believe we must allow the Word to take root in our hearts so that HE can Revive, Reshape, and Refine us. I believe that when we begin to see ourselves as God sees us, truly walk by faith, and speak the Word over every area of our lives daily, the world will
see more women impacting life.

As I reflect over my life, Romans 8:28, is so real to me. We must always Plan Prayerfully, Prepare Purposefully, Proceed Positively, and Pursue Persistently. I draw my strength from Proverbs 3:5-6. I am the proud mother of a daughter (ShaRen), two nieces (ShaNyah and ShaNae), two brothers (Donald) and
Kijuan (deceased), and one sister (Millie). I also have a Toy Yorkie, Mowgli.