Meet Shakina Rush

We were lucky to catch up with Shakina Rush recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shakina , we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I overcame by surrendering to God’s love, allowing it to heal every broken place and redefine my worth. I faced my truth, no running, no masking just raw honesty with myself and with Him.

Despite my struggles with mental health, I chose to believe I am deserving of love, wholeness, and grace. I let go of fear, shame, and the need for validation, stepping fully into my true self unapologetically and freely.

True overcoming came through forgiveness, first for myself, then for others. Not to excuse the past, but to release its weight and find peace. Healing wasn’t about perfection; it was about surrender, trust, and knowing that with God, I am already victorious.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Shakina Rush is a trailblazing entrepreneur, philanthropist, and fierce advocate for families impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. As the Founder and Executive Director of SHE IS U, INC., she has dedicated her life to empowering Overcomer’s and their families through mental health education, employment assistance, relationship guidance, and financial empowerment programs.

Her impactful initiatives include:
• Youth Domestic Violence Awareness Marches – Raising awareness through community action.
• SHE IS U FAMILY BONDING PROGRAM – Strengthening family connections and promoting healing.
• SHE IS U FAMILY GIVING! – Providing a safe, loving Thanksgiving experience for families impacted by abuse.
• Wheels to Freedom! – Offering transportation assistance through vehicle donations and financial support.
• Future Transitional Housing Plans – Helping Overcomer’s achieve financial stability and independence.

A survivor of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Shakina’s journey fuels her mission to uplift others. Her leadership has been featured on NBC10 News, and she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award signed by President Joe Biden for her unwavering dedication to service and advocacy.

Beyond her nonprofit work, Shakina is a Certified ATSSA Instructor, Certified Youth Mental Health Aid, and the Founder & CEO of Kingdom Flaggers, a DBE-certified flagging firm that provides Work Zone Safety Training to equip individuals with in-demand career skills. She is also a mentor and entrepreneur, dedicated to helping others overcome barriers and build successful, purpose-driven businesses.

Ongoing Initiatives & Fundraisers

SHE IS U, INC. is currently fundraising for Survivors Sips, an initiative that pours into the cup of Overcomers at private and community events. To expand this initiative, SHE IS U is raising funds through GiveButter to purchase a mobile beverage trailer, increasing outreach and support for survivors.
Support the Cause!
Help SHE IS U make a difference by donating to the Survivors Sips fundraiser today:
Donate Now: https://givebutter.com/she-is-u

Shakina remains committed to expanding programs, launching new initiatives, and creating opportunities for those seeking healing, empowerment, and financial independence. Together, we can transform lives!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilient, Faith-Driven Leader – Transforms adversity into purpose, using faith, lived experience, and healing strategies to inspire and uplift others.

Authentic Communicator & Advocate – Speaks with honesty and transparency, creating deep connections, empowering Overcomer’s, and driving meaningful change.

Entrepreneurial Visionary – Combines purpose with strategy, building and sustaining impactful organizations that create lasting transformation.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Two books that have had a significant impact on my life are The Secret and the Holy Bible (NIV). From the Bible, two scriptures stand out:
1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
2. Psalm 139:14 (NIV): “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

From The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, two key insights are:
1. Your Thoughts Create Your Reality – What you focus on, you attract. Positive thoughts bring positive experiences, while negative thoughts can invite more challenges.
2. Gratitude Unlocks Abundance – Practicing gratitude shifts your mindset from lack to abundance, inviting more good things into your life by aligning your energy with positivity.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

The images include;
Founder & Executive Director Shakina Rush
Sherita Martin (Executive Board Leader)

Community College Photo;
Great Give Back (SHE IS U) Scholarship Recipient
Jessica French
Shakina Rush (ED)
Sherita Martin

Other photos are staff and vokunteers

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