Meet Sheba

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheba a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sheba, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has taught me to turn what could feel isolating into a source of strength, clarity, and purpose. I’ve learned to be effective and successful by grounding myself in three commitments:

1. Owning my identity as an asset, not a barrier. When I walk into spaces where no one else looks like me, I remind myself that my lived experiences, cultural lens, and community-rooted perspective bring value that no one else can replicate. Instead of shrinking, I lean into what makes me different, because that difference often opens doors to new ideas and better solutions.

2. Preparing twice as much, so I can stand twice as tall. I have learned to be exceptionally prepared, knowing my material, anticipating questions, and being clear about the outcome I want. Preparation has been my confidence builder, especially in rooms where I have to earn credibility before I even speak. When I’m ready, I don’t just participate; I lead the conversation.

3. Building quiet allies and visible support systems. Success in spaces where you’re “the only one” also means identifying mentors, collaborators, and allies; both inside and outside the room. I’ve learned who listens closely, who amplifies marginalized voices, and who values equity. Over time, I’ve been able to shift rooms not just by being present, but by helping shape cultures where I am no longer the only one.

Being the only one has made me bolder, more intentional, and more resilient. I’ve learned to show up fully as myself, to advocate confidently, and to make space for others who will come after me. I walk into rooms carrying the hopes and dreams of my ancestors.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am an author, educator, community advocate, and nonprofit founder dedicated to empowering underserved individuals through education, mentorship, and social justice initiatives. After decades serving in New York City Public School’s, I see firsthand how many families face barriers to opportunity, guidance, and essential resources.

During my 2021 campaign for New York City Council, I listened deeply to the concerns of community members; stories of economic hardship, educational inequities, and the lack of sustained support systems. Those conversations shaped my platform and sparked a larger vision beyond the campaign itself.

From that vision, I’m On Assignment, Inc. was born; founded directly on the platform I developed while running for office and rooted in the real needs my community voiced. The organization is committed to uplifting individuals through advocacy, financial literacy, personal development, and community-centered programming.

In addition to my advocacy and nonprofit work, I will soon self-publish my second book, “Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals: A Guide for Schools and Families,” A resource designed to help educators and families better understand, support, and champion neurodivergent children and adults. My first book “I’m On Assignment, And So Are You!” The book is about helping people finding their purpose and completing their earthly assignments.

My work is guided by a core belief: that every person has purpose, and regardless of background, deserves a fair chance to succeed. My mission reflects a lifelong commitment to service, empowerment, and creating generational transformation.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey the most were accountability, loyalty, and internal fortitude. Each one helped me stay grounded, focused, and resilient; especially in moments when the path was uncertain, dangerous, or the work felt heavy.

Accountability taught me to own both my successes and my shortcomings. It pushed me to reflect honestly, correct mistakes quickly, and stay committed to my goals even when no one was watching.

My Advice: Start by holding yourself to the same standards you expect from others. Build routines for reflection; weekly check-ins, journaling, or goal tracking. The more honest you are with yourself, the stronger your leadership becomes.

Loyalty kept me rooted in my values and in service to the people and communities I represent. It meant standing firm even when it was inconvenient, and honoring commitments even when the world shifted around me.

My Advice: Stay loyal to your purpose, not just to people or positions. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift you, challenge you, and remind you why you started. Loyalty is powerful when it is aligned with integrity.

Internal fortitude is my unshakable ability to stay steady through adversity, is essential. It helped me keep moving when doors closed, when I was underestimated, or when I had to be the only one standing up for what was right.

My Advice: Build your internal fortitude by developing practices that strengthen your mind and spirit. Seek out mentors you respect and reflect your values. Celebrate your small wins. And remember that resilience grows every time you push through a moment that once would have stopped you.

For anyone early in their journey: invest in these qualities now. They don’t develop overnight, but with intention and practice, they become the backbone of your purpose, your leadership, and your impact.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

When I think about who has been most helpful in shaping my success, I recognize two very different groups of people. First, there were those who supported, guided, and believed in me. And second, just as influential were the people who purposely tried to sabotage me.

My supporters are the mentors, community members, colleagues, and certain loved ones, helped me sharpen my skills, stay grounded in my values, and grow into the leader I am today. They poured into me, challenged me in the right ways, and reminded me of my worth when life felt overwhelming. Their encouragement helped me build confidence, clarity, and purpose.

But I also have to acknowledge the people who tried to undermine me, doubt me, or block my progress. As painful as those experiences were, they taught me some of my most powerful lessons. They strengthened my resilience. They forced me to develop internal fortitude, trust my instincts, and stay rooted in accountability, loyalty to myself and to my purpose. Their attempts to close doors pushed me to build my own. Including my chapter entitled “You Can Block Me, But You Can’t Stop Me: Overcoming Political and Professional Sabotage, in the anthology “Choose Purpose Over Fear, Win Every Time.” The purpose edition.

So the truth is this:
Both the people who lifted me up and the ones who tried to tear me down played a role in my success.
The supporters helped me grow.
The saboteurs taught me to rise.

Together, they shaped the leader, the advocate, the author and the woman I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imonassignmentinc.com/

Image Credits

Sheba Simpson-Amsterdam