Meet Trena Shakir

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trena Shakir. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Trena, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from being a Soldier for 20 years in the Army. Being optimistic about everything in life is the best way to success. I have always lived in a way that I look for positive outcomes in anything that I do.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a 20 year Retired Army First Sergeant who has started a second career in the Human Resources field as a Federal employee. I have a love for helping people and I have a special love for serving Soldiers in Customer Service. I am also the Co-founder of a Non-profit Organization (Shakir Family and Friends). Our organization raises and donates money for Breast Cancer Patients. Our organization has raised and donated over $40k since 2014. I am the proud wife of Mr. Shaheed Shakir for the last 16 years and we have a blended family with six children and four grandchildren. We both enjoy family time as well as traveling and spending time with friends.

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?

My journey has been nothing short of amazing. The values that were instilled in me as a Soldier remain with me today. The Army made a lasting impact on me. There are several qualities that have impacted my journey. However, the values that I live by are Leadership, Selfless Service and Honesty. Those three morals have proved to be the keys to my success. The advice I would give to anyone that is beginning their journey through life is to live by values and to always Pray. Live by being true to yourself and always be selfless.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Self-awareness without a doubt has been the biggest area of growth in my life. I have learned that life throws you lemons and sometimes it can be more sour than you could ever imagine. However, being self aware and knowing that I cannot change things that are out of my control has allowed me to grow and be a better person. God is always there to guide me and show me the way. My faith has always been the caterpillar in my life. Sometimes you get knocked down and go through growing pains but I never once gave up. I simply Thank God for the lesson, straighten my crown and Thank God for another chance to get it right.

Image Credits

Personal photos