Meet Shamelle Yemofio

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

Hi Shamelle, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I am still in the process of overcoming imposter syndrome. What has helped me be more confident is twofold. Experience is the best teacher. The longer I was in a position, the more I learned, and eventually told myself that I deserved

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am in my 10th year as a school counselor in my day job. As a high school counselor I focus on serving the academic, emotional and college and career needs of my students. I most enjoy getting to know my students and experiencing their journey of discovering their pathway to life after high school. Witnessing graduation every year is an emotional rollercoaster because I think “I knew you when you were in 11th grade and now you’re going to college!”

Outside of my daily working hours, I am an entrepreneur and a children’s book author. I founded a college consulting business: The Keys to College, LLC. I provide one on one, family and organizational consulting by providing students with tools to win in the college application process. As a component of The Keys to College, my spouse and I co-authored “C is for College, an ABC Book on College Access”. We wrote this book to inspire early college awareness for children in elementary and middle schools. I thoroughly enjoyed my college experience and I believe it was in-part because I found joy in the process.

“C is for College” is available everywhere books are sold. My goal is to garner more partnerships with elementary schools and organizations to inspire more children to see themselves in college.

I live the Washington, D.C. metro area ( by way of NC and NJ) and I am also a wife and mother of two.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Collaborate : A mentor once told me that she made most of her money from referrals from her competitors. She advised me to network with people doing the exact thing I’m doing. I have gained business from my competitors and I have also given them business. Additionally, even if you feel like you are alone, reach out to someone to help hold you accountable.

Expertise: Do what you are good at and make a profit from your expertise. One of my good friends from high school reminded me that I encouraged him to go to college and search for scholarships when we were in 10th grade. This has been a passion of mine since high school and now that I’m in my mid-30s I can say I’m an expert in the college access field.

Keep learning: Learn as much as you can about sharpening your skills.Enhance your knowledge through books, podcasts, YouTube, audiobooks, free resources from the library, your local community and the list goes on.

For someone starting their journey, give yourself time and room to grow. Don’t compare your day 10 with someone else’ day 1000. Everyone’s journey is different. Create and take up space in this expansive world. We need you!

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Since I tend to have more fight in me than flight, I have leaned into battling imposter syndrome head-on. What has helped me be more confident is twofold which is acceptance and time. When we embark on achieving something great, fear is a very common feeling. I had to accept that feeling the fear and doing it anyway was important to my process of overcoming imposter syndrome. The second part is that time and experience are the best teachers. The longer I was in a position, the more I learned, and eventually I believed I deserved a seat at the table.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Family photos: Mark F. Jones

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