Formidable Woman Magazine’s “POWER 20” Online Magazine spotlights 20 accomplished women making extraordinary strides in their industries. These women inspire the next woman to be bold, to be unapologetic, to be great!
FWM: Who is Shalakee and what is your superpower?
I am a woman with immeasurable faith, compassion, high-spirit, passion, love and hope for the human race. God has been the driving force for me and I believe that I was called into the earth for such a time as this! I have pushed through physical, spiritual, and mental fatigue and financial insecurity to serve others. My superpower is caring for the needs of others which has been my life’s purpose and assignment.
FWM: What has been the greatest challenge in your industry and how have you overcome it?
My greatest challenge has been funding for the business. I jumped off the cliff and with a mustard seed of faith and landed in Spring Hope, NC. My projected expenses have at times exceeded expectations but I will continue to allow my passion to serve others taking prominence over making money. I have accepted residents who have income gaps but still need more care than their families can provide. Because of my decision to care for this particular subset of the aging community, I still work outside the home thankfully due to the help of a qualified staff and supportive group of family members. Through this learning experience I have resolved to more carefully follow the cost of care set while not ignoring my passion to serve.
FWM: You’re a serious BOSS! Tell us, what are you working on and what’s next for you?
My next move is to expand A Heart to Care. I am currently working on opening up my next home within the next 3-6 months to provide service to individuals being discharged from behavioral health ages 18-55. Since opening in 2019 this has been one of the greatest needs when case managers call and I want to answer, yes, to the call. Finally, I am looking forward to participating in more speaking engagements to motivate and inspire cross-generationally.
About Shalakee
Shalakee is a native of Ayden N.C. and the mother of 4 beautiful young adults; Najee, Khalil, Chasity and Nasir. Shalakee is a Health Care Clinician, Social activist, Consultant, Educator and Motivational Speaker who sees the good in all people. She worked and raised her family while earning a License in Practical Nursing from Durham Technical Community College followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Social Problems and Policies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Shalakee is a coauthor of “Your Child, My Student Anthology” using the platform to advocate for Mental Health Support and Services in Schools.
This mission was birthed out of her frustrating experience attempting to obtain resources for her son after he was diagnosed with a mental health disorder. She is the owner of A Heart 2 Care Family Care Home, LLC, a residential health establishment that provides 24 hour in-home support for those 55 and older. Her team takes pride in providing a home life experience to the residents by assisting them with activities of daily living such as medication management, bathing and dressing, toileting, as well as transportation to doctors’ appointments, therapy visits and so much more.
She founded and executive directs Carolinas Hierarchy of Needs, a 501c3 organization serving the homeless community with a major focus on holistic care and patient experience. As a volunteer for CrossRoads Re-entry she taught incarcerated women important tools needed to leave behind the stigma of imprisonment to start fresh with safe and sober living.
