Who Am I?
Child of God. Wife. Mom. NICU Mama x2. CEO. Founder. Executive Director. Lover of real estate. Beach aficionado.
Sharise Johnson is a dynamic communicator, transformational coach, the visionary behind a thriving strategic communications firm, and the executive director of an impactful foundation. With nearly 15 years of experience in the field, Sharise has elevated her consultancy into a powerhouse that specializes in delivering best-in-class communications services to schools, school districts, and education nonprofits.
What sets Sharise's firm apart is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. A groundbreaking achievement occurred in the fall of 2021 when Sharise transitioned her business model from a consultancy run solely by herself to a team model. This strategic move allowed her to meet the surging demand for their services while making a significant impact. Notably, 100% of her dedicated staff identify as women of color, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities are prominently represented in the education sector.
In just one year, under Sharise's visionary leadership, the business experienced remarkable growth. Annual revenue nearly tripled, over 20 new clients were onboarded, and the team expanded from independent contractors to a talented group of 10 full-time employees. The firm achieved a remarkable milestone by generating more than $1 million in revenue in the most recent year. This is a remarkable feat considering that only 4.2% of women-owned businesses reach this milestone, with even fewer owned by Black women.
Sharise's success goes beyond financial achievements. She has fostered a nurturing work environment, offering her team benefits such as unlimited paid time off, access to company technology, healthcare coverage, and 401K retirement plans with a company match. This commitment to her team's well-being exemplifies her dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.
One of Sharise's proudest moments as a business owner was the ability to provide fair and equitable compensation to her team members. As a woman of color herself, she understands the importance of advocating for fair pay. Setting salaries and ensuring that her team members are compensated fairly has been a source of immense joy and accomplishment.
In February 2022, Sharise received the news that she was expecting her third daughter, and her daughter was born prematurely at 32 weeks gestation. However, due to the systems and processes in place, Sharise was able to take maternity leave to cherish this special and transitional time with her family while her business continued to thrive without her at the helm.
Sharise's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional life. She currently resides in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and daughters, Faith (5), Grace (2), and Joy (1). In her free time, she enjoys traveling, participating in community service projects as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serving as the executive director of The Elaine Symone Foundation, a nonprofit that provides advocacy, support, and resources for NICU families of color.
Sharise's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering women of color, not only by providing them with career opportunities but also by setting new standards for compensation and benefits. Her firm's exceptional growth and her personal journey from infertility to thriving mompreneurship position her as an expert who understands the unique challenges and aspirations of ambitious women of color. Sharise is dedicated to helping others break free from the constraints of their 9-5 jobs and embrace the limitless possibilities of mompreneurship, all while building lives filled with abundance and joy.