Fayetteville Observer 40 Under 40 Class of 2022: Shameka L. Johnson
Name: Shameka L. Johnson
Age: 39
Birthplace/where you were raised: I was born in Wilmington.
Where do you live now? I live in Fayetteville.
Employer: I am employed by Cumberland County Schools. I currently work at South View High School.
Job title: I am a family and consumer science teacher. As an FCS teacher, I give students the life skills they need to be adults and support the students as they make choices regarding their futures. Topics that I cover with students include basic nutrition, family economics, relationships, health, career exploration and time management.
Who are your immediate family members? Mom, Debra Brown; dad, William Brown Jr.; son, William Moore II; and siblings, William Brown III and Jason Brown
Education: I have a B.S. in human development and family studies with a concentration on child and adolescent development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and an M.S. in professional counseling from Grand Canyon University.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with? National Educators Association; the JEMS Project; Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); and Moms In Motion
Here's the list: Meet the Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 award winners for 2022
What are your guiding principles? "Every time you suppress some part of yourself or allow others to play you small, you are in essence ignoring the owner's manual your creator gave you and destroying your design." Oprah Winfrey
How do you volunteer your time in the community? I volunteer my time with my church's local youth group, coaching cheer, mentoring young ladies and curating social events for Moms in Motion.
Who has helped you achieve success in your life and career? Without God, family and friends nothing would be possible, so for them I am most grateful. More specifically, my mom has been my greatest and constant source of motivation and support. Her perseverance and strength encourages me to be persistent despite life's challenges.
What goal would you like to accomplish before turning 40? My two main goals are to pursue career advancement in the field of education and to boost my financial stability.
What's your favorite book? "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
What are your hobbies? Reading, shopping and crafting
What's your most prized possession? My most prized possession would be my son; raising him has taught me many invaluable lessons.
If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be? "Open Heaven" by Miranda Curtis
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 40 Under 40: Shameka L. Johnson of Cumberland County Schools
