WCW: Shanice Marie Is Making Us All Believe
Every Wednesday, we showcase a woman who our sisters look up to. These are women who are doing big things in their life, ironically, no matter how big or how small, we learn to embrace and show off our accomplishments. This week's WCW is Shanice Marie, a woman of faith who doesn't know what giving up means.
Shanice embodies what it means to be a sister. For that very reason, we want to share her with the world! Get to know Shanice in our interview!
1. What does women's empowerment mean to you?
Women's empowerment encompasses so much to me. To me, it means having the ability to see strength where others see weakness. As women, we have the unique ability to be BOTH powerful and delicate. Though our femininity is sometimes used against us, we always prevail. I love empowering women. I love showing them who they really are and what they are really capable of. Seeing beauty in our strength and in EVERYTHING that makes us WOMAN is what women's empowerment means to me.
2. How do you define sisterhood?
Sisterhood can be defined as the connection between women that draw us close together. Sisterhood can be found across a wide variety of areas but it literally is the glue tat holds us women together. It's in our nature and blood. Sisterhood is the way that we see each other transparently, love each other unconditionally and connect with each other through commonality.
3. You just purchased a new home and you're only 24! Tell us about that experience and how your fellow peers can learn from it.
Wow! That's honestly the first thing that I say when I tell myself 'you're a 24 year old home owner'...I still can't believe it. The journey to this point was honestly trying. I had to learn that this wasn't something that was going to come easily. I was going to have to fight and stand. I believe that God brought me to this. He placed this idea of homeownership in my heart, and I had to stand on the Word to see it through. But through EVERYTHING I went through (looking at over 20 properties, having my original mortgage ruined by a fraudulent loan officer, having my price point changed, etc.) I feel so excited that I did it, and now I can help others do it too. Millennial homeownership is something that I am passionate about now. I have a few things I want my peers to take away from my experience. 1. PREPARE - check your credit, know where you stand financially, and do your research on different mortgages (banks) as well as first time homeownership programs offered in your area. 2. FIGHT - This won't be an easy process. It's not going to fly by like maybe it did when you bought your first car. This will probably be a lengthy process. But please do not run when you can't find a home you like, when the underwriters are asking for something ungodly or if your friends aren't supportive. STAND AND FIGHT BACK, always. 3. CELEBRATE - Every step of the way is a reason to celebrate. Especially if you're doing it alone. When you find a realtor - celebrate. When you find a house - celebrate. When you close - celebrate! This is your process and it's something to be proud of. You can do it! Don't be afraid, go get it!
4. How do you feel about the gender wage gap?
The gender wage gap is something that is extremely concerning to me. We are almost in 2018, and the sad reality is that women aren't making anywhere near the men in our same positions. I believe as women we need to be aggressive and learn how to negotiate our salaries. We cannot be afraid to ask for what we are worth. If they don't offer it, ask for it. That's truly what I believe.
5. How has your fait affected the way in which you approach challenges?
My faith is honestly the only reason why I overcome challenges. I truly believe that God fights on my behalf. When I am feeling the most frustrated I stop, pray and hand my issues over to Him in exchange for peace. Allow Him to handle the hard stuff.
6. What female would you say has the biggest influence on you and why?
It would be easy to say that my mother has the biggest influence on my life. She inspires me so much and not just day to day, but also professionally and spiritually. My mother has 2 Master's Degrees that she earned while being a mother of 4 and she was the first woman to be ordained in my home church which has been in existence for over 50 years. But I can also say Michelle Obama has had a HUGE influence on my life as a young woman. Seeing her not only be a wife and mother but serve in her role as First Lady of the United States was empowering. She didn't stand in the shadows of her husband, she created her own light. Not only is she educated, she lives to strengthen others and help them to see the value in their education. She is the CEO of her own brand and I can honestly say I strive to be a woman like her.
7. What are you looking forward to the most in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years I am looking forward to the other side of womanhood. The first part of my young adulthood has been focused on getting my degree, establishing my brand and discovering my purpose, making a name for myself in my career and of course obtaining homeownership. The next five years I don't want those things to stop but I pray that my focus can switch from having to only care for myself to caring for others. And no, I'm not just talking about charity and giving (which is HUGE part of my life now), but I'm hoping I will be able to experience being a wife (and possibly a mother) within these next 5 years (maybe 5-8 years!). Womanhood is so vast and broad. It encompasses so much, and I am excited about discovering the nurturer within myself. I also pray that I am able to finish my book and expand my ministry. The future is bright for me, I can see it now!
