Spring forward featured speaker: sheena lowery brown
Sheena Lowery Brown is a kaleidoscope: faithful servant of God, wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, caregiver, guardian, educator, entrepreneur, President/CEO, independent author, motivational speaker, friend, and encourager.
Sheena’s had her share of “red tape” to maneuver through called “systems.” While juggling the foster care system, welfare system, being homeless, the mental health system, penal system, health care system, and education system, she survived them all… by the grace of God.
Join us on May 21 for Spring Forward, where Sheena will share her journey as she continues to be a voice for those still finding their way.
Sheena in 1994
Regardless of what life has dealt her, she’s embraced each broken and shattered fragment, crushing and bruising, she’s used each trial and tribulation as a learned experience, that she adds to her Kaleidoscope Survival Toolkit called, “Life!”
In 1994, at the age of 20, a spunky Sheena, was the face of the Heart of West Michigan United Way Campaign, where their theme was: “With your help, we can help shelter the homeless.” At an extremely challenged time in her life, after aging out of the foster care system at 18, her smile faded after becoming homeless, as she was left to “fend for herself,” by moving around from house to house, and family to family.
Uncertain of her “next move,” Sheena found the Urban League in her neighborhood for support and direction, and they suggested she visited the Homeless Youth Services (Arbor Circle) for additional help. Sheena credits Ms. Lisa who was her case manager at the time, who saw something special in her, and knew the Arbor Circle program would be the “silver lining” in Sheena’s cloud to give her hope. Arbor Circle is where she found what was needed to get back on track. They found housing (an apartment), and furnished it, helped her with getting medical insurance, and food stamps to help support her as she attended college full-time, and worked part-time. Sheena credits the Arbor Circle for having helped her look for the positive in life.
Sheena has used her life’s journey as a “beacon of hope” to the world as she’s received awards, and has been featured in countless magazines, publications, and podcasts in recognition of her resilience, leadership, fostering innovation, and enriching the fabric of her community. She volunteers her time to the “systems” that she came through in her childhood and youth, in effort to allow others the peace and comfort that they’re NOT alone on their path to overcome.
Sheena has been teaching education for over 30 years in Special Education, and plans to retire in 2028, Lord willing, after 34 years of service. After retirement she plans to “live out her dreams,” by cultivating and operating her two companies, where she’s President/CEO full-time. Fatirah’s Designs by Sheena LLC, a mobile event décor company, that offers décor and decorations for all occasions; because they’re your “EVENT DESIGNERS for LIFE!” from the cradle to the grave. Where they’re committed to creating a Glimpse of Heaven that reflects who you are. Her second company, A Kaleidoscope Collection by Sheena LLC offers her motivational authorship and speaking.
Ms. Lisa and Sheena in 2024
Cover of one of Sheena’s eight books
Sheena is the proud author of eight books and counting, which includes her autobiography titled: These Hands… which are all coming soon! Sheena creates UPLifting Stories from her Broken Fragments & Pieces.
Sheena is the wife to her husband Sharif of 28 years, and the mother to her two adult children: a daughter and a son. In her free time, she LOVES: spending time with her family, writing & reading, taking naps, organizing and purging her home, but her ultimate favorite past time is to meditate, pray, and read the Word of God…..her BIBLE!
Sheena has created a kaleidoscope of her life… from her broken fragments and pieces, through a lens you THOUGHT you knew….so without any further ado…Sheena’s going to “shine the light” on “The Why?” her smile is always so bright!