Voyage Jacksonville – September 11, 2025

Posted on by Sharron Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharron Collins.

Hi Sharron, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in low income housing and I saw and experienced alot. I knew when i became an adult, that i wanted to help people. So my original plan was to go to law school and become an attorney. After I received my B.S. Degree in Legal Studies, (graduating magna cum laude). I worked as a Paralegal for a while, I noticed an influx of juvenile cases. It was then that God led me into Education.

As an Educator in the private sector for a number of years, I found that there was a disconnect between the home and the classroom, as it related to the students and their parent/guardian. I also found that more and more of our youth fell short regarding reading on grade level, as well as, a lack of being self aware.
So in late 2023, I formulated my for profit company, Mpowerment U. The goal for my company was to promote literacy and self-awareness to our youth, while also empowering the families that raise them.

I published my 1st Children’s book, It’s Okay to Say No, (lower elementary), in February 2024. I also held my 1st Women’s Empowerment Conference in August, the same year. My 2nd Children’s book, No Room for Bullies was released early 2025. In an effort to build my brand, I began scheduling Sit and Read Sessions with local schools. For a reasonable rate, I offer these sessions to schools, camps, children’s organizations, etc.

Once booked, I go out to school and I Sit and Read either book, depending on the grade level. We have a Q and A session about details from the story. I provide treats for correct responses, we take a group photo, and provide additional treats afterwards (up to 18 students per sessuon).

For the families that raise our youth, I try to connect them with resources that they may need, but do not know that the resources are readily available to them, such as local GED programs, etc. I also host what I call The Mental Health Monologues (MHM), which is a platform that helps others understand mental health and its importance to us all. I have contestants to select a mental health disorder (or the participant can be assigned one) to express how they so choose. Be it through poetry, spoken word, liturgical dance, etc.

This allows the families a safe space to enjoy themselves while also realizing that they are not alone. In doing so, I hope to bridge the gap between the classroom and home. I’ve found that if Jane Doe’s family is having a hard time then more than likely, Jane is going to have a problem at school. In addition to helping to bridge that gap, I also received my certification as a Mental Health 1st Aid Responder for Youth. My certification allows me to work with youth in various settings, to discuss topics such as, peer pressure, the importance of mental health, and bullying and how it affects mental health, etc.

There is so much more that I am doing to reach our youth and the families that raise them. God has placed me on this journey and I will see it through. At the end of the day I stand by my motto, We are Stronger and Better Together. I want to be able to help people and if it changes one life, I’m eternally grateful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it has not been a smooth road. There have been times when I was somewhat discouraged because everyone doesn’t want to see you succeed. So, there were a number of stumbling blocks from promoting myself and my brand to financial struggles.

But I continue to stay true to trusting the process and keeping God first. That way, when challenges arise, I remain grounded.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known as an Author, Educator, Notary Public, Entrepreneur and Empowerment Speaker, My education is in the Legal Field, receiving my Bachelor’s Degree.

However, that degree transitioned me into the classroom. I am a published author of two Children’s Books and am in the process of finalizing my poetry booklet entitled, Just Perfect Poetry, Volume I.

I have been approved to have my literary work to be apart of the Jacksonville Public Library’s Local Authors Collection. I was also featured in Coastal Today Magazine as the Florida Spotlight Profile in the winter issue of 2024-2025. In May of 2025, I received an Unsung Hero Award by the Step by Step Help Foundation for my work with families and organizations within my community.

In June of 2025, my Children’s Book, No Room for Bullies received an International Book Award This year. In July 2025, I received an Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Coastal Today Magazine. I will also be listed among Marquis Who’s Who Biographical website.

I am most proud of my children because they continue to believe in me and my journey.

I believe what sets me apart from others is that I believe in the work that I’m doing. I stand apart because I meet famies where they are, and I create a safe place for them to express their aspirations and goals.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe that God has destined for each of us to be able to help one another. With that in mind, I believe that only God can open the doors that I am walking through. And while I may not reached every goal, I will continue to follow the path that God has placed before me.

I don’t care to be the biggest. Just the best at what I am doing, and that is to empower our communities as whole, all over the world. I have a message to share with the world. And I believe that God, not luck will provide the opportunity for me to do so.

Pricing:

  • Sit and Read Sessions-$200 per session(up to 18 students per session
  • Speaking Engagements-$250-$300 negotiable

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