Daily Inspiration: Meet Sheyvette Dinkens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheyvette Dinkens. 

Hi Sheyvette, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2017, I relocated to Kansas City after founding a nonprofit at 23 years of age and operating it for numerous years. I got burnt out, trying to save a city that didn’t want to save itself. I applied all over the country and even abroad, but only received interviews in KC. I landed a Program Manager position at a KC metro nonprofit and later got recruited to become an educator. While teaching, I entered my students into business competitions but after experiencing success, there were no resources for local youth in KCK to start businesses. So, I birthed E-Ship Rising. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With the saturation of nonprofits and endless information, our startup program had to get creative with our marketing strategies. However, we’re entering one year of business and our third cohort! 

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’m originally from Liberal, KS, but currently call the Kansas City Metro home. I received a Baccalaureate of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor in Human Services from Washburn University. Additionally, I have a Master’s of Business Administration from Baker University and a Master’s in Secondary Education from Fort Hays University. 

I’m a published author, community advocate, innovative thinker, doer, and an award-winning educator. I have owned and operated a consulting firm for several years and I currently work as a business facilitator in the Kansas City area, at an urban high school. I created the first co-working space in a high school in the State of Kansas. I’m currently on staff at Kansas City, Kansas Community College and I have been a Licensed Addiction Counselor, for nearly 15 years. 

I have loved education and business since I was a little girl. I vividly remember sitting on my bedroom floor with my friends playing school, selling mud pies, and providing car washing services to family friends. From a very young age, I have always been passionate about exploration and learning. I’ve read numerous books and researched different lifestyles/careers because I knew when I grew up, the world would be different, and I was right! 

I am most proud of my ability to be a walking talking billboard. Being able to see someone, who looks like them, talks like them, and understands the barriers of poverty and dysfunctional up brings; inspires them (youth). 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Youth want to lead; they want to be their own bosses. The world will see a rise, in progressive, radical thinking youth that demand change and respect in their communities and within the e-ship ecosystem. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.eshiprising.com
• Twitter: @EdToEdu