Team Talks: Q&A with Shayla Livingston

Palmetto Goodwill is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month! Join us this March as we share inspirational testimonials from a few of the strong women who make up our organization.

This week’s Team Talk Spotlight is on Shayla Livingston. She is our Job Placement and Training Manager!

What does Woman’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month is all about celebrating the often unappreciated and unrecognized contributions and accomplishments of Women. It is a time to reflect on all of the glass ceilings that have been broken, paving the way for future generations.

Name a woman from history that you find especially inspiring, as well as the most influential woman in your life.

A woman from history that I find inspiring is Madam CJ Walker. She was a philanthropist, an entrepreneur, and a Civil Rights Activist. She was the first female self-made millionaire. The majority of her workforce consisted of women who were trained and provided the skills needed to “achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work”.The most influential woman in my life is my mother, Mrs. Barbara Bellamy. I watched her grow and conquer every single obstacle thrown at her with grace! She is the strongest, most caring, and the most diligent woman I know.

What goes through your mind when you think of women who joined the workforce before you?

I think about all of the obstacles that they had to overcome, all of the no’s, all of the doubt. Then, my mind shifts to the fact that we now have a female Vice President, a real live representation of the affirmation that we give little girls that they can be anything that they want to be.

What words of wisdom did your mother/grandmothers/aunts share with you?

They always said, there is nothing that you can’t do. If you want something, go get it, earn it!

What have been your barriers and how did you overcome them?

I have had a few barriers. I have been a young, single Mom and I am a cancer survivor also. As with any barrier, you pray, take it one day at a time, and push forward.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about women in the workplace?

We are strong and resilient and very much relevant.

What piece of advice would you give to a struggling woman this WHM?

Don’t stop, be persistent because your breakthrough is right around the corner.

What has been your biggest career and/or personal achievement?

I have always wanted my Master’s Degree, it has always been a personal goal of mine. I earned my Master’s Degree from Charleston Southern University in 2018, the same year my oldest son graduated from high school and also the same year that my youngest graduated pre-school!

How do you “promote hope”?

I promote hope by empowering. Empowered people empower people, empowered women empower women.