Her Story
About Rosanna
Rosanna Hawkins-Shields is an experienced educator, school counselor, and mental health advocate dedicated to supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of young people. A native of Bolton, Mississippi, she has spent nearly two decades serving students and families through roles in secondary education, higher education, and school counseling. Currently serving as a School Counselor at Byram Middle School, Rosanna provides guidance in academic planning, career readiness, social-emotional development, and individual and group counseling, helping students build the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success.
Inspired by a family legacy of educators, Rosanna earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2007 and later returned to her alma mater to complete a Master of Education in School and Guidance Counseling in 2012. Her career has included positions as a Language Arts Instructor, English Instructor, Instructional Specialist, and Professional School Counselor across multiple school districts and educational institutions in Mississippi. Throughout her professional journey, she has remained committed to empowering students, particularly those facing personal, academic, and social challenges, through compassionate support and evidence-based interventions.
Beyond her work in education, Rosanna is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and community engagement. Through her organization, Living Intentionally LLC, she provides psychoeducational services to churches, schools, and community organizations, with a focus on reducing mental health stigma and increasing awareness within underserved communities. She is actively involved in numerous professional and civic organizations and holds leadership positions within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated at the local, state, and regional levels. Driven by a desire to make a lasting impact, Rosanna plans to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free resources and support for adolescents facing mental health challenges while promoting intentional living and personal growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rosanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
My upbringing from my grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents, particularly my dad's side, instilled values of faith, service to others, leadership and high expectations that I feel obligated to uphold.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice came from my former administrator Crystal Chase who told me not to be afraid to speak up and share my knowledge because the world needs to hear what I know. This helped me overcome shyness in professional settings and pursue leadership roles.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be yourself and never waver from your strong ethics and moral background. Remain true to yourself, believe in your gifts, execute on your vision, practice humility and the power of connection, and remember it is nice to be nice because you never know who you may need.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced throughout my career has been learning to overcome shyness and finding the confidence to speak up in diverse professional environments. Stepping into leadership roles required me to push beyond my comfort zone, advocate for my ideas, and trust my abilities. I also grew up with significant family expectations, which taught me the value of perseverance but also challenged me to define success on my own terms.
Another important challenge has been breaking generational patterns and being intentional about creating a different experience for my daughter. I believe in open communication, understanding, and flexibility, and I have worked consciously to foster those values in both my personal and professional relationships. Those experiences have strengthened my empathy and shaped the way I support and guide others.
Professionally, working in education and counseling requires balancing multiple responsibilities every day. Managing behavioral challenges, supporting students through difficult situations, and building meaningful relationships while maintaining professional boundaries can be complex. However, these challenges also present opportunities to make a lasting impact. Helping students grow academically, emotionally, and socially is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work and continues to inspire me every day.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My faith in God is foundational. Family is extremely important. I am relationship-centered, believing in connecting before correcting. Service to others and humility are key, summed up by 'it's nice to be nice.'
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