Shakina Rush, B.S. PLS
Shakina Rush, B.S. PLS, is the Founder and Executive Director of SHE IS U, INC., an Overcomer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. Grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise, Shakina founded SHE IS U with a clear mission to restore dignity, strengthen families, and empower Overcomers through holistic mental health support, education, employment pathways, and transitional resources that promote healing, stability, and long-term independence.
Under her leadership, SHE IS U emphasizes healing, advocacy, prevention, and community engagement, serving individuals and families across diverse ages, backgrounds, and lived experiences. Shakina’s approach is trauma-informed, faith-anchored, and solution-driven, focused on sustainable transformation and generational impact.
A seasoned entrepreneur with more than 16 years of experience, Shakina has founded and operated multiple businesses, including Kingdom Builders & Industrial Maintenance, LLC, Kingdom Flaggers, LLC, and Kingdom Living Real Estate, LLC. Her entrepreneurial journey, shaped by resilience and divine purpose, uniquely equips her to design and lead programs that advance economic empowerment, workforce readiness, and lasting community impact through SHE IS U.
In addition to her nonprofit and business leadership, Shakina serves as a part-time educator with KIPP Charter Schools in Philadelphia, where she mentors youth and leads conversations centered on healthy relationships, self-advocacy, leadership development, and community responsibility.
Shakina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional and Liberal Studies from Saint Joseph’s University and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Delaware County Community College. She also holds certifications in domestic violence advocacy, human trafficking awareness, leadership development, and public speaking. Widely recognized as a public speaker, educator, and community advocate, Shakina continues to lead workshops, campaigns, and initiatives throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, advancing safety, healing, empowerment, and opportunity for Overcomers and their families.
• Human Trafficking for Domestic Violence Awareness
• Saint Joseph's University - B.S.
• Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award singed by President Joe Biden
• She Is U, Inc
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my personal experiences, which have deeply shaped my perspective and drive. My work with She Is You is particularly meaningful, as it supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and assault. These experiences have not only strengthened my resilience but also fueled my commitment to empowering others who have faced similar challenges.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to always be professional, transparent and lead with integrity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to hold firmly to your vision. Your vision is uniquely yours — it belongs to no one else. As long as you can see it clearly in your mind, nurture it, and keep working toward it, it will remain alive and has the power to manifest.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is securing adequate funding. Access to consistent and sustainable resources is essential for maintaining programs and expanding impact, and navigating this landscape requires creativity, persistence, and strategic partnerships.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value that is most important to me in both my work and personal life is forgiveness. I believe that true growth and progress come from the ability to forgive — only then can we genuinely move forward and focus on what lies ahead.
Locations
She Is U, Inc
1500 Walnut Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, DE 19102