Her Story
About Shalaya
Shalaya Cherry is a Job Coach and Retention Specialist for the Center for Employment Opportunities, based in San Rafael, California. With two years of experience in the reentry industry, she specializes in helping incarcerated individuals transition back into the workforce by supporting their employment goals, tracking milestones, and addressing barriers they face. Cherry earned an associate degree in psychology from Mission College in Santa Clara and is completing her bachelor's degree in business at the University of Phoenix, with graduation scheduled for April 19th. She is a member of an advocacy team through her employer and volunteers with organizations including Homeward Bound. Cherry attributes her success to her desire to be a positive role model for her child and the personal fulfillment she gains from continuous growth and learning. She values humility, integrity, and persistence in both her professional and personal life. Among the challenges in her field, she notes significant obstacles such as education gaps, substance abuse, and homelessness, while highlighting opportunities for barrier assistance and networking.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shalaya
01What do you attribute your success to?
One is just for myself, I want to be a good role model for my child. Second, I get a lot of fulfillment in pushing myself and growing and learning new things.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You have a lot of hunger and a lot of potential, and keep going.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's never too late to start.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
So many obstacles, barriers that people face, whether it's education-wise, substance abuse, homelessness, those are the big three. Opportunities include places that can provide assistance with the barriers and a lot of networking opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Humility, integrity, and persistence.
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