Shankia Mardenborugh
Shankia Mardenborough is the Founder and President/CEO of STMLLC, an organization established two years ago with a mission to give back to the community where she grew up. Her work is centered on mentoring students in grades 8 through 12 in the Harford County area, with a focus on expanding awareness of STEM careers and helping young people explore pathways beyond the traditional roles often highlighted in healthcare and science. She is also currently writing The Hidden Careers in STEM, a book designed to introduce students to lesser-known opportunities within STEM fields.
In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Shankia serves full-time as a clinical project manager while pursuing her PhD in Healthcare Leadership from Liberty University, with an anticipated graduation in 2028. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Toppin State University. With approximately 10 years of experience in coaching, consulting, and education, she balances her professional responsibilities with ongoing community engagement, school-based mentoring, and continued academic development.
Shankia’s professional philosophy is rooted in service, equity, and community impact, which she considers the foundation of her success. Her most significant achievement is founding STMLLC, which allows her to invest directly in the development of future STEM professionals while remaining active in healthcare leadership and project management. Through her combined roles, she continues to focus on advancing educational access, strengthening healthcare governance, and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
• University of Maryland School of Pharmacy - M.S.
• Board Pipeline program award
• Cecil Leadership Institute award
• Phi Kappa Phi
• University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Board (Treasurer)
• CESU Leadership Institute
• Associates of Black Charities Board Pipeline
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to founding STMLLC, which I consider my most meaningful professional achievement because it allows me to serve and give back to the community where I was raised. Over time, I’ve come to define success as service and impact, and I’ve been able to align that perspective with my academic background—including my bachelor’s in Biology from Coppin State University, my master’s from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and my current PhD studies in Healthcare Leadership at Liberty University. With about 10 years of experience in coaching, consulting, and education, I’ve found the past two years especially fulfilling as I’ve balanced running my business, working as a Clinical Project Manager, and continuing my doctoral studies while mentoring and supporting the next generation in STEM.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I don’t have to choose between success and living a full personal life—I can be a successful entrepreneur while also making time to travel and being present for my family, like cheering on the sidelines at my 10-year-old daughter’s soccer games.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to believe in your ability to become an entrepreneur while committing to consistent hard work, resilience, and continuous learning. Success takes persistence, and staying open to growth and development will help you build both confidence and long-term impact in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is balancing the demands of multiple roles while continuing to grow professionally. In my case, working full-time while running a business and pursuing my PhD has required strong time management, discipline, and adaptability. However, this also presents a significant opportunity, as it allows me to apply what I’m learning in real time, expand my expertise, and position myself for greater impact and leadership in healthcare.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is service. As I've gotten older, I've realized that it's more about service for me. Being able to provide services to the community where I grew up is what drives my work with STMLLC. I want to give back to the place that shaped me and help young people in my community discover opportunities in STEM that they might not otherwise know about. That sense of giving back and serving others is what makes my work meaningful.