Her Story
About Sharmin
Sharmin Prince serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Eagles Empowered to Soar, Inc., a role she has held since 2020. With more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit social services sector, she has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable, marginalized, and underserved populations. Prior to founding Eagles Empowered to Soar, Sharmin spent 18 years with one of New York City’s largest and oldest nonprofit organizations, where she provided leadership and support to individuals experiencing homelessness and other significant life challenges. Her passion for social work was inspired by her mother’s example and began early in her career in Indiana, where she developed a lifelong commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and community service.
Throughout her career, Sharmin has focused on trauma-informed leadership, women’s empowerment, and organizational transformation. She is the creator of Trauma-Informed Organizational Architecture™ (TIOA), a framework designed to help organizations address the root causes of burnout and turnover by creating healthier, more resilient workplace cultures. Her areas of expertise include empowering women to overcome past trauma, developing supportive systems for vulnerable communities, and collaborating with the Battle Buddy Bridge for Veterans on research related to moral injury. Sharmin’s academic background includes an associate degree in social work, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in organizational leadership, and a second master’s degree in general psychology. She is also a certified trauma professional, holds a master’s certificate in mental health coaching, and is a certified life coach.
In addition to her professional achievements, Sharmin serves as a Board Member for World Pulse and provides guidance as an advisor to several nonprofit organizations. Her dedication to humanitarian service and community impact has earned her numerous honors, including humanitarian recognition, an honorary doctorate degree, and citations from Councilman Chris Banks. Sharmin attributes her success to an unwavering drive to achieve excellence, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to serving others with purpose. Guided by the values of integrity and authenticity, she continues to inspire individuals and organizations to create meaningful change, build resilience, and foster environments where people can truly thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharmin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong drive to excel and an unwavering commitment to achieving my goals. That determination has shaped my work ethic, motivating me to consistently go above and beyond in everything I do. I take great pride in delivering my best, continuously improving, and striving for excellence. My genuine desire to perform at the highest level has been a defining factor in both my personal and professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to lead with purpose and always remain committed to serving others. I've learned that true success is not measured solely by professional achievements, but by the positive impact you have on the lives of those you serve. That perspective has guided my leadership style and continues to shape the way I approach every opportunity and relationship.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the social service and nonprofit field is to follow their hearts and pursue work that aligns with their passion and purpose. It is essential to remember that this field is rooted in service, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others. When we view the work solely as a career, there is a risk of losing sight of the people we serve and seeing them as tasks rather than individuals with unique stories and needs. Staying connected to the mission and honoring the humanity of those we support is what creates meaningful and lasting impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is funding, but I do not allow limited resources to hinder my commitment to serving others. Instead, I approach challenges with creativity and innovation, finding meaningful ways to provide support and meet the needs of the populations I serve. The greatest opportunity lies in connecting with passionate individuals who share a dedication to helping marginalized and vulnerable communities. Together, we can address critical gaps and provide essential services that larger organizations may not always be able to offer, even with limited or no funding.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and authenticity. I believe in staying true to my principles, being honest in my actions, and building relationships based on trust and respect. Leading with authenticity allows me to connect with others genuinely, while maintaining integrity ensures that I approach every decision with accountability and a strong sense of purpose.
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