Shelia Warren, Spoken Word Inspiration on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Spoken Word Inspiration

Shelia Warren

Spoken Word Inspiration, theRunningWater

Berwyn, IL 60402

11Years experience
1Article published
1Award received

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In Conversation

Shelia Warren aka theRunningWater for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.

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Shelia Warren: Speaker: Shelia Warren aka theRunningWater, Spoken Word Inspiration, theRunningWaterWhat does being an Influential Woman mean to you?Shelia Warren aka theRunningWater: Being an influential woman means I can reach the mass of women, no matter of their age, whether they're young or aging gracefully. I want to make a difference in their lives. I want to share my story. I want to let them know they are loved right where they're at and to teach them to breathe. Take a moment, pause, think and know that they are able, they're beautiful, and we can overcome together. I want to be that voice that speaks to that person who thinks or wants to give up, to let them know, don't give up. It's all a part of the journey. You're going to win. Just stay focused. I do understand. I've been there and that's why I'm able to come before you all just to let you know it's not your ending, it's a new beginning. Yes, it feel like pressure, but that's OK. That's how the oil gets out of the olive by the pressure, but always remember. You are in the right place, you want to make a difference. You are beautiful, you are blessed. You can do this. Always encourage yourself. Always take time for yourself. Always remember you matter. Your voice matter. You are important and you are loved. And always show love. Always have the spirit of gratitude and be thankful and say thank you and smile. But always get some rest. We all need rest. We all need time away. Don't let the naysayers drown you out your voice. Sit still and let that inner voice speak to you and know that you're on the right path, even though sometimes you may feel like you're all alone. You're never alone. God always has someone that you will connect with, and He's also removing the wrong people, and sometimes you're not aware of it. But he knows. So keep going. Be that influential woman, make a difference. Be the bridge. That's what I always call myself. I say, Sheila, you are the bridge. We are bridging people. We are bridging things and being innovative. We're making a difference and we are generational changers and continuously do a great job. I'm proud of you. It's your girl Sheila, the running water. Catch me on Watch my flow. I'm always talking about something good. My life has changed and I want to change others' lives. I want to inspire others. I have been aspired to inspire and I love encouraging people. And if you ever need to be encouraged, look in the mirror and tell yourself, hey, self, I'm good enough. I can do this and don't forget you can. Take a shower, brush your teeth, wash your face, take a breath, go. You got this. See you on the other side.What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?Shelia Warren aka theRunningWater: To my younger women who are chasing their dreams. Never stop chasing your dreams. Take a pen and a paper everywhere you go. Always write when a vision is given to you, write it. Remember what gets written gets done. Dreams don't happen overnight. Some things that's attached to your dream will come to you, but never lose focus of your dreams. Always believe in yourself. Always go forth, put yourself around people that can encourage you and uplift, and you do the same. Stay positive. Stay grounded. Always look at the sun, look at the moon, and remember God created it all. He also made the stars, and he called them out one by one by name. And remember, you're like a star. You've been called out in your due season. And you'll do timing, it works hand in hand, not without each other. So always dream, go forward, do it. Don't let no one distract you, because I can remember having some dreams and I got a little distracted because I wanted others to go with me and some people wasn't ready, but you know what? I'm here today still dreaming, and now I'm going forth and for you young women. Listen, encourage each other, have dignity. Within yourself and respect and always respect others and don't never. Downsize your gifts or hide them. Dream big, go for it, because some other young girl or even an older woman is watching and you're inspiring them to do it that they can do it. So go make a difference, my young women. Continuously smile and be the beautiful gem that you are right where you are, and remember you are loved. Love yourself and know that God created you fearfully and wonderfully made. He didn't make no mistakes. He didn't make no one like you. And don't try to walk in others' shoes. Don't envy others. Just remember your journey is your journey, and it's OK. You're gonna make it. Go get him.

Full transcript available

Her Story

About Shelia

Shelia Warren is a multifaceted professional who blends her passions for spoken word, poetry, and inspiration with her background in human resources. As a writer and poet, she has ghostwritten books, collaborated on stories, and performed at events, family ceremonies, and singles ministries while hosting her weekly talk show Watch My Flow to encourage listeners on diverse topics. She engages in extensive community work, including interviewing others to highlight their contributions, and maintains a campaign that uses spoken word to support youth and children. In her HR career, Warren focused on recruiting, training, developing SOPs, and especially new hire orientation to ensure employees receive the tools needed to grow within an organization. She has been an active participant and entertainer with Unleashed and Unafraid for the past 10 years and serves as a leader in youth ministry, where she builds up children and teaches new parents. Warren stepped away from her day-to-day role to prioritize self-care and boundaries but seeks to return to a flexible HR position that supports growth and development. She describes herself as a good influencer and a good tree who aims to pour positively into the lives of women and others.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Shelia

01What do you attribute your success to?

I hope those who have watched and will read my life journey will be inspired by it.

Shelia was a young teen mother from the hood (Jane Addams Public Housing), on the West Side of Chicago. She pushed through all situations and kept her head high. Believing and trusting she could do this and made a difference. The support from her family truly helped. My hope is whoever purchases and read my books will be blessed and their lives changed. It will be an honor

I hope they share something with others to inspire them. My life journey helped shape Who I Am. I hope my life journey inspires others young and old to discover themselves. By uncovering hidden parts to overcome any shame, guilt or regrets. I hope something beautiful is built, so the best you come forth, right where you are currently. As I share many good times, challenges, testimonies, circumstances and struggles. In my young tender years and young adult age 15 - 32  I mostly kept things within. I really didn't trust many and couldn't find confidence in many.  When I became a mature adult, I did share more with others because I didn't want to keep so much inside. I wasn't ashamed to share my stories. 

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Always work in your passion area and not chase money. Remember, you want to make a difference. Listen. Think. Remain positive and open minded. Learn wheresoever you go by obtaining new skills. Network. Smile. Show up and be you. Don't let others change you. Always keep a pen and paper to wrote. Stay focused. Speak up when it necessary and don't ever be afraid. Be humble. Go forward for that next position, if it is your heart desire. You might feel nerves but remember you can. God is with you. You can! Now go and win. We are game changers for others to be successful.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Keep your head up. You are good enough. You belong. Read and study. Take time for yourself. Don't stress over the little things. Take deep breaths. Create healthy boundaries for yourself. Take vacations. Take your lunch and breaks, it will help you. Don't try to do everything and burn yourself out. Remember the important things. Say 'No' and it is okay. Be okay with it.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Getting hired into the right company to make a difference wind continue growing. Have the flexibility to remain balance.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I like to be a good influencer. I want to influence all women in a manner where I pour into their lives. I'm a good tree.

Her Content Hub

Articles by Shelia

Discover how to embrace your empowered self and reclaim your power, love, and sound mind. Learn to stay connected with God, love your whole self unconditionally, and break free from fear and rejection to find true worth and peace.

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