Sherie Hellams Gamble

I attribute my success to my faith, the foundation my mother gave me, and the resilience I have developed through perseverance. My faith has been my anchor throughout every season of my life. It has given me strength during uncertainty, peace during difficult moments, and the belief that purpose can still exist even in pain. I have learned to trust that every experience—both the victories and the challenges—has meaning.

My mother, Patricia “Nurse Pat” Edwards, shaped so much of who I am. Through her life and her work as a nurse, she showed me what compassion, service, strength, and commitment truly look like. She led by example and taught me the importance of showing up for people, working hard, and leading with love. Her legacy continues to influence how I approach both life and leadership.

I also attribute my success to perseverance. Life has brought moments of grief, change, disappointment, and obstacles that could have easily caused me to stop. Instead, I chose to keep moving forward. I have learned that resilience is not about never falling; it is about continuing to rise, adapt, and grow through every challenge. The journey has shaped me, strengthened me, and reminded me that success is not only defined by accomplishments, but also by the ability to keep going with faith and purpose.

The best career advice I have ever received is to never allow your title to define your value or limit your purpose. Titles change. Positions change. Seasons change. But your character, work ethic, and the impact you make on people are what truly last.

I have learned that success is not always a straight path. Sometimes the unexpected detours, setbacks, and transitions become the very things that prepare you for where you are meant to go. I have also learned that you do not have to fit into a traditional box to create meaningful work or make an impact. Some of the most important opportunities in my life came from being willing to trust the process, remain open, and keep moving forward even when the path was not completely clear.

That advice has stayed with me because it reminds me to focus less on chasing positions and more on building legacy, serving others, and staying aligned with purpose.

I would encourage young women to trust themselves, honor their voice, and never underestimate the value they bring into a room. You do not have to have every answer or have everything perfectly figured out before you begin. Growth happens while you are learning, building, and showing up.

I would also tell them not to be discouraged by setbacks or delays. There will be moments when things do not happen as quickly as you hoped, doors may close, and challenges may test your confidence. Keep going anyway. Some of your greatest lessons and opportunities will come through perseverance.

Build genuine relationships, continue learning, and remain open to growth, but do not lose yourself trying to fit into spaces that require you to shrink who you are. Lead with integrity, stay connected to your purpose, and remember that success is not only about reaching a destination—it is also about the impact you make and the people you help along the way.

Most importantly, believe that your story, your experiences, and your perspective matter. There is room for you at the table, and there are also times when you may be called to build your own table for others.

In the nonprofit field, one of the biggest challenges right now is sustainability. Organizations are being asked to do more while often working with limited resources, increased community needs, and growing competition for funding. Donors and supporters also want greater transparency and measurable impact, which means nonprofits have to be strategic, innovative, and intentional in how they serve and communicate their mission. Many nonprofit leaders are navigating financial uncertainty while trying to continue making a meaningful difference.

At the same time, I believe there is tremendous opportunity. People are looking for authentic connection and want to support organizations where they can clearly see purpose and impact. Nonprofits now have access to digital platforms, storytelling tools, community partnerships, and new ways to engage supporters that were not as accessible years ago. Organizations that build genuine relationships and remain adaptable have an opportunity to create even greater impact.

As someone leading the Patricia “Nurse Pat” Edwards Nursing Scholarship, I have learned that people connect with mission, transparency, and story. When people understand the heart behind the work, they do not just donate—they become invested in the vision. I believe the nonprofits that continue to thrive will be the ones that lead with authenticity, build community, and stay committed to their purpose.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, authenticity, service, integrity, and legacy. My faith guides how I move through life and reminds me to lead with purpose, gratitude, and compassion. It influences how I make decisions, how I treat people, and how I continue moving forward during both good seasons and difficult ones.

Authenticity is also important to me because I believe people connect with what is real. I value being honest about the journey, embracing growth, and showing up as myself rather than trying to fit expectations created by others.

Service has always been deeply personal for me, especially through the work I do with the Patricia “Nurse Pat” Edwards Nursing Scholarship. I believe we are all called to make a difference in some way, and I want the work I do to create opportunities, encourage others, and have a meaningful impact.

Legacy is another value I carry closely. Losing my mother changed my perspective and reminded me that our impact extends far beyond titles or accomplishments. I want to build things that matter, create opportunities that outlive me, and leave behind something that continues to positively affect people and communities for years to come.