Her Story
About Shira
Dr. Shira (Lavish) Stallworth is a Mississippi-based Family Life Educator, grassroots community advocate, entrepreneur, and international gospel recording artist. She serves as Chief of Creative Women Enterprises and is the creator and host of The Lavish Show on WGUD-TV in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Through her leadership across media, ministry, and community development, she has built a platform dedicated to uplifting families, strengthening underserved communities, and addressing the root causes of poverty. Her work is grounded in faith, service, and a commitment to creating sustainable pathways for empowerment, opportunity, and generational change.
Her journey began in ministry, where she served as a youth pastor and community advocate focused on feeding the hungry, clothing the homeless, and supporting families in need. This early foundation in service expanded into international humanitarian work in Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda, where she partnered with churches and local communities to provide support, resources, and outreach to those facing poverty and hardship. These global experiences deepened her understanding of social inequities and strengthened her lifelong dedication to advocacy and community transformation. She later advanced her education, earning a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Doctorate in Public Administration and Policy, which equipped her with the academic and professional tools to expand her impact through structured leadership and policy-driven solutions.
Dr. Stallworth currently applies her experience through active involvement in civic engagement and social impact initiatives, including the NAACP, Head Start programs supporting low-income families, and collaborations with local government and City Hall. Her current focus includes advancing community safety, reducing homelessness through monthly food outreach efforts, strengthening civil rights advocacy through the NAACP, and promoting youth mental health through quarterly “Solution Circles” designed to foster healing, dialogue, and support. Through these initiatives, she continues to bridge faith, education, and public service to create meaningful, lasting change in the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shira
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation of my family, the influence of my community, a disciplined work ethic, and my faith in God. I have been especially shaped and guided by key mentors who have invested in my growth and development, including my mother, Apostle Sandra Stallworth, Ms. Vanessa Gibson, CEO of Head Start, and my godmother, Leah Rollins, whose support, leadership, and example have played a vital role in my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to value people, because when you value others, they will value you in return. I also believe in treating others the way I want to be treated, regardless of appearances or circumstances. I make a conscious effort not to judge people by what they look like on the outside, but instead to see beyond that and recognize the purpose and potential that God has placed within them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to always strive to be the best version of yourself and to give 100% effort in everything you do. Avoid doing anything halfway, because excellence and consistency build trust and credibility over time. Stay focused, remain committed to your growth, and keep moving forward even when challenges arise.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Personally, I have overcome significant challenges, including divorce and family difficulties, through my faith in God, which has given me strength, resilience, and direction. Professionally in Mississippi, some of the most pressing challenges include racial discrimination, poverty, and generational barriers, particularly when older leadership is resistant to allowing younger professionals to step into leadership roles. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to foster greater inclusion, empower emerging leaders, and build stronger, more equitable communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are my family and a genuine commitment to helping others. I believe in valuing people, treating others the way I want to be treated, and focusing on character rather than outward appearance. Above all, my faith in God guides my decisions, my relationships, and the way I show up in both my personal and professional life.
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