We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shekina Wiley-Sattiewhite. Check out our conversation below.
Shekina , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, playing the cello has been bringing me so much joy outside of work. There’s something grounding about the deep, resonant sound of the instrument that helps me slow down and be fully present. Whether I’m practicing a new piece or just letting the music flow freely, it feels like both an escape and a form of self-expression. It’s been a beautiful reminder of the importance of creating space for creativity and joy in everyday life.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shekina Wiley-Sattiewhite, and I am the Founder and Executive Director of Cradle2Career. My journey into this work began when I became a mother at just 15 years old. At an age when most teenagers are focused on school dances and college applications, I was navigating diapers, late-night feedings, and the weight of responsibility that few could understand. That experience shaped me—it showed me both the barriers that young parents face and the untapped strength they carry within them.
Cradle2Career was born out of that story. Our mission is to close the socio-economic gap for pregnant and parenting youth by providing not only resources, but also hope and community. Through our Accelerated Parenting™ program, we surround young parents with scholarships, counseling, college and career readiness training, parenting classes, and essentials like strollers, car seats, and diaper bags. But what truly makes us unique is that we don’t see teen parents as a statistic—we see them as future leaders, dreamers, and role models for their children.
What drives me every day is knowing that the cycle can be broken—that when you equip a young parent with support and opportunity, you’re not just changing one life, you’re changing two generations. Right now, we’re especially excited about the upcoming ‘You Got This! Teen Parent Summit’ in Houston, which will gather hundreds of young parents for a day of empowerment, learning, and connection.
Cradle2Career is more than an organization—it’s a movement. It’s proof that with the right support, every young parent has the power to create a bright future and a healthy family. And I’m humbled to be living that truth, not just as a founder, but as someone who has walked the very road our families are walking today.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that I’ve had to release is the need to carry everything on my own. For so long, I wore strength like armor—thinking I had to prove myself, never show weakness, and push through no matter the cost. That mindset served its purpose when I was a teen mom trying to survive, but it no longer serves me now. Today, I embrace community, vulnerability, and rest. I’ve learned that true strength isn’t in doing it all alone—it’s in allowing others to stand with you, pour into you, and walk alongside you.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: Sweet girl, you are going to be okay. I know you feel scared, alone, and uncertain about the future, but none of this makes you less worthy or less loved. One day, the very journey that feels so heavy right now will blossom into purpose, and you’ll use it to light the way for others. Be gentle with yourself—you are so much stronger than you know.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One of the truths that is so foundational in my life that I rarely speak it out loud is that integrity and character are everything. Titles, achievements, and recognition may come and go, but who you are when no one is watching will always matter more. I’ve learned that the way you show up—with honesty, humility, and consistency—not only shapes your own path but also becomes the legacy you leave for others. For me, that truth isn’t something I often articulate because it’s woven into how I live, how I lead, and how I serve.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my faith, my integrity, and the love that has anchored me through every season of life. Titles and achievements may fade, but the way I’ve loved—with compassion, honesty, and resilience—cannot be erased. At the core, I am a woman of faith, a mother, a wife, and a daughter who has always believed that family is both foundation and legacy.
What would remain are the lessons I’ve taught my child about perseverance and character, the love I’ve poured into my family and friends, and the example I’ve tried to set for living a life of purpose. Beyond my home, it would be the seeds I’ve planted in young parents and their children through Cradle2Career, the hope I’ve spoken into weary hearts, and the reminder that no circumstance has the power to define your future.
Even without a name or title, I hope what endures is the story of a woman who believed deeply in love, faith, and community—and who lived her life in a way that proved resilience and hope can change generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cradle2careertx.org
- Instagram: @cradle2careertx
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cradle2career/
- Twitter: Cradle2CareerTX
- Facebook: Cradle2Career
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/eWppZ9ErbI0?feature=shared
Image Credits
Credit The Houston Texans
