shellie willis

These two Veterans served in the same US Army and even in the same branch, Finance and even served at the same post at different points in their careers, but the fates hadn't  aligned there meeting until 2019.  Kerri and Shellie have a mutual friend from California, whom Kerri had recently interviewed for the Freedom Sisters Podcast, this US Navy Veteran, said, "Hey, do you Know Shellie, she is in your area?"  To which Kerri replied, "No."  But that is just the beginning.  When searching for Female Veteran connections in the Seattle-Tacoma Area, Kerri did come across Shellie and the Redefining You Foundation - had sent an email but was returned undelivered.  Soon after, our sister from California, connected us on Linkedin; it was almost immediately phone numbers were exchanged and the first conversation happened.  Within 2-weeks of that phone call, Shellie had a Keynote engagement, and Kerri was invited to help introduce Shellie!  Ya'll, Shellie, makes a grand entrance with dancers and all to the stage....it was a truly remarkable meeting.  When Kerri arrived to meet Shellie face-to-face, Shellie greeted Kerri with the biggest smile and the warmest hug and instantly these two became friends. we like to call is Divine Alignment.

A few weeks after their  chat on the phone, these two sat down for the Freedom Sisters Podcast Interview.  Here the pair learned about one another's journeys, faith, passions and visions for  a better future for women Veterans; when these two walked away from this conversation, they both knew that there was a bigger reason for their meeting.

As time went on, the two were constantly running into one another in the most random places and since they had been stationed together in the same place before and not ran into each other, it grabbed their attention.  

Then Shellie decided to compete in the Ms. Veteran America Competition for the 2020 Title.  She reached out to Kerri, who had previously held the crown as Ms. Veteran America 2015.  They started meeting for monthly coffee dates and in January 2020, they started forecasting what an event would look like for the pair to collaborate.  

Shellie and her passion for addressing the needs of women in transition post military service assist in finding their voice, embracing their power and living a life of accountability.     Kerri with her mission to cultivate a safe place for women to share stories of hope and inspiration, fill in the gaps of untold truths in order to  magnify history and stir that longing in the hearts of other to  live out their potential - Shero Talk was created.

They are excited to host the very first Shero Talk in July 2020! Even with the hurdles created by the COVID-19 Pandemic,  they were determined to keep moving forward, so the live event has now been adapted to go virtual, right to YOU, in the comfort of your own home.

Although both are Veterans, they wanted to create an event that would highlight ALL women in all professions, stages  who  are making a differences in the lives of their communities.  There are so many different are sheroes in the world around us and they want to invite these women to share their stories so others can find their calling, fulfill a dream or have a breakthrough.  The women you will hear from are leading the transformation in her industry, making a difference in her community, leading the way in the military, championing change in sports, giving voice to the voiceless, pioneering reform in social justice and give her the opportunity to share her embolden story with you!

At the event, you will hear eight women give 8-minute speeches or performances on the theme she is passionate about that not only sparks conversation but ignites change in our world.  These presentations will celebrate ideas, showcase diversity in multiple areas of expertise and amplify change for women around the world.

 And as if that is not enough, a portion of the proceeds will go to a Female Veteran Organization helping empower our sisters-in-service!

More details on this year's event specifically, check out the event page.