Alumni Spotlight: Sheryl Mays

Photo: Sheryl Mays stands with Seminole State College of Florida's mascot, Rally the Raider.

Name: Sheryl Mays

Title and company: Founder and president (chief learning officer) of Rise and Shine CF, LLC.

Years attended Seminole State College: 2008 - 2009

What factors played into you deciding to attend Seminole State College? 
I had been to several schools after high school inching my way to an A.A. in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Having been in Florida since 1998, I was ready to do something, but as with most people when you take that year off it turns into several years. I do not recommend it to anyone, because life sets in and grabs hold of you.

Did you go on to a four-year college or university following your time spent at Seminole State College?
Yes, I went to Everest College, a career training school, because I just wanted to finish. I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration, cum laude with a 3.7 GPA.

What are you doing now? 
Living my life on purpose! I started a business in 2018 after 20 years of learning how to perform in excellence and leading others as they performed at their peak level. I have worked with individuals throughout the country, training and coaching in sales, leadership and maintaining maximum performance.

How did your time spent at Seminole State College help prepare you for this role? 
It’s when I developed the MAA Theory: Motivation, Ability and Attitude. I am a continuous student. Even after 20 years of career learning, starting out as a field representative, then promoted to regional director, then promoted to vice president of admissions and sales, being selected as best in the company multiple years, and raising millions of dollars for non-profit organizations as the director of development.

Who was your greatest influence at Seminole State College? 
You never know who you will meet in life. My greatest influence didn’t happen until later when I met Dr. E. Ann McGee and it hit me why this College is so special. When I was the director of development for junior achievement, we honored Dr. McGee as a laureate, an individual that has made an impact in our community. She was very humbled about her name being on the building.  She shared her story about being a caregiver and meeting a Seminole State student working at the hospital that was taking great care of her mother. Dr. McGee shared what this school meant to her and her love for the students and their success and her modest upbringings. We had a similar story. I’m a caregiver and have a love for education and helping students with their future options. We could have talked on and on about our passion for helping or what is called the “gift of helps.”

If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change? Why? 
I wouldn’t change anything. I don’t look at life like that. We were meant to do what we did based on our knowledge at that time. What I would advise others is not to take the time off and be an active member of the school community.

What Seminole State College course best prepared you for your current position? 
All of them! Because it helped me to meet multiple deadlines which has been a huge component to my skillset. At one point I led 25 different teams, in multiple locations, which included studying market trends, compiling data, strategic planning, employee engagement techniques, creating programs and training.

Professionally and/or academically, of what are you most proud? 
Academically, that I graduated cum laude while working and traveling throughout the U.S. Many nights doing homework in hotels at 2 a.m. Finally, going through my journey I’m now living my “Life on Purpose.” Starting Rise and Shine is my purpose. The vision speaks to who I am. The vision is to shift the foundation of thought, expand the possibilities for achievements and wake up the human potential to fulfill an individual’s aspirations. I do that by helping companies create a work culture that motivates their employees, makes them feel included and brings out their best work.

I am also very proud of my book that was released in December 2019, “Dimming the Chatter.” It shares stories of several individuals that have moved into action and have proved that success comes in many different ways once you dim the chatter. Success is the tip of the iceberg, below the water line is where sleepless nights happen, doubt happens, depression happens, BUT you can still get there.

In 2020 I have another book coming out based on my personal experience and the experiences of others and it’s called my “Life with a Narcissist - Pure Evil”.

When you’re not working, where might someone find you? 
At an outside jazz/gospel concert. I love music because it has helped me through some tough times and it has helped me through some celebratory times. It takes me to a place where I can have clarity. I also walk - I’ve done a couple half marathons. I love writing or reading motivational quotes.

Anything else you’d like to add? 
We all have dreams. And we were created to live life in abundance, we were created to help our brothers of mankind. We were not created to settle, nor live in turmoil. That’s part of the journey not the destination. And we were not created to just get up in the morning….we are to Rise and Shine!