Sherika Stroud

"I would define motherhood as a woman who shares her heart, wisdom, and her legacy with a child."

Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do.

A. I am Sherika Stroud, and I am a native North Carolinian, business coach, best-selling author, and entrepreneur.

Q. Who are some women who motivated you to be the woman you are today?

A. One of my greatest influences is my grandmother Barbara Jean. Her fortitude and big heart for others has shaped me into being the woman that I am today. My mother also has been a great influence. She has shaped my beliefs and work ethic, and the way she supports and encourages me has been an important piece in my success. It has been by the strength of these women that have anchored me as a businesswoman, a wife, and a mother.

Q. How would you define motherhood in your own words?

A. I would define motherhood as a woman who shares her heart, wisdom, and her legacy with a child. Motherhood is not always defined by giving physical birth to a child. Mothers can be established through marriage -- as I currently am to my awesome bonus son, or through fostering or adoption -- as my mother is to me, or by village appointment -- where women in our communities are appointed to «mother» children who have been abandoned and neglected, or just need that extra love. Mothers are naturally givers, and when a woman connects with another human being to give her heart, her gifts, and her love; that's motherhood.

Q. Let’s talk about Alpha Omega Theta Sorority, Inc and how it motivates women in business?

A. Actually, it was over five years ago, and I was in Wal-Mart with a friend and told her I was inspired to start a sorority. I had many that doubted and questioned me, but my assignment was already written and established by God. I took an entire year to take that vision and form the foundations of what you see now. Alpha Omega Theta Sorority is a national sorority for women in business as well as professional women that seek a place to serve their communities and build business legacies through networking. The sisterhood component of our organization is where we find strength and resources. This organization has been my pride and my joy. I always tell my Sorors that it is my pleasure to serve them.

Q. Can you give us more details on the Barbara Jean Project?

A. As you can guess, this project (also known as Granny’s Heart) is named after my late grandmother, Barbara Jean. Her influence has impacted me more than I can even express. I was adopted, and she played a major role in making that happen. So, it has been a labor of love for me to launch this project, where we gather resources and provide support for foster children and families going through the adoption process. Some of the other things we do include providing toiletries and other necessities to children in foster care, because a lot of them when they are being placed in foster care come with nothing

"We all have something to give, and what better way to give than by motherhood through adoption."

but the clothes on their backs. We also provide financial assistance to parents to cover necessities for children being placed in their home, sometimes at a moment’s notice. It is a rather intimate process, and because I know how adoption has positively impacted my life, this has become the cornerstone of how I want to honor her legacy as a mother and woman of impact in the community.

Q. What are some of the steps that women must go through to adopt a family?

A. Number one, consider starting out as a foster parent. This gives you the experience on life changes and how to build a rapport with the child you›re bringing into your home. Secondly, be prepared for a background check. If you have anything questionable in your history, make sure you discuss it with the agency before the process begins. Next, I would encourage potential adoptive parents to understand that anyone can be a foster or adoptive parent. Don›t let traditional parenting styles discourage you. If you have a heart to love and give to a child, I say go for it. And finally, don›t allow finances to stop you. You don›t have to be wealthy to be a foster or adoptive parent. There are various resources available in your state, and scholarships for adoptive children.

Q. What advice can you give to other women that want to adopt?

A. As I stated before, being a mother comes in many forms. Adoption is a beautiful thing, and although there may be challenges along the way, don’t allow that to stop you from giving the best of your heart to a child. Make sure you go through the proper channels and follow the statutes in your state and embrace the journey. We all have something to give, and what better way to give that than by motherhood through adoption.

Q. How has motherhood changed over the years?

A. To be honest, I view motherhood as becoming more evolved. Women may be choosing to wait longer to become mothers or choosing different avenues to become a mother, but motherhood in itself has not really changed. Mothers are still the foundation of the fabric of life, giving their hearts and souls to children, whether they are theirs by birth or other means. We do see even more today than ever women who are opting to become mothers through adoption, foster parenting, surrogacy, or even scientific procedures. But that doesn't change the definition of motherhood.

Q. Are you working on any events for 2022?

A. Aside from our official launch of the Barbara Jean project, we are completing our legacy year with our fifth anniversary as an organization this year. Our local chapters are presently launching events such as their scholarship and mentorship programs and networking mixers.

Q. Where can the readers follow you?

A. Readers can follow me on Instagram at @iamathetawoman and on Facebook at @AlphaOmegaTheta. They can also connect with me and find more information on our website at www.thetawomenunite.org.