Sharonda Chaney

Sharonda ChaneyHow did you first become connected with FAME?

I first became connected with FAME during the summer of 2010, I was headed into my junior year of high school. FAME held a week-long summer camp for foster youth who were interested in pursuing higher education. The main purpose was to prepare us for college and to educate us on the resources that would be available to us as foster youth. I made lasting connections that I was able to rekindle during my first few weeks on campus as a MSU student at Spartan Remix.

What services do you recall utilizing through FAME?

I utilized every FAME service that I possibly could. The most memorable were my coaching sessions with Andrea and the FAME Care packages at the end of every semester for finals week. The care packages came in clutch because they'd be loaded with food, candy, gift cards, laundry detergent, towels, blankets -- literally everything you could think of to get you through finals week and then some.

How was FAME beneficial?

FAME was beneficial to me because everyone there advocated for and supported me. I attribute a lot of my success at MSU to the FAME coaches and FAME 'champions' throughout campus, especially Jennifer Shappel in the financial aid office. The majority, if not all, of the support I received while in college came from FAME or other foster youth support programs that I became connected with through my involvement in FAME (such as ETV, YIT, and MYOI). I vividly remember having tough days and just walking into the basement of Baker Hall to the FAME office and leaving worry-free. Whether I needed food, laundry detergent, help paying for books, help to figure out my financial aid, or simply someone to talk to -- FAME was there.

What kept you engaged in FAME (with being so busy with academics and other on-campus organizations)?

Even with a busy schedule and being actively involved on campus, it was easy for me to stay engaged with FAME. I had regular meetings with my FAME Coach, but FAME would also host fun, engaging events like the bowling nights. I was also on FAME's student e-board at one point in time too, which helped me to stay engaged and give input on new events and initiatives we put on for all FAME students.

When did you graduate from MSU?

I graduated from MSU with a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work in 2016.

What has life after graduation looked like? What are you up to now?

Since graduating from MSU I have:
    • Moved to Milwaukee, WI and completed over 1,700 hours of service with an AmeriCorps program, City Year Milwaukee (2017)
    • Joined the best Sorority in the world, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc (2018)
    • Graduated from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor with two master's degrees (M.A. Social Work & M.A. Educational Leadership & Policy) (2018)
    • Employed as a middle and high school Student Support Counselor (2018-2022)
    • Purchased my first house (2019)
    • Bought (2019) and sold (2021) my first investment property
    • Became a dog mom (2020)
    • Started my own business as a freelance makeup artist, Enhanced by Sharonda (2020)
    • Awarded the opportunity to serve as a School Board Member of a local Charter School 
    • Currently employed as a Project SPecialist for TRAILS working to improve access to mental health programming in schools throughout MI
    • Currently studying to take my licensure exam to become a licensed clinical social worker

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