Sheronda is a shining STAR in the public sector. As a leader in the Office of Procurement in a county government, she has responsibility for all internal functions for county contracts – executing, administering and monitoring compliance. The job requires skills and knowledge in IT, budgeting, customer service, and navigating complex procedures. Sheronda loves this role because she gets to advise small businesses – especially women and minority owned businesses – and open opportunities they might not otherwise be able to access.

Sheronda did not grow up dreaming of a career in procurement. She started out in college, planning to become a neurosurgeon. But, when she had a baby, she put her dreams on hold to provide for her young son. One job led to another and she never did get back to college and medical school. But, along the way, she developed tremendous skills in IT. Sheronda built over 80 applications to improve operations in her county government. With her expertise has come recognition and leadership opportunities. In addition to procurement responsibilities, she serves on committees and mentors her staff. She is particularly supportive of STARs, like her. “I want to find the next STAR leader”, she says.

Midway through a rewarding career that has seen many twists and turns, Sheronda is not remotely done. “I still think about medical school,” she says, “and my family is encouraging me to pursue my artistic passions too. I really don’t know what comes next, but I know from experience that anything is possible.”