Message from the Founder of Her-Table a story of passion, inspiration, purpose, and diversity
Shawanda Sampson’s journey to the board of Her Table is nothing short of remarkable, and her presence signals the heart of what our organization is all about: healing, hope, and the deep, often difficult work of forgiveness. As a board member, Shawanda brings more than experience—she brings a lived commitment to the idea that forgiveness is not just a lofty ideal, but a path to real peace. For her, serving on the board isn’t about prestige or recognition. It’s about using her story, her struggles, and her victories to open a wider door for others who are desperate for a way out of pain and into wholeness. Her professional life as a detective with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office keeps her grounded in the realities of human hardship. Each day, she sees the consequences of brokenness up close, yet she also sees the power of compassion and the necessity of grace. Before law enforcement, Shawanda spent over 13 years in the nonprofit sector, turning empathy into action and helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives. This work is her calling, and she carries it with her into every space—including Her Table. Shawanda’s sense of service runs even deeper: she served 4 ½ years in the United States Navy Reserves, where discipline, resilience, and faith became her anchors. The words of Jeremiah 29:11—reminding her of the plans and hope God has for her—have carried her through seasons of both uncertainty and promise. Education is another pillar in Shawanda’s life. Earning her Master’s in Educational Instruction and Curriculum wasn’t just an academic accomplishment; it was a way to fuel her passion for nurturing others. Whether guiding a friend, mentoring a colleague, or wrestling with her own challenges, she leads with humility and a willingness to learn. Outside of work, Shawanda is an adventurer at heart. She loves to travel, kayak, and find beauty in new places. But her greatest joy is being a mother to her 25-year-old son, whose kindness and resolve remind her daily of what’s possible even when the past tries to dictate the future. That past, for Shawanda, is not just background noise—it’s a testament to what forgiveness can do. She survived an abusive childhood, a story that could have written a very different ending. Instead, she chose, day by day, to walk out forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 is not just a verse to her—it’s a lifeline. Choosing to forgive, to release bitterness, is what set her free to pursue the life she has now. It’s also what allows her to look others in the eye—women at Her Table, women in her city, women who are stuck in cycles of hurt—and say, “You are not alone, and you are not without hope.” Being on the board gives Shawanda the chance to help others walk out of their own prisons—prisons of anger, resentment, and regret—and walk into the peace that only forgiveness can bring. She knows it isn’t easy. But she also knows, as she’s learned through pain and persistence, that it’s possible. Shawanda’s story weaves together her nonprofit work, military service, law enforcement career, motherhood, and personal healing. Each thread shapes who she is and how she leads. She hopes her journey encourages others to keep moving forward, to keep growing, and to believe that they, too, can heal. Ephesians 3:18 speaks to her vision for Her Table: that every woman here would grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”—a love that makes forgiveness possible. As Shawanda helps lead our organization, she does so with empathy, strength, and an unwavering belief in new beginnings. She’s not just making room at the table—she’s making sure it’s a place where everyone can find peace. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Shawanda. We’re honored to have her on the board. Welcome to the table.
