Women Who Inspire

I Inspire ME

When I first saw this essay contest I immediately thought about who I might write about. As the founder of 4WARDMVMT- a personal branding company for female athletes, I know I would not be the women I am today without the inspiration from so many outstanding women in my life. I thought about who I might shine a light on for their outstanding impact on my life, but after some much needed reflection I decided that the person I needed to write about most and the person I often forget to pay homage to in this journey is ME. As I dive into the depth of ME, you will understand the many women that I pay homage to, as every fiber of my being is fused together because of them. Let’s begin.

Strength and Love

This journey begins on March 27, 1990 in Compton, California at approximately 8:00pm. Debra Ann Session (now Sanders) gave birth to Sherrie Rena Session. Her fourth girl, her athlete, her feminist, her queer child, her coach, her business owner, her friend. While I’m told my birth was healthy, the road there was not easy. With two broken wrists at the start of my mother’s pregnancy, she decided to get her them reset with no pain medicine. The thought of the drugs affecting her unborn child was of greater concern than her pain in that moment. It was also in that very moment her love would infuse me with the strength I carry with me everyday. To not allow the pain of today or even a moment to keep me from pursuing my goals. I have now been an athlete for 25 years, completing two professional seasons abroad and countless coaching endeavors around the world. Some may say that pain is an athlete’s friend. From broken bones, sprains, devastating losses, busted lips, and the pain of living out my dreams alone are all things I’ve grown to accept as part of the process and journey. Some may ask why? Why keep going or pursuing such a career of pain. The answer is simple. Love. When you love something you will do anything to see it be successful. Like the love of my mother; resetting her wrists without pain medicine in order to have a healthy, successful pregnancy. This is the foundation of love I have pursued my dreams with. That in even the face of adversity-flunking out of college at 18, to now having my Master’s in Communication and business owner of 4WARDMVMT. The love from my mother and the strength that she has embedded in me has without a doubt propelled me to chase my dreams and in return watch them come to fruition time and time again. I am a walking manifestation of my ancestor’s wildest dreams, boldly living my life according to my passion and purpose. While this journey could have only started with Debra, I am committed to writing the most magnificent story of how I continue to follow my dreams with the strength and love that is my birth right.

Community

I am 1 of 5 daughters in my family. Stephanie (Nikkie), Stacy, Samantha, and Sonya. My first best friends, the loves of my life. I have learned everything from these women. As I watched my three older sisters play basketball, I could have only dreamed of being as good as them. Turns out I was the best. Their example inspired me to allow basketball to take me as far as it possibly could. Basketball continues to be one of the greatest educators in my life. I have traveled the world, competed, coached, and mentored all in the name of basketball. Basketball has inspired me to start a business that specifically works with female athletes. Helping them connect the fundamentals of sports to life skills and create a personal brand. The concept of my business is centered around community and support. Teaching young girls and women the importance of supporting one another along their journey. This concept has always been apart of my life. I have the best community support systems in the world. And to put the cherry on the top we are sisters. I am a better player because of the example they have set for me. I am a better coach because of the unwavering belief they have in me to inspire those around me. I am a business owner because of the confidence they have in me to use my platform to impact change. Not only has my community of sisters inspired me to impact girls and women around the world through sports, but also share my experiences to create opportunities for girls and women where ever I go.

Mirror

To the coaches, teachers, mentors, friends, lovers, soul sisters, and chosen family that have all shaped me, made me more aware, understanding, and accepting of the the reflection I see staring back at me- THANK YOU. You too have played your part in the molding of one of the most inspiring, impactful, and unapologetic woman of her time-ME. I am honored to be me, to share my journey of continued growth, and with each milestone share a little more of you in the process. Year 28 was a big year for me- walked away from a successful coaching career, stability and in the months to follow, I walked away from a long-term partnership that was no longer serving me. I would not have possessed the strength to make such decisions, and commitments to myself if it were not for the women who live inside me. So yes, I inspire ME. For all the daring, gutsy, impulsive, outside the box, and “who do you think you are” qualities that I possess. For the unwavering strength and love I have to continuing pursing my dreams. And for the community I get to build in process. I inspire me because I get goose bumps looking at the woman staring back at me. Cheers to you ME… for no longer feeling the need to externally search for the inspiration that lives within.