Meet Our CEO
Dr. Stacy Shepard is an award-winning middle school principal, empowerment strategist, pastor, and the visionary Founder and CEO of AriseNOW and CEO of SheLeads Educational Consulting. Through her work, she is dedicated to helping women and leaders step confidently into their purpose and rise to their next level-personally, professionally, and spiritually.
With over 19 years of experience in education and leadership, Dr. Shepard is also the creator and host of the podcast A Note From the Principal’s Desk, where she shares wisdom, leadership insights, and real-life lessons from the front lines of education, faith, and personal growth.
A dynamic speaker, certified life coach, breast cancer survivor, and mother of two. Dr. Shepard is known for her powerful storytelling, deep empathy, and unapologetic passion for helping others overcome adversity and walk boldly in their calling. Her work has been featured in Bold Journey, Voyage Phoenix, and Canvas Rebel magazines. Most recently, she was named Elite Business Woman of the Year 2026 and featured on the International Women's History Month Billboard Feature with Listen Linda Brand & Marketing which is featured in New York Times Square. She was proudly featured in the 2025 Mesh Dollhouse “Empower Her, Empower All” Billboard Campaign, with her image and message displayed in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta.
Dr. Shepard has served as a speaker at the University at Buffalo, the Virtual Assistant and Administrator Network, and the She Heels Her, She Heals the World Women’s Conference. She has also hosted transformative gatherings such as the AriseNOW “To Thine Ownself Be True” Conference, along with numerous other empowerment-focused events and leadership experiences. Additionally, she has served as a keynote speaker for impactful platforms including The Joyful Gather: Overcoming Life Challenges.
Whether in the classroom, regional and board meetings, on a stage, behind the mic, from the pulpit, or in coaching sessions, Dr. Stacy Shepard is committed to creating spaces where women and youth are seen, heard, equipped, and empowered to rise.
Dr. Stacy Shepard, a woman of resilience, leadership, and faith, is a true testament to the power of overcoming adversity. Born and raised in Goldsboro, NC, Dr. Shepard has dedicated her life to empowering others—especially women and young people—to rise above life’s challenges and embrace their true potential. With a BA in English from North Carolina Central University, Dr. Shepard has built an impressive career in education and leadership, culminating in her role as Principal at a school in North Carolina that is ranked in top 10% in the state for student growth and EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS on state testing.
A Career of Leadership & Service
Dr. Shepard’s journey in education began in 2007 when she became a 6-8 grade Language Arts teacher in Wayne County, NC. It wasn’t long before her dedication and passion for teaching earned her the Beginning Teacher of the Year award in 2008. Her commitment to nurturing young minds and empowering educators became clear, and she soon transitioned to the role of district coach for Wayne County Public Schools, where she supported novice teachers through their critical first years in the classroom.
In 2014, Dr. Shepard earned her PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration from Capella University, further solidifying her role as a leader in education. Over the years, she has held diverse and impactful roles, including district coach, academic facilitator, testing coordinator, and dean of students with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Her leadership journey continued as she became Assistant Principal at KIPP North Carolina in 2019, where she worked tirelessly to build strong partnerships with families and prepare students for success in college and careers.
In 2021, Dr. Shepard’s leadership abilities were recognized when she was appointed Principal of the school, a role she continues to hold. Under her guidance, the school achieved remarkable success, including being ranked in the top 10% of the state for student growth in 2024. This achievement highlights Dr. Shepard’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for fostering environments where both students and educators can thrive.
A Journey of Strength: Surviving and Thriving
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Shepard is a breast cancer survivor. Her battle with cancer didn’t stop her from working or from inspiring others. In fact, it was during this challenging period that the idea for AriseNOW was born. Despite her personal health battle, Dr. Shepard continued to lead, coach, and empower those around her—her staff, students, and the women she worked with—reminding them all that purpose cannot be stopped.
Her own journey with breast cancer deepened her belief that God causes all things to work together for good and that no circumstance, no matter how difficult, should diminish one’s commitment to their dreams and purpose. Dr. Shepard’s resilience became a source of strength for others, and she found her story could inspire and ignite a fire in others to continue pursuing their goals despite the toughest of trials.
The Birth of AriseNOW
AriseNOW was born out of Dr. Shepard’s deep desire to empower women to overcome challenges, pursue their purpose, and transform their lives—just as she had done. Through AriseNOW, she helps women navigate personal and professional obstacles, showing them that their purpose is greater than any setback. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in faith, hard work, and the belief that every woman has the power to rise and achieve greatness.
A Message of Empowerment
Dr. Shepard’s life and work have always been centered on inspiring others to rise above their circumstances. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and personal coaching, she shares powerful stories from her own life and childhood—stories of struggle, triumph, and new beginnings. She encourages others to find beauty in their own brokenness and to see their struggles as stepping stones to growth and greatness.
Her motto, “Excellence Without Excuse,” encapsulates her philosophy: with faith, determination, and perseverance, there is nothing women cannot achieve. “God is within her, she will not fail.” These powerful words guide her approach to coaching, and she strives to instill this belief in every woman she works with.