Meet Dr. Rhonda Shaw | Senior Research Associate/Radio Show Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Rhonda Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Rhonda, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I spent my childhood in Whiteville, a quaint rural town in Western Tennessee. It was the kind of town without a traffic light, where people were identified by the side of the tracks they lived on, metaphorically speaking. People were kind and loving, and folks were always willing to help each other. It was literally the life of going next door to borrow a cup of sugar. My upbringing is a treasure trove of memories that evoke all my senses, from how things feel, smell, sound, taste, and look. I grew up with parents, Johnny & Opal Shaw that were a gospel singing duo, and later became pastor and first lady of a church, where they’re still serving today. My mother, a pianist wrote songs and sang until the Heavens got the news. My dad sang and was called into ministry early in life. I was sandwiched between two brothers, Reginald & Tracy, and I always jokingly say that being the middle child canceled out being the only girl. Because, when you’re around nothing but boys, you’ve gotta have some pretty tough skin! As a little girl, my interest in music was peaked through watching my mother, and my grandmother went out and bought me a piano, before my legs were even long enough to touch the pedals. I started playing in church before age 10, and I haven’t looked back.

Like any other young girl, I daydreamed about my future aspirations. Fortunately, I was surrounded by supportive individuals who encouraged me, affirming that I could achieve anything with determination. Yet, like many young girls, I blended the advice I received with my own visions of the journey ahead. At times, I opted for the scenic route, and today, here I stand.

I’m grateful for all that was instilled in me to just simply try and be the best human being I can possibly be. I’m appreciative of how my background and upbringing has played a significant role in shaping who I am. Valuing my upbringing is an acknowledgment of the profound impact that early experiences, familial relationships, and cultural surroundings have had on my development. I appreciate the lessons learned, both positive and challenging, as well as the unique blend of values, traditions, and beliefs instilled during childhood. I have been able to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the foundation laid by family and community, while cherishing the good memories but also learning from the hardships, embracing diversity, and using those lessons to navigate life with resilience and empathy. This is a continuous journey of self-reflection, and I am keenly aware of the contributions of the past in shaping present perspectives and guiding my future aspirations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR). I actually started with IIR as a Subject Matter Expert with the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative and later came on full-time as a SRA. Initially, I provided technical assistance in support of more than 30 sites across the country that serve youth and families impacted by the opioid epidemic. Our team worked with program sites that work with youth and families in taking a holistic approach to integrating strategies that strengthen families and offer supports to avoid dismantling a family unit. The priority is to “treat children as children”, “serve them at home with their families and within their communities”, and to “provide more opportunities for children involved in the justice system. I later transitioned into my current role of project coordinator with the Bureau of Justice Assistance funded project, Safer Schools: Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance. In this role, I work with a team that provides specialized training and technical assistance for law enforcement who work in schools and/or with school age populations. I’m so “at home” in this role because it is so in alignment with my background, and it provides me with the chance to actively seek ways to enhance school safety and promote positive school environments where day-to-day challenges such as school violence are reduced; and/or in the perfect world, nonexistent.

I am also in a Minister of Music role, which I’ve done for too many years to count. This is a multifaceted and spiritually enriching role that goes beyond simply leading musical aspects of worship. It involves serving as a spiritual leader and facilitator of a congregation’s worship experience. As a Minister of Music, I am responsible for selecting and arranging music that aligns with the theological and spiritual themes of the service. This role often extends to directing choirs, musicians, and sometimes overseeing the technical aspects of musical presentations. Beyond the musical responsibilities, I am responsible for guiding the congregation in the expression of their faith through song and creating an atmosphere that fosters spiritual growth and connection. Each time I have the opportunity to come before the congregation, I must bring with me a passion for worship, and the ability to inspire and uplift the congregation through the power of music. It’s not just about producing beautiful sounds but about creating a sacred space where individuals can connect with the divine through the universal language of music.

Next, there’s my radio show. It’s undeniably my unexpected success story. I refer to it this way because I never anticipated it would soar to the heights it has. BUT GOD! The initial mindset was that I’d use this platform to give a local audience the opportunity to listen-in on certain topics, and the next thing I knew, I had listeners from all over the world! My motto is that “we discuss relevant topics that impact our communities and our world.” We talk about mental health, substance use disorders, domestic violence, human trafficking, and so much more. We even get the chance to do the fun topics, such as love and relationships. I’m four years into the show, Doctor2Doctor- In the Chatroom. The show airs each Saturday @ 2:00 p.m. CST on 94.7 FM, or you can stream live from anywhere in the world at wojg.com. This is not just work, it’s a blessing and another platform that I am fortunate to have access to in order to prompt positive impact on the world.

I believe that there are two primary things that set me apart: my diverse background in terms of my work and career, and the fact that I’ve been fortunate to have the influence of older individuals. Initially, I started out on a path toward nursing, transitioned into education, and landed in a place that feels like home. I believe that this place is preparing me for something even greater. I’m always seeking greater! I can honestly say that no matter the job or the title, it’s always been about serving others.

Then there’s the fact that I have been greatly influenced by the wisdom of older individuals who have shared their experiences and insights with me. The good part is, I listen! I “take in all I can, and I can all I get.” I consider myself an old soul, as I’ve always been drawn to the valuable perspectives and guidance that come with age. The lessons imparted by those who have navigated through life’s challenges before me have shaped my outlook and contributed significantly to my personal growth. I cherish the opportunity to learn from the rich tapestry of experiences that older individuals bring, and I believe this influence has played a crucial role in shaping the person I am today.

I’m most proud about the values that have been instilled in me by my parents and grandparents, who just simply raised me right, took me to church, and stressed the importance of working hard and treating others the way I’d like to be treated.

Professionally, I’ve gotten to where I am by standing on the shoulders of giants that came before me. They’ve gotten me into so many rooms and at so many tables that I couldn’t have possibly done by myself. So, it’s been by the grace of God that these folks have come into my life and saw something in me that I myself could not see. In fact, it’s been a rarity for me to even apply for jobs during my tenure in the workforce. Most of the time, they’ve found me. I’d say, that’s a God thing.

In the words of Pele’, “success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” You must choose it, and you CANNOT QUIT!

This journey hasn’t been an easy one, yet it’s been a rewarding experience. There have been too many challenges to name… whether it was raising my children as a single mom, while going to school and working, trying to figure out how to make the ends look at each other when I knew they’d never meet, all the while, going through a divorce, or just simply navigating through life as it was “lifing.” Whatever the case, I’ve relied on my faith in God to get me through. One of my favorite scriptures: Isaiah 26:3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. I’ve learned that the key to finding fulfillment and peace amid the challenges comes from first, accepting the reality, then developing the strength and skills to cope with challenges, and finally actively navigating through the complexities of existence. This mindset encapsulates the idea that true contentment often comes from our ability to respond positively to whatever life presents, while adapting and growing in the process. Peace requires that we are intentional in our thoughts in terms of processing life as it is, and not how we think it should be. That positive response comes from a place of trusting God to be the great, never-failing, sovereign God that He is, and knowing that it’s His will that’s best for us.

The lessons that I’ve learned have been plentiful, and what they are depends on what part of this journey I was in. Learning to embrace the practice of establishing healthy boundaries and safeguarding my peace has become paramount in my journey. Echoing Maya Angelou’s wisdom, “when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” I’ve encountered instances where individuals revealed their true selves repeatedly. Regrettably, I chose not to believe the evidence before me, holding onto my own perceptions. I cannot reclaim the time invested, so it was essential for me to understand the significance of establishing boundaries. Morgan Richard Olivier said, “people are entitled to their own opinions. They are not entitled to your time, energy, or presence.” Set those boundaries… They are lifesaving! Learn the art of letting go, as necessary endings can create beautiful beginnings!

Learning the importance of recognizing the significance of self-love and understanding my inherent worth has been a profound lesson. Moreover, I’ve come to understand the transformative power of forgiveness, realizing that its greatest impact is within me rather than on the one that should be seeking forgiveness.

A major lesson has been the realization that in our society, there exists a persistent and unjust reality that individuals that look like me often find themselves working harder for acceptance simply because of their race. Despite advancements in civil rights and ongoing efforts toward equality, racial biases and prejudices persist. This unfortunate truth places an additional burden on folks that look like me, who must consistently prove their worth and capabilities in various spheres of life. This struggle is an uphill battle that requires resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to breaking down stereotypes. I’m here for it!

I want the world to know that my aim is to make a resounding impact. I am committed to realizing a future for my five grandchildren, Harmoni, Harlan, Kennedi, Khai, and Rylan that aligns with the vision that the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ardently fought for.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend and I share a unique bond where we find joy in almost anything we do together. There’s nothing better than having “my person.” We have an unparalleled connection, and we can find humor in almost ANYTHING! Our plans would likely include visiting some of my favorite eateries, sharing a cocktail, and plenty of laughs! We always look forward to spending quality time, engaging in heartfelt conversations to catch up on life’s happenings, since we don’t get to see each other often. Regrettably, we’ll likely indulge in unnecessary shopping, justifying it to ourselves as a well-deserved treat, even though we both acknowledge we don’t need anything. Some people are just made for each other; that’s us!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d be remiss if I only acknowledged one single person. Throughout this journey, I’ve been surrounded by many incredible individuals who have supported, motivated, and rooted for me every step of the way. My grandmothers, Sallie Johnson, Wilner Shaw, and Mattye Williams (a bonus grandma) played a significant role in my life, and the wisdom they shared is priceless. There’s hardly a day that passes without me quoting one of them or employing an analogy they used. One piece of advice that resonates is, “self-preservation is the first law of life. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’re no good to anyone else.”

My grandmother was emphasizing the significance of self-care rather than selfishness. I often contemplate compiling a book with their sayings. I know it’d be an inspiration to many. My mother, as I mentioned early in the interview, is undeniably one of the most gifted singers bestowed upon us by God. If she hadn’t introduced me to the world of music and singing, I believe my journey would have taken a different course.

My father, a genuine servant of the people, serves as a testament to the idea that you can begin with very little and, through nurturing, hard work, and unwavering faith in God, transform you life into anything you could ever dream of.

Website: doc2docchat.com

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/dr-rhonda-shaw-6a829aba

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@D2DIntheChatroom