A Conversation with the Activated & Unstoppable Tanieka (Shepherd) Davis

At Photos by LJK, we celebrate women who fearlessly embrace their power, purpose, and evolution. Today, we’re sitting down with Tanieka (Shepherd) Davis, a woman who blends resilience with femininity, intellect with intuition, and strength with self-awareness. Let’s dive into her inspiring story!

Photos by LJK: What’s your full name?

Tanieka: Tanieka (Shepherd) Davis.

Photos by LJK: Who is the woman that inspires you the most?

Tanieka: I know this does not answer the question exactly, but it is a combination of the attributes from two historical women that inspire me: Harriet Tubman and Marilyn Monroe.

Harriet Tubman embodied mental and physical fortitude, conviction, and determination. Whereas Marilyn Monroe tapped into the power of femininity to achieve her goals and expand her influence.

Photos by LJK: That is such a unique and powerful combination! If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Tanieka: Listen to your intuition and trust yourself. What you feel and hear is God’s divine guidance. Do not let anyone tell you who you are, what to do, or how to feel.

The version of yourself you aspire to be is within reach, so go for it and be fearless!

Photos by LJK: That’s a message every woman needs to hear! What’s your go-to song when you need to feel empowered?

Tanieka: “Hot Girl” by Megan Thee Stallion.

Photos by LJK: That song is pure confidence! What’s a passion or hobby that brings you joy outside of work?

Tanieka: I enjoy reading, journaling, and listening to audiobooks about self-improvement, finance, history, and social justice.

Photos by LJK: That’s a powerful mix of knowledge and reflection. If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Tanieka: Activated!

Photos by LJK: I love that! Why did you choose it?

Tanieka: I am finally becoming the person I always wanted to be, and while it has moved me out of my comfort zone, I am loving every moment.

Photos by LJK: That’s true growth! How do you celebrate your wins, big or small?

Tanieka: I celebrate with my closest family and take myself out for a day of maintenance and self-care.

Photos by LJK: The best way to refill your cup! What does strength mean to you, and how do you embody it?

Tanieka: Strength is resilience and self-awareness.

In my life, I have adapted and kept going despite obstacles and used creativity to solve problems. I included self-awareness because it allowed me to identify blind spots that would limit my personal growth.

Photos by LJK: That combination of resilience and self-awareness is powerful. If you could make one change in the world for women, what would it be?

Tanieka: Provide safety and access. Women need to feel safe to become all they envision for themselves. Many women have had to choose between living in their power and their femininity—a combination historically only available to a select few.

Access to resources such as education, training, influence, mentors, and capital are also essential.

Photos by LJK: That’s a change that could transform generations! What’s one accomplishment you’re really proud of?

Tanieka: My Doctorate of Nursing Practice project manuscript, Implementing an Emergency Contraception Practice Guideline: A Quality Improvement, will be published in the Clinical Journal for Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (CJNPWH) this spring.

Photos by LJK: That is an incredible achievement! Last question—if you had a billboard for one day, what would it say?

Tanieka: I am my dream come true!

Photos by LJK: And that is the energy we LOVE! Tanieka, your wisdom, determination, and fearless evolution are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

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