CEO

Inspired by her life experiences, education, faith, and compassion for her community--founded Truly Valued in 2014, a non-profit whose mission is to promote positive self-esteem, education, confidence and character among youth and families. Incorporating the family unit, services include character development, mentoring and community service. 

Shavonne is a dedicated mother of two with three bonus children and three grandchildren. She holds a Master’s in Management and is pursuing her Diploma in Divinity from Christian Leaders College. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., School Advisory Council (SAC) at Booker Middle School, Community Response Team, and Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Team comprised of local Law Enforcement agencies, Truly Valued, Brotherhood of Men, and Teen Court. Shavonne is also a published author of three children’s books. 

In her spare time, Shavonne enjoys reading, travelling, and spending quality time with her kids, family, and friends. Her personal mission is to help people to love themselves so that they can love others.

After surviving and besting a lifetime of trials—including substance abuse, dropping out of high school, teen motherhood, and human trafficking—Leslie Harrell uses her testimony to strengthen and empower others.

Leslie was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in 2005. She has received multiple recognition awards, including the Congressional Award for Community Service and, from her studies at Claremont Lincoln University, the Inaugural Changemakers Award. 

Leslie has a bachelor's degree in Theology and a master's degree in Peace and Social Justice and is studying for a Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree. Her goals are to serve as a leadership coach through Truly Valued and to develop leadership strategies in the African American community. 

Leslie is a certified Life Coach through Christian Leaders Institute and certified facilitator for Truly Valued’s Nurturing Families Program.