SHONDA HOLLOWELL BURRUS, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Mrs. Burrus grew up in humble beginnings far from a “silver spoon and luxury living” and more in comparison to a “rusty fork and a food stamp.”
Low income housing, motherhood at an early age and minimal foundational teaching as a young lady has been her driving force in creating the Black Coal and Roses Society Mentoring Program. Her goal with the assistance of supporters is to obtain a nonprofit status and share the mentoring program with young ladies across the globe.
Over the course of her years as an educator, her passion for working with the youth has been evident in her serving as a Preschool Director on a military base, a youth ministry leader at church, employment with Vista Unified School District, and the Murrieta Unified School District where she has coached softball, basketball, and cheer; served on numerous committees and enjoys her work with the students as a counselor at Vista Murrieta High School. In addition to her counseling role, Mrs. Burrus was the advisor for the club charter of BCRS, the advisor for Black Student Union (BSU) and the Young Gentlemen's Leadership Club (YGLC) for African American Male Students. Mrs. Burrus has transitioned her way back to her hometown of Paducah, Kentucky where she is a proud 1993 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School; returning to the same school to serve as the Assistant Principal/Dean of students for two years before taking the position of Paducah Public Schools' first Chief Equity Officer.
Mrs. Burrus prides herself in encouraging young ladies to think and dream beyond the boundaries, challenges, and circumstances that serve as stumbling blocks in the paths of life. Through mentoring and coaching, her desire is to empower every student to pursue their passions, believe in their dreams, and simply “keep pushing” despite the tribulations that come with everyday living.
Mrs. Burrus holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development from Mira Costa College, A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development, a Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Murray State University.
Mrs. Burrus is also the recipient of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) service award, the Movers and Shakers award from the Black Chamber of Commerce, 2016 Region 10 Educator of the Year Award, 2017 California Educator of the Year Award, and the Superintendent's Circle of Excellence Award presented by the Murrieta Valley Unified School District Superintendent Mr. Patrick Kelly. Mrs. Burrus is the proud recipient of the Impact Award given to her by the Alumni Association at Azusa Pacific University. And most recently, Mrs. Burrus was honored as the Desert of Kentucky Outstanding African American Woman Award.
Low income housing, motherhood at an early age and minimal foundational teaching as a young lady has been her driving force in creating the Black Coal and Roses Society Mentoring Program. Her goal with the assistance of supporters is to obtain a nonprofit status and share the mentoring program with young ladies across the globe.
Over the course of her years as an educator, her passion for working with the youth has been evident in her serving as a Preschool Director on a military base, a youth ministry leader at church, employment with Vista Unified School District, and the Murrieta Unified School District where she has coached softball, basketball, and cheer; served on numerous committees and enjoys her work with the students as a counselor at Vista Murrieta High School. In addition to her counseling role, Mrs. Burrus was the advisor for the club charter of BCRS, the advisor for Black Student Union (BSU) and the Young Gentlemen's Leadership Club (YGLC) for African American Male Students. Mrs. Burrus has transitioned her way back to her hometown of Paducah, Kentucky where she is a proud 1993 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School; returning to the same school to serve as the Assistant Principal/Dean of students for two years before taking the position of Paducah Public Schools' first Chief Equity Officer.
Mrs. Burrus prides herself in encouraging young ladies to think and dream beyond the boundaries, challenges, and circumstances that serve as stumbling blocks in the paths of life. Through mentoring and coaching, her desire is to empower every student to pursue their passions, believe in their dreams, and simply “keep pushing” despite the tribulations that come with everyday living.
Mrs. Burrus holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development from Mira Costa College, A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development, a Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Murray State University.
Mrs. Burrus is also the recipient of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) service award, the Movers and Shakers award from the Black Chamber of Commerce, 2016 Region 10 Educator of the Year Award, 2017 California Educator of the Year Award, and the Superintendent's Circle of Excellence Award presented by the Murrieta Valley Unified School District Superintendent Mr. Patrick Kelly. Mrs. Burrus is the proud recipient of the Impact Award given to her by the Alumni Association at Azusa Pacific University. And most recently, Mrs. Burrus was honored as the Desert of Kentucky Outstanding African American Woman Award.