Shakenya's journey to becoming an Accountant started while she was a high school student and had a teacher who exposed her to accounting as a professional career. Consequently, when she went to college, she majored in Accounting. She started her professional career as a Corporate Accountant at a local bank, while a full-time student. Shakenya is a graduate of Claflin University where graduated with highest honors. After working for years as a Corporate Accountant and Auditor, she earned her Master’s degree in Accounting and Taxation from the University of Virginia. Seeing the need to advance further, Shakenya obtained the distinguished honor of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Shakenya has worked professionally in both the public and private sectors. She has worked at one of the world’s largest financial institutions and at a prestigious "Big Four" accounting firm. She later worked in the federal government for agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In addition to spending years working in various aspects of the accounting industry, Shakenya also works hard as an entrepreneur supporting her passion for financial literacy. She is also the owner of Common Dollars Uncommon Sense, LLC and Co-Owner of Sunnies by Skye, with her daughter. Shakenya believes that her faith and her family are her top priorities.