This month we are highlighting Women Through Portraits in honor of Women’s History Month. Shakenya’s journey to becoming an Accountant started while she was a high school student. She was on the College Prep (CP) Business Track and had a teacher that exposed her to accounting as a professional career. Consequently, when she went to college, she majored in Accounting. Shakenya is a graduate of Claflin University where she graduated with highest honors. She started her professional career as a Corporate Accountant at a local bank, while a full-time student.  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 largest financial institutions in the world and a “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). 

40-over-40, portraits Alexandria, Virginia Photographer

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 owner of Prospective Financial Solutions, LLC and Partner-Owner of Buoyant Visions Group, where she currently serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Personal Life

Shakenya is the mother to three young children, Bryce, Blaze, and Bella-Skye. Shakenya is a woman who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, like relaxing with a good book and spending quality time with family and friends. Her weekends are often filled with connection and laughter, especially when she’s with her girlfriends enjoying girl chats, pillow talks, and unforgettable laughs. Great food, music, and company are three things that bring her the most happiness, creating a vibrant atmosphere wherever she goes. Passionate about financial literacy, she is dedicated to empowering others with the knowledge to improve their financial well-being. In her 40s, Shakenya has embraced a transformational journey, shifting from being a people pleaser to focusing on pleasing God. Though she is still a work in progress, she has learned to align her desires with God’s will, finding peace and purpose in her evolving faith.