By: Alena Wiese

A Journey of Passion and Purpose

In a remote Kenyan village, a little girl ran up to Dr. Shellie Hipsky, her tiny hand outstretched. “Come play with me,” she said, her smile radiating joy. For Dr. Shellie, moments like this are what drive her mission. “Seeing her hope and excitement reminded me why I do this work—because every woman and child deserves a chance to thrive,” she shares. 

Dr. Shellie’s journey from a special education teacher to a global leader in women’s empowerment is nothing short of remarkable. “My journey began in the classroom,” she says. “I discovered my passion for helping others reach their full potential.” This passion fueled her rise to becoming a tenured professor, where she developed innovative courses like The Global Perspective for Ph.D. students.

But her work didn’t stop there. Dr. Shellie’s desire to make a broader impact led her to launch Inspiring Lives International. “After my Common Threads book series and Empowerment Coaching gained momentum, I realized I could amplify women’s voices globally,” she reflects. Today, she’s the CEO of a motivational media company that empowers women through literature, coaching, events, and platforms designed to create real, lasting change.

Inspiring Women Through the Global Sisterhood

Dr. Shellie’s nonprofit, the Global Sisterhood, exemplifies her commitment to uplifting women and children worldwide. “The Global Sisterhood was born out of my desire to unite women globally and amplify their voices,” she explains. Since its inception, the nonprofit has grown to tackle critical issues like domestic violence, human trafficking, and education access.

One of her most cherished memories comes from Kenya, where she and her team transformed a dilapidated shed into a vibrant Early Childhood Learning Center. “We painted the words ‘Come Play with Me’ on the front,” she recalls.

“Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they placed their handprints on the mural was unforgettable. It was a reminder of the power of collective action to change lives.”

Her ability to forge meaningful, sustainable partnerships has been key to the Global Sisterhood’s success. “Authenticity, mutual respect, and shared goals are at the core of every collaboration,” she emphasizes.

Books That Empower and Educate

As an internationally bestselling author, Dr. Shellie has written 15 books, each reflecting a stage of her personal and professional journey. Her Common Threads trilogy captures inspiring stories of resilience, while Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants and Mom Magic Mompreneur provide practical advice for building a business while staying authentic.

“Each book is a conversation with the reader,” she says. “I want women to feel seen, heard, and empowered to take their next step.”

Christine Furman, an alumna of Dr. Shellie’s EmpowerU Master Class and CEO of Mompiration412 Worldwide, shares, “When I first met Dr. Shellie, I had an idea for a business. She saw something bigger in me than I saw in myself. Thanks to her guidance, that idea became a reality—and changed my life.”

Transforming Lives Through EmpowerU

The EmpowerU Master Class is a cornerstone of Dr. Shellie’s work, providing women with tools to overcome challenges like imposter syndrome, work-life imbalance, and scaling their businesses.

“Women come to me feeling stuck or stretched too thin,” she shares. “Through EmpowerU, we build confidence, craft actionable plans, and create a network of support that helps them thrive.”

Through this program, women have gone on to launch successful businesses and redefine what’s possible in their lives. Furman is one of those women: “Dr. Shellie empowered me to think outside the box and turn my vision into reality. Her lessons changed my life.”

Resilience and Recognition

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Shellie Hipsky

Dr. Shellie’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. “It was humbling,” she admits. “But it wasn’t just my achievement—it was a reflection of the lives impacted by the Global Sisterhood and our initiatives.”

Her accolades include being named a “Top 10 Inspiring Woman Worldwide” and “Most Influential Female Entrepreneurship Coach.” Hollywood actress and disability advocate Eileen Grubba notes, “Dr. Shellie has led the world in empowering media and education for diversity and inclusion of all women.”

Empowering Through Media and Creativity

Dr. Shellie’s influence extends beyond books and programs. As the host of Inspiring Lives with Dr. Shellie on NBC, she’s amplified the voices of changemakers across the globe.

“Being able to share powerful stories with a wide audience is one of my greatest honors,” she says.

Her creative spirit also shines through her love for music and theater.

“Growing up, my mother ran the local theater, so performing has always been a part of me,” she shares. From recording and All That Jazz to starring in fundraising galas like “A Taste of Broadway,” she continues to use her talents to inspire and give back.

A Vision for the Future

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Shellie Hipsky

Dr. Shellie’s goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring. “I envision expanding our reach to empower millions more women and children,” she says. Her plans include growing the EmpowerU Master Class and launching new initiatives to address critical global issues like healthcare and economic empowerment.

“Ready to take the next step?” she asks. “Whether it’s joining the EmpowerU Master Class or supporting the Global Sisterhood, you have the power to make a difference.”

Personal Touch: Balancing Life and Mission

Despite her many roles, Dr. Shellie is intentional about keeping her family at the center of her life. “My children, Alyssa and Jacob, inspire my work every day,” she shares. “Balance comes from being present, prioritizing what matters, and knowing when to delegate.”

Her philosophy extends to her coaching. “I teach women to embrace delegation, dream big, and stay aligned with their purpose. That’s how you achieve balance and abundance,” she explains.

Be Part of the Change

Dr. Shellie Hipsky is dedicated to creating a better future through her books, programs, and nonprofit initiatives. She invites women everywhere to collaborate and make a meaningful impact together.

• Learn More About the Global Sisterhood: www.GlobalSisterhoodOnline.org
• Explore the EmpowerU Master Class: https://inspiringlivesinternational.com/empower-u-2/
• Contact:
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Phone: (724) 488-3934
  • Email: s.hipsky@inspiringlivesmagazine.com

“Lead with empathy and courage,” she says. “Your story has the power to inspire change in ways you may never imagine.”

Empower yourself. Empower others. Together, we rise.

Dr. Shellie Hipsky actively engages with her audience across multiple social media platforms. You can connect with her through the following channels:

• Facebook: Dr. Shellie Hipsky
• Twitter: @DrShellieHipsky
• LinkedIn: Dr. Shellie Hipsky
• Instagram: @drshelliehipsky
• YouTube: Inspiring Lives International: Dr. Shellie Hipsky

#InspiringLives #GlobalSisterhood #EmpowerU #WomenEmpowerment #Mompreneur.

Published by Elle G.