Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson is a highly sought after transformational speaker, nationally acclaimed multi best-selling author, award winning executive producer and filmmaker, global business leader, visionary, philanthropist, brand influencer, purpose connection coach, editor-in-chief of Cheryl Magazine and most importantly, a true servant leader. Cheryl has utilized her God given gifts and talents to master the art of influence and she takes pride in teaching others how to do the same.

As a transformational speaker with unbelievable transparency and candor, Williamson’s speeches captivate and motivate audiences to release self doubt, walk in power and thrive in purpose. Earlier this year, she was honored to serve as the Convocation Keynote Speaker at Shaw University’s Founder’s Day ceremony.

Cheryl’s tireless efforts to inspire others through her stories in book form include titles such as The Success Factor: Stories from Entrepreneurs Who Thrived After Facing Failure and Soulful Prayers: The Power of Intentional Communication with God. Her highly acclaimed literary works granted her the opportunity to be a featured author at the 108th NAACP National Convention. Upon achieving literary success, Cheryl was inspired to embark on a journey in executive producing a documentary. Her efforts resulted in winning the MVAAFF Best of the Best Feature, Presented by HBO Max Award for Best Documentary and the Audience Choice Leon Award for Best Documentary for Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at the 30th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival.

Polote-Williamson is the embodiment of what it means to have a servant’s heart. In 2018, she founded Soul Reborn, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that educates individuals and communities on the positive impact of business creation. Since it’s inception, Soul Reborn has supported more than 4,500 disenfranchised, underserved and previously incarcerated women. Most recently, her philanthropic efforts garnered the attention of the White House, adding the President’s Lifetime Service award to her growing list of awards and accomplishments. Cheryl’s philanthropic efforts have also been recognized by the state of Ohio, where she received a Proclamation for philanthropy. Also, Rosemary’s Babies, an Ohio home for teen moms, named a gallery in Cheryl’s honor. Additionally, Cheryl serves her community through affiliations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (Alpha Xi Omega Chapter), The Links Incorporated (Mid Cities Chapter) and Black Women in Media.

Through her dedication and commitment to excellence in global business leadership, Cheryl graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, which helps entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunities by providing access to education, capital and support services.

Additionally, she holds Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certifications. Cheryl’s influence in business has placed her in the position to impact change in the lives of thousands. Through that influence, Cheryl has launched thriving online communities that have inspired an upwards of 500 authors, volunteers, entrepreneurs and fellow philanthropists.

Cheryl is honored to have received multiple international media features, including: Black Enterprise, Forbes, Sheen, Ebony, Heart & Soul and Rolling Out Magazines. She has also been featured on multiple media outlets including: Good Day LA, Fox, Fox Soul, MSNBC, Christian Women in Media, ABC News, CBS, CEO Money Show and Sister Circle Live. Additional awards received this year include: the Maura Women Serving Women Award from Texas Women’s Foundation, Self-Published Author of the Year Award from the African American Literary Association, Trailblazer Award from Black Women in Media, Servant Award from Ordinary People Magazine and the Women in Business Leadership Award from Pull Corp.

Although Cheryl wears many hats – and dresses, Cheryl is most proud of her titles of wife to her husband of 29 years, Russell, mother to her three children, Russ Jr., Courtney and Lauren and ‘glam-ma’ to her two grandchildren, Leah and Russ III.

Through her speeches, literary works, online communities, philanthropic efforts, business and servant leadership, Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson has successfully cultivated a purpose centric global movement, or a Soul Movement, that is founded on helping others connect to and live their purpose authentically and unapologetically. She has sparked a contagious ripple effect that has inspired and empowered everyone in her orbit to find what they are passionate about and pursue it relentlessly.