About Sheila
The Journey Behind the Work
Hi, I’m Sheila Brevard, Ph.D. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and over the years I’ve worked in law enforcement, education, writing, research, and entrepreneurship. My doctoral work focused on Global Training and Development, deepening my understanding of learning, culture, communication, and how people grow across different environments. While the roles have changed, one thing has remained constant: a deep curiosity about people, stories, and the lessons that help us grow.
The Thread Through It All
I’ve earned degrees, changed careers, written books, started businesses, faced challenges I never expected, and discovered that some of life’s most important lessons come from the chapters we never planned.
Through it all, I’ve remained curious. Curious about people. Curious about stories. Curious about what helps us grow, heal, learn, and move forward.
That curiosity is the thread that connects everything I do.
A Few Things About Me
- Washington, D.C. born and raised
- Author, educator, researcher, and entrepreneur
- Ph.D. in Education, specializing in Global Training & Development
- Founder of Virtual Solutions HQ
- Cancer survivor
- Lifelong learner
- Museum and cultural exploration enthusiast
- Coffee shop thinker and notebook lover
- Traveler who believes every journey teaches something
- Proud mother
Credentials & Education
The training behind the work.
Education
- Ph.D. in Education, Global Training & Development
- M.A. in English & Creative Writing
- B.A. in African Studies, minor in Sociology
- A.A. in Criminal Justice
- Level 5 Diploma in TEFL (UK Ofqual-regulated, Qualifi Ltd)
Certifications
- Certified Master Life Coach
- Certified Life Purpose Life Coach
- Certified Goal Success Life Coach
- Certified Professional Life Coach
- Certified Happiness Life Coach
Transformation Academy
Professional Development
- Management Team Building & Performance Management — Jack Welch Management Institute
- Leadership Training — National Society of Leadership and Success
- Foundations of Leadership — National Society of Leadership and Success
- DEI Awareness Professional Certificate — LinkedIn Learning
Why I Created This Space
Where writing, learning, reflection, and real life meet.
SheilaBrevard.com is where I share lessons I’ve learned, books I’ve written, ideas I’m exploring, and resources that might help someone else navigate their own journey.
Some days, you may find me writing about personal growth. Other days, I may be talking about education, culture, wellness, entrepreneurship, books, travel, or life after unexpected setbacks.
I believe wisdom often comes from paying attention to our experiences and being willing to learn from them.
The Work I Do
Helping people bring clarity to ideas.
Professionally, I work through Virtual Solutions HQ, supporting individuals and organizations with writing, content strategy, learning and development, training design, research-based projects, and strategic communication.
In simple terms, I help people bring clarity to ideas. Sometimes that means organizing information. Sometimes it means improving communication. Sometimes it means helping someone tell their story in a way that truly connects.
My approach is thoughtful, practical, collaborative, and grounded in purpose.
Writing & Storytelling
Storytelling sits at the heart of everything I do.
I am the author of Under the Purple Sun, a mystery and suspense novel, and When a Loved One Is Deported: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families Coping with Separation, a practical guide created to help families navigate difficult circumstances.
Whether I’m writing fiction or nonfiction, I’m always interested in the same question: How can stories help us better understand ourselves and each other?
Beyond the Resume
The everyday moments matter too.
Some of my favorite things include books that make me think, conversations that make me curious, travel that broadens my perspective, music that tells a story, and quiet mornings with matcha and a notebook nearby.
I enjoy exploring museums and cultural spaces, trying new recipes, learning new things, and making time for reflection. Many of my best ideas begin in those everyday moments.
I’m also a proud mother, entrepreneur, author, educator, researcher, and lifelong learner who believes it’s never too late to begin a new chapter.
“Every experience carries a lesson. Every lesson carries a story. And every story has the power to encourage someone else.”
Let’s Stay Connected
Whether you’re here for a book, a resource, a bit of encouragement, or simply because you’re curious, welcome. I’m glad you’re here.