Women of Influence – Dr. Shira Ackerman

Dr. Shira Ackerman, Co-Founder of Creating Young Minds

Shaping Futures at Creating Young Minds

Dr. Shira Ackerman, CEO and Co-Founder of Creating Young Minds™ in Lake Dallas, has dedicated her life to the empowerment and education of youth. Her journey began with a passion for helping others, starting with children with special needs and expanding to all youth, their families, and communities. Shira’s mission is clear — to positively impact the lives of young people in an era where social media, drama, and distractions constantly bombard them. Her role as a mentor, leader, and educator is more crucial than ever.

Shira draws her professional inspiration from influential women in her life. Early in her career, she faced challenges as a first-time school supervisor. With the guidance of a supportive supervisor who provided mentorship and valuable resources, Shira learned to navigate her role successfully. Additionally, her mother, a successful mentor and leader, instilled in her the values of leadership and support. These experiences inspired Shira to pay it forward by helping other women in education become effective educators and mentors, thereby making a significant impact on the lives of youth.

For young women aspiring to be leaders, Shira’s advice is a guiding light — learning is a lifelong process, and growth is continuous. She emphasizes that success requires dedication and a willingness to never be satisfied with the status quo. Shira believes that helping others grow is essential for personal growth and that true leadership involves guiding, teaching, and mentoring those around you. Her words provide a sense of support and direction for those on the path to leadership.

According to Shira, the qualities of a successful leader include communication, humility, flexibility, availability, honesty, and support. A leader’s role is to support and mentor others, fostering an environment where everyone can grow and succeed. Shira’s approach to stress and work-life balance involves focusing on the bigger picture and not letting minor issues overshadow the ultimate goal of helping others. She finds solace in running, which allows her to relax and reflect.

Shira’s greatest inspiration is her daughter, Sophia, whose compassion, drive, and passion continually motivate her. Sophia’s love for people and animals, coupled with her intellectual curiosity, inspires Shira
to keep growing, learning, and positively impacting youth.

Shira’s commitment to education and mentorship is also reflected in her bestselling book, Creating Young Minds™: Inspiring Our Youth and Athletes Outside of the Classroom, available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible. Through her work at Creating Young Minds™, Dr. Shira Ackerman continues to shape futures, making a lasting impact on the community.