Dr. Salisha Allard-Blaisdell is the Founder and Executive Director of the Shara Foundation. She is a beacon of resilience and empowerment, hailing from the Eastern Caribbean island of Grenada. Her transformative journey from the depths of multi-generational poverty to becoming a trailblazing scholar and advocate reflects an unwavering commitment to positive youth development, leadership effectiveness, and women’s advancement in leadership.

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Born into adversity, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell faced expulsion from primary school at the tender age of eight while navigating the challenges of her mother’s hospitalization and, tragically, orphanage placement at nine following her mother’s demise. Despite the formidable odds stacked against her, she surpassed expectations, overcoming the barriers of illiteracy until the age of 12 and enduring the loss of her father to Hurricane Ivan at 15.

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Undeterred by her tumultuous beginnings, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell’s academic achievements stand as testaments to her indomitable spirit. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University–Hawaii in 2012 and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University, an internationally accredited MPA program, in 2016. Her trajectory into leadership effectiveness began with a decade of dedicated service in the nonprofit and public sectors, culminating in the acquisition of a Master of Applied Leadership Theory in 2021 and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership in 2022, both from Northwest University. Notably, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to defend a Ph.D. at Northwest University, achieving this remarkable feat at the age of 32.

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Dr. Allard-Blaisdell’s impact extends beyond academic excellence. With a wealth of experience collaborating with diverse communities, service agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofits, she has orchestrated impactful service days, major events, and cultural awareness activities. As a scholar-practitioner, her research and practice are devoted to empowering youth, women, and families in under-resourced communities, making her a global thought leader advocating for women’s advancement in leadership roles.

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In 2023, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell was granted permanent residency in the United States due to her advanced degree and exceptional ability to execute a mentorship program she designed—deemed to be of national interest. In February 2024, she was further recognized by the U.S. government as having extraordinary abilities in the field of business, indicating she is among a small percentage of individuals who have risen to the top of their field.

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She now serves as a managing member of KB Business Services, LLC, offering crucial operational support to businesses, including nonprofit organizations, and aiding students across academic levels in achieving their goals. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell calls Salt Lake City, Utah, home, where she enjoys adventures with her 11-year-old daughter, Kaelyn.

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Her personal journey and dedication to uplifting others exemplify a remarkable fusion of academic achievement, leadership, and compassion, making Dr. Salisha Allard-Blaisdell a truly extraordinary force for positive change.