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 womens advancement in leadership. Born into adversity, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell faced expulsion from primary school at the tender age
of eight while navigating the challenges of her mothers hospitalization and, tragically, orphanage placement at nine following her mothers 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.

Undeterred by her tumultuous beginnings, Dr. Allard-Blaisdells academic achievements stand as testaments to her indomitable spirit. She earned a Bachelors degree in English from Brigham
Young University-Hawaii in 2012 and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University, the internationally accredited MPA program, in 2016. Her trajectory into leadership effectiveness began with a decade of dedicated service in the non-profit 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.

 

Dr. Allard-Blaisdells impact extends beyond academic excellence. With a wealth of experience collaborating with diverse communities, service agencies, higher education institutions, and non-profits, she has orchestrated impactful service days, significant 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 womens advancement in leadership roles.
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 which she designed. This mentorship program was deemed to be of national interest to the United States.
Additionally, in February 2024, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell was also recognized by the United States government as having extraordinary abilities in the field of business, indicating that she is one of the small percentage of people who have arisen to the very top of the field. She now serves as a
managing member of KB Business Services, LLC, offering crucial support to businesses including nonprofit organizations to enhance their operations. She also aids students across academic levels in achieving their goals. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell calls Salt Lake City, Utah, home, where she engages in adventures with her 11-year-old daughter, Kaelyn.

 

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.