Shirley was employed and worked thirty years with the Federal Government and served as an Administrator for the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons. She retired in 2004 and now spends her time doing volunteer work, teaching healthy living classes, exercising, traveling, and learning more about healthy living. Shirley is the owner and CEO of Vegan Magic/Healthy Living Made Simple, specializing in food to go, spices, and "RAW" desserts. Shirley is a "lightweight" natural bodybuilder. She has competed and won over 35 amateur body building and bench press contests. However, on November 3, 2012, after four years as an amateur, and at the age of 60, she received her Professional Bodybuilding credentials. Also, on December 2, 2012, she was the recipient of the "Natural Physique Association 2012 Top Pro Female Athlete of the Year," and "2012 NPA Iron Female Athlete of the Year" awards. She says God allowed her to achieve these goals so that she can use her credentials, body physique, and background to encourage others to take care of their temples. Because of her many health and bodybuilding accomplishments and attributes, on February 1, 2013, Shirley was named the first Spokeswoman for ZOBO hibiscus drink and Hemisphere Beverages. Since that time, she has been featured on NBC, TV 17 News, "The Dr. Melanie Show," the Voice on America Health & Wellness Channel; NUBIAN NEWS, a Monthly Online Publication for Black Business Owners (March 3, 2013); Veganbodybuilding.com, YouTube, local newspapers, several local magazines to include BOOM (May 2013) and WEEN (April 11, 2013). Shirley wants to be a walking billboard, letting people know that she was once considered obese because at 5'3" she weighed over 200 lbs. Today, after being committed to changing her poor eating habits, Shirley weights 113 lbs. God is using her as a vessel to positively affect individuals' physical health. She believes that one can be healthy at any age; and she is proof of what diet and exercise can do for one mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Shirley wants others to know that there are NO excuses not to be healthy. She says, "Make the decision right now, make the commitment right now, and pray." I am a living witness that God WILL show up and show out! Each year, Shirley attends and participates in numerous classes and seminars on Health, Nutrition, and Fitness. She believes that if you take care of your body, your body will take care of you; and when we know better, we can CHOOSE to do better! Shirley says she has learned to eat to live and not live to eat, which has made all the difference in her continual health journey. Her philosophy is: WHAT YOU WANT, WANTS YOU!!!!
