The Life-Changing Power of Service with Shakirah Simley

When you think about “service,” you might picture a volunteer day with matching T-shirts or a line on a résumé. But for Shakirah Simley, service is deeper. It’s generational. It’s survival. And it’s the force that has guided her life and leadership.

Shakirah grew up in Harlem and the South Bronx, raised by a family of Black women leaders, social workers, and activists. Today, she’s the Executive Director of the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center in San Francisco, where she’s quintupled the budget, quadrupled the staff, and transformed the center into a thriving hub of housing, education, food justice, and wellness.

In this conversation, Shakirah and Healey explore:

• Why research shows service makes us healthier, happier, and even live longer
• The difference between “resume service” and service that truly transforms communities
• Why low-income and marginalized communities are often the most generous
• How to prevent burnout when your job is helping others
• Shakirah’s framework for service: time, treasure, and talent
• The connection between service, empathy, and stronger democracies
• Why humility isn’t optional if you want to lead with impact

This conversation is about building trust, resilience, and joy through the act of giving back.

If you’ve ever thought “I’m too busy to volunteer” or wondered how to make service a real part of your life, this episode will change how you think.

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