Community ImpactEducationEntrepreneurship & Innovation
Dr. Sheila Renee Goodwin: A Legacy of Service, Resilience, and Leadership
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Sheila Renee Goodwin embodies resilience, determination, and compassion. Raised in kinship foster care, she grew up understanding the challenges faced by vulnerable children and families, a perspective that has profoundly shaped her life and career. A mother of four, grandmother of five, and a mentor to many, Dr. Goodwin has dedicated her life to empowering others, overcoming challenges, and building a legacy rooted in service and community impact.
A Heart for Foster Care Advocacy
As the founder and CEO of Foster with Love, Inc., a Georgia-based nonprofit, Dr. Goodwin is deeply committed to supporting children in foster care and their families. Her own experience in the foster care system drives her mission to provide resources, care, and post-foster care support for society’s most vulnerable. “For me, there was no plan in place after foster care,” she recalls. “My goal is to ensure no child feels abandoned or unprepared for life after the system.”
Through Foster with Love, Dr. Goodwin creates initiatives that address the emotional, physical, and social needs of foster children, offering a safe foundation for them to thrive.
Entrepreneurial Excellence
Dr. Goodwin’s entrepreneurial journey began over 25 years ago with the launch of Sheila’s Tax Service, where she specializes in income tax preparation and IRS representation. Her expertise and ongoing education have helped countless individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complexities of the tax system.
Her extensive experience also includes over seven years as a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Accredited Resident Manager (ARM). During Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Goodwin provided housing to displaced individuals, even hosting a benefit dinner for evacuees that was televised, showcasing her compassion and leadership in times of crisis.
Culinary and Event Management
Dr. Goodwin’s creative pursuits include earning two Associate degrees in Culinary Arts and Hotel-Restaurant-Tourism Management. While in culinary school, she launched a deli and worked for companies such as Uber and Caviar. A chance encounter with Nick Cannon’s assistant led to a successful event planning and catering career, including work with “Wild N Out,” RoZen, and events like the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival.
A Multi Talented Visionary
During the pandemic, Dr. Goodwin served as the director of two childcare facilities in New York, extending her service to families and children in need. Her certifications in childcare, business management, and licensing as a claims adjuster in 23 states reflect her versatility and dedication to lifelong learning.
Dr. Goodwin’s achievements have been widely recognized. In 2005, she was named Businesswoman of the Year by the Republican Congressional Committees’ Business Advisory Council and honored in Washington, D.C. Her story has been featured in newspapers and television, highlighting her advocacy, service, and impact.
Faith and Community Involvement
A member of New Birth Missionary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Goodwin is deeply rooted in her faith. She is also active in professional organizations, including the NRCC/Business Advisory Council and the Restaurant Association.
A Life of Purpose
Dr. Sheila Renee Goodwin’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and community impact. Whether through foster care advocacy, entrepreneurship, or her diverse professional pursuits, she continues to inspire others to rise above challenges and live with purpose.
