Born and raised in Gun Hill Houses in the Bronx, NY, Shaquaisa Spears has experienced her shares of trials and tribulations. However, despite all of her experiences, she earned a Master of Arts degree from CUNY Lehman College and Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Purchase College.  The second to obtain a post-secondary degree in her family, Shaquaisa beat the odds and stereotypes placed against her simply because she was a young African-American female raised in public housing and a single parent household.. She has honed over fifteen years of social services experience by proudly serving youth in foster care, college bound high school students, young adults, adult learners, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Shaquaisa founded Person Centered Advocacy and Consulting Services, LLC. in 2021, which exists to help people navigate NY State OPWDD and social service programs, explore college and career options, and advocate on behalf of its clients. PEACS also provides administrative support to small and large non-profit and private organizations.

Shaquaisa is grateful that the JJMSF and Dr. Patricia Jordan recognize the strength that underprivileged youth hold. The scholarship has helped many youth, including Shaquaisa, achieve their scholastic endeavors and become more proactive in their communities.

(2025)