Resilience & You

Resilience and You is the February installment of the 2026 Debt-free YOUniversity Workshop Series, designed to help students identify the experiences that have built their resilience and reframe them as assets rather than obstacles.

This workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Damira Capri Shields, a transformative leader whose work centers on community building, inclusive leadership, and policy-driven change. Dr. Shields currently serves as Chief Advancement Officer for Inclusive Excellence at Virginia Tech and is the Founder and CEO of Visionaries to the Throne Inc.

A proud product of DeKalb County Schools, Albany State University, and Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Shields brings lived experience, scholarship, and leadership into every space she enters.

What Students Will Learn

During this session, attendees will:

• Understand the true meaning of resilience, grounded in real and historical examples
• Identify personal experiences that have contributed to their resilience
• Recognize skills they’ve developed out of necessity — often without realizing it
• Learn how to leverage resilience to improve their quality of life and future outcomes

Students will leave with a shifted perspective — seeing their lived experiences not as setbacks, but as sources of strength they can intentionally apply moving forward.

👥 Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for students ages 14–24. Parents, guardians, and supporters are encouraged to attend as learning partners who can help reinforce these concepts beyond the session.

📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM ET
💻 Live on Zoom

💛 Registration with Purpose
Each registration includes the option to contribute a donation as low as $1, supporting student scholarships, future programs, and engagement incentives.