From Waitress to Hero: Celebrating Shakira

Every hero has an origin story. Some start in faraway galaxies, others in small towns—and some wear aprons instead of capes. Meet Shakira, our most recent graduate of the Hero on a Mission program at the Life Center.

Shakira has spent years working in the restaurant industry, serving tables. She works about 30 hours a week, and the team there is very accommodating with her busy schedule. Why does she love waitressing? Simple: she loves people. For Shakira, every customer is more than an order number—they’re someone she gets to connect with.

But her biggest mission is at home, where she’s raising two sons. Her youngest, Jonah, has autism, and like most superheroes, Shakira juggles more challenges than most people ever see. She often puts her boys’ needs before her own—whether that’s prioritizing their health appointments or navigating Jonah’s very particular food preferences. (Any parent who’s tried to convince a kid to eat broccoli will understand that this is no small battle.)

During the program, Shakira shared how she’s learning to stay calm even when customers are upset. That’s no easy task, but she handled a conflict at work like a true pro—and came out stronger on the other side. She’s also practicing skills like active listening (pro tip: asking, “Am I hearing you right?” is basically a superhero move disguised as good manners).

When we discussed housing costs, Shakira admitted that she sometimes has to pick up extra shifts just to make rent—but she keeps going, powered by grit, determination, and, of course, love for her boys. Her heart for children shines through in everything she does—she dreams of a world where kids are cared for, never bullied or left alone.

Shakira also values friendship greatly. Her best friend, Beth, has been by her side since kindergarten—even driving 90 miles to stand with her during her divorce. That kind of loyalty is the stuff superheroes are made of.

And when she’s not working or caring for her family? Shakira and her boys hit the pool. Swimming is their superpower—fun, free, and even life-changing. It’s helped Shakira lose weight, stay healthy, and give her sons moments of joy.

Shakira’s Hero on a Mission Guide, Ray Casteel, summed it up best: “Her progress has been amazing.”

We couldn’t agree more. Shakira shows us that you don’t need a cape, laser eyes, or the ability to fly to be a hero. Sometimes it looks like showing up to work with a smile, staying calm when life gets messy, and splashing in the pool with your kids on a hot day.

So here’s to Shakira—our newest Hero on a Mission graduate. She reminds us all that ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of love are the real superheroes among us.

Here is one way we measure progress in our Heroes. They complete the Wheel of Hope before and after the program. You can see for yourself how she has grown in the eight core elements of Hero on a Mission.