Name: Shalonda Y. Blue
Age: 35
Birthplace/where you were raised: Linden
Where do you live now? Linden
Employer: Harnett County Information Technology
Job title: Computer support technician
Who are your immediate family members? Parents, Grady and Betty Blue
Education: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with? NAACP; Jordan Temple Bible Church of God of Lillington
Here’s the list: Meet the Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under 40 award winners for 2022
What are your guiding principles? Keep God first; To lead by example with the motto “Work more and talk less.” Bridge the gap between the generations through encouraging and inspiring others to be the best you can be.
How do you volunteer your time in the community? Majority of my time is spent using my skills to help build up others in my family, church and community. Whether it’s help with computers, finding a great sale on a needed item through couponing, or just having a listening ear. Through my grandparents, I learned through their actions the importance of serving others and giving back. I love to do the same as making others happy makes me feel good!
Who has helped you achieve success in your life and career? I have a host of people who have helped me throughout my life. My family has always been my motivation and inspiration. They have been there when I’ve had challenges in college and continued to believe in me and support me through the rough patches. In particular, my aunt and mentor, Pat Blue, as well as all of my aunts/uncles have been supportive. I am the true definition of it takes a village to raise a child. Additionally, my college friends who continue to support me, as well as some of the elders in my church. They have provided wisdom in this journey and I am thankful to have sat at the feet of several of them before they left this earth.
What goal would you like to accomplish before turning 40? I love to travel, so this is definitely one of my personal goals, but I really want to continue working on my own business
What’s your favorite book? The Bible
What are your hobbies? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, couponing, arts and crafts, singing, listening to music, painting, interior decorating, cooking, arts and crafts, and hanging out with the elderly
What’s your most prized possession? My family and friends
If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be? “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys