We had the good fortune of connecting with Shamekka Marty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shamekka, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the success of my brand comes from being truly relatable. I began by sharing blog posts about my journey with chronic illness and later started documenting my daily experiences on social media. I’m not only relatable, but I also aim to educate. Whenever I discover a new tip or strategy, I make it a point to share it with my followers and community. On my social media, I’m open about my good, bad, and difficult days, always aiming to motivate others. On your toughest days, know that you’re not alone—I, along with many others, face similar challenges too.

My commitment to raising awareness is unwavering, and I carry it with me everywhere. Whether at the doctor’s office, testifying before Congress, participating in walks, attending conferences, or visiting pharmaceutical companies, I’m dedicated to advocating for our community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career journey has been a testament to resilience and determination, shaped by overcoming personal and professional challenges. Starting out as a teen mom, I had to balance being a young parent, caregiver, and breadwinner while pursuing my education and career. I worked multiple jobs and put myself through college, earning my degree in International Business, which opened the door to my career in IT. Now, with 19 years in IT and project management, I focus on cybersecurity, consulting, and patient advocacy for data interoperability, a cause very close to my heart.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise. My role as a patient advocate stems from my own health journey—I’ve been diagnosed with lupus, 10 autoimmune diseases, and recently underwent a kidney transplant in 2023. I also had a hysterectomy, each experience deepening my commitment to raising awareness and pushing for improved healthcare and technology solutions. Being able to use my voice as a speaker, consultant, and advocate gives my work a sense of purpose, especially when I see how interoperability and cybersecurity can directly impact patient lives.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I lost my mom to lupus early on, and I grew up as the primary caregiver for my grandmother and mother. Those experiences taught me responsibility, compassion, and perseverance. I had to overcome a lot of obstacles, from raising three kids and juggling work and school to managing my health. But every challenge was an opportunity to grow stronger. I’ve learned to stay focused, trust my instincts, and always remember why I started.

I want the world to know that my story is one of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment. I’ve served on the boards of 10 organizations, own several properties, and continue to lead in the field of cybersecurity and patient advocacy, not because it was handed to me, but because I fought for it. My brand and story are about creating a legacy of strength, raising awareness for invisible illnesses, and helping others see that no matter where you start, you can define your own success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week-long adventure in the Bay Area with my best friend, I’d plan a perfect mix of food, nature, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s how our itinerary would look like:

Day 1: Arrival & Iconic SF Vibes
– Morning: Start with breakfast at Tartine Bakery in the Mission District. Their pastries are famous, and the morning bun is a must!
– Afternoon: Head to the Golden Gate Bridge for the classic photo op, then explore Golden Gate Park. We’d visit the Japanese Tea Garden and, if time allows, the California Academy of Sciences.
– Evening: Dinner at State Bird Provisions for creative, small plates. This place is a foodie paradise, blending unique flavors and innovative dishes.

Day 2: Napa Valley Wine & Dine
– All Day: Head up to Napa Valley for a day of wine tasting and delicious food. I’d book a private tour at some favorite wineries, like Castello di Amorosa for a castle experience or Stag’s Leap for award-winning wines. Maybe swap this out for the wine train to be fancy. We love fancy.
– Lunch: Stop at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville for an elegant French-inspired meal.
– Evening: Relaxing evening at one of the area’s luxury spas, like Spa Solage, for mudslides and thermal baths.

Day 3: Waterfall Adventure & Nature
– Morning: Start with a road trip to Alamere Falls, a unique waterfall that flows right onto the beach. It’s a bit of a hike, but it’s worth it for the spectacular view.
– Lunch: Picnic by the beach or stop at a nearby coastal town like Point Reyes Station for fresh seafood.
– Evening: Head back to the city and unwind with a casual dinner in Sausalito at Scoma’s, where the seafood and views are hard to beat.

Day 4: Spa Day & Sweet Treats
– All Day: A dedicated spa day at Cavallo Point Lodge, where we’d get pampered with massages and facials while enjoying the scenic views of the Bay.
– Evening: Sweet tooth calling, we’d hit up Ghirardelli Square for a hot fudge sundae and explore the dessert shops along the Embarcadero.

Day 5: Foodie Tour
– All Day: A food tour through SF’s neighborhoods. Start with dim sum in Chinatown, head to North Beach for Italian pastries, and wind through the Mission for some of the best tacos and churros.
– Dinner: A reservation at Quince, for an unforgettable, Michelin-starred dining experience featuring seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients.

Day 6: Bay Area Hidden Gems
– Morning: Brunch at Foreign Cinema, where you can enjoy a fantastic meal while watching classic movies in their courtyard.
– Afternoon: Check out Muir Woods and the redwoods, where we’d take an easy hike surrounded by towering trees.
– Evening: Head back to SF for dinner at Brenda’s French Soul Food, where we can indulge in some beignets and hearty Southern comfort food.

Day 7: Relax & Reflect
– Morning: Breakfast at home or a local cafe, then stroll around Hayes Valley for some last-minute shopping.
– Afternoon: If time allows, we’d go for a final waterfall stop at Uvas Canyon County Park or just relax at Baker Beach, taking in the ocean views.
– Evening: A low-key evening with drinks at The View Lounge, where we’d toast to a memorable week overlooking the skyline.

From stunning scenery and waterfalls to culinary adventures and ultimate relaxation, this trip would be everything my best friend loves, but if only she could afford to spend a week here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my life, I’ve been shaped by remarkable individuals who have left lasting imprints on the woman I am today. First, I want to honor my mom, who passed away 22 years ago from lupus. She instilled in me a strong work ethic, deep empathy, and a sense of purpose. Despite a challenging upbringing as the primary caregiver for both my Nana and my single mom, I learned invaluable life lessons from her—especially about resilience in the face of lupus, which helped me achieve remission today. Everything I do is in her honor, with a purpose to help others fight this illness and witness, or even contribute to, a cure.

I’m also grateful to my former manager, Q, who helped me realize my potential working in IT and with people. And to Mark, the National Director of Healthcare IT for the U.S., who, after hearing me speak, showed me that I have what it takes to elevate my work to new levels.

Finally, my kids—especially my oldest, Amaru—have been my driving force. Becoming a mom at 17, I was determined to overcome the odds and never rely on assistance. My children, Alejandra and Antonio, continually inspire me to be my best self. They are my motivation, my life, and my support as I work toward my dreams.

Website: https://www.shamekkamarty.com

Instagram: @prettysicklupuschick

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamekka-marty/

Twitter: @prettysicklupuschic

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