Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonda McCray.
Hi Shonda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began in Northern California, shaped by both hardship and hope. I am Coach Shonda—a devoted wife, loving mother, certified trauma-informed recovery coach, self-published author, and purpose-driven entrepreneur. At the heart of everything I do is a deep calling to help women rise from adversity and reclaim their power.
Life presented me with a series of challenges—experiences that tested me in every way, including the pain of sexual trauma, the battle of overcoming cancer, the sting of abandonment, and the spiritual confusion that can come from religious trauma. For a long time, I navigated those storms in silence, wearing the mask of strength while privately wrestling with the weight of it all.
But I came to understand that my pain had a purpose.
I refused to let my past define me. Instead, I made the decision to confront it, grow through it, and use it as fuel for something greater. That decision led me to discover my true purpose: creating space for women to be seen, heard, and healed. My passion lies in helping women, particularly those in high-functioning roles and corporate spaces, who silently carry unspoken wounds behind professional facades.
That’s why I founded F3 Women Empowerment—a movement and safe haven for women who are ready to step out of survival mode and into the fullness of who they are. Through F3, I provide mentorship, motivation, and meaningful connections to guide women toward healing emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. I believe that healing begins the moment someone feels heard without interruption, and I’ve made it my mission to offer that kind of listening, understanding, and support.
Today, I stand not just as a coach, but as a vessel of purpose, committed to walking beside women who are ready to turn their pain into power, and their experiences into elevation. Every step of my journey has prepared me for this work, and I consider it a sacred honor to help others rise.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road—and I wouldn’t want to give the impression that it has. The path to where I am today has been marked by deep personal trials, painful lessons, and moments where I truly questioned my own strength.
One of the most significant struggles was learning how to confront and process the weight of unhealed trauma—particularly sexual trauma, emotional abandonment, and spiritual disillusionment. For years, I carried those experiences silently, trying to push through life while wearing the mask of “strength.” That silence almost cost me my peace, my clarity, and at times, my sense of identity.
Another challenge was navigating the tension between personal healing and public expectations. Women—especially those in leadership or corporate spaces—are often expected to hold everything together, to perform, and to show up flawlessly even when we’re hurting internally. Breaking that cycle and permitting myself to feel, to heal, and to be vulnerable was a journey in itself.
Building F3 Women Empowerment also came with its own set of hurdles. Starting something from the ground up—without a blueprint, without a safety net—requires resilience, faith, and a deep connection to your purpose. There were seasons of doubt, financial sacrifice, and moments where I felt unseen or misunderstood.
But every struggle has refined me. It’s deepened my empathy, sharpened my vision, and strengthened my commitment to the work I do today. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful, and every obstacle has helped shape the foundation from which I now serve others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What should you know about F3 Women Empowerment?**
We are a trauma-informed empowerment platform that provides safe, sacred spaces for women to heal, grow, and reclaim their voice—without the pressure to perform. We specialize in helping women who carry invisible wounds—particularly high-functioning professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders—address the emotional pain they’ve buried behind success, titles, and public image.
Our work focuses on *inner healing first*, because we believe that true success is built from a place of emotional and spiritual wholeness. We are known for our depth, our integrity, and our refusal to do “surface-level” work. Every gathering, session, or program we offer is rooted in vulnerability, truth-telling, and professional care.
What sets us apart?
We are not a trend. We are not on social media. We don’t build our brand on exposure—we build it on *intimacy. In a world where everyone is looking for the next viral moment, we offer something rare: **privacy**, depth, and intentional connection. Every event we host includes the presence of licensed or certified professionals—therapists, psychologists, coaches, social workers, or ministers—so that every woman in our space is not only inspired, but supported with real, trauma-informed care.
We operate from a **no-judgment stance**, where women can take off the mask, speak their truth, and receive the kind of healing that transforms from the inside out. We also foster a community that checks in, holds space, and uplifts one another—not just in business, but in life.
**What are we most proud of?**
We’re proud of creating a space where women don’t have to pretend. Where healing is honored, not hidden. Where being “strong” doesn’t mean staying silent. We’re proud of the lives we’ve touched, the emotional breakthroughs we’ve witnessed, and the powerful women who are rising—not because they were pushed, but because they were *heard*.
**What should your readers know about our brand and offerings?**
F3 Women Empowerment offers coaching, group healing experiences, private events, workshops, brunches and empowerment sessions that center emotional wellness, spiritual alignment, and inner peace. Everything we do is rooted in purpose, privacy, and professional care.
If you’re looking for a place to be seen beyond your title, to heal without performance, and to grow in the company of women who understand your depth—F3 is that place. We don’t create content. We cultivate change.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5-10 years, the trauma-informed coaching industry will grow as coaches, therapists, and social workers collaborate more to provide comprehensive healing. As emotional well-being becomes more of a priority, the demand for trauma-informed support will increase. A key shift I foresee is a stronger emphasis on legitimacy within the coaching profession—coaches will need to have proper education and training to be recognized as credible professionals. It will become harder to call oneself a coach without the necessary qualifications, as experience alone won’t be enough. This will ensure that individuals receive high-quality, ethical support, leading to a more professional and impactful coaching industry. Ultimately, the focus will shift toward long-term, sustainable healing in safe, supportive environments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.f3womenempowerment.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/F3WomenEmpowerment
