About us
Portia Shipman Enterprises, LLC:
A Global and International Vision
Portia Shipman Enterprises, LLC, established on March 23, 2023, by Portia Shipman, a multi-faceted entrepreneur, social advocate, and mother of four adult children, is a culmination of her decades-long commitment to business, community leadership, and activism. As the driving force behind numerous ventures and initiatives, Portia has built an empire that spans from local to international influence, all while maintaining a focus on community improvement and global engagement.
Diverse Business Ventures
Portia’s business acumen shines through her management of multiple enterprises, including Ms. Queen's Party Bus & Tours Greensboro, Reliable Home Care Services and Good Times Home Health Care, Inc. and Good Times Non Emergency Medical Transportation services, marking her dedication to improving health care services over the years.
Non-Profit Leadership: Domestic Violence Advocacy
Portia’s community service is most profoundly seen in her advocacy for domestic violence victims. As the Founder and former Executive Director of the Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Inc., she spent over 13 years working to prevent domestic violence and support survivors. This foundation, named in honor of her late friend Sherri Jackson, received widespread recognition, including a $25,000 grant from the Women to Women initiative of the Greater Greensboro Community Foundation. The tragic loss of Sherri inspired Portia to bring awareness to domestic violence at both local and national levels, with her work being featured on TV One, Oxygen, and Investigation Discovery.
Global Impact: Yoruba High Priestess and International Advocacy
Portia’s influence extends well beyond U.S. borders. In 2018, she was invited to Osun State, Nigeria, on a two-week IFA Religion Pilgrimage by the former Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbe Shola. During this pilgrimage, she contributed to discussions on elder care and domestic violence prevention, which earned her the honor of being ordained as Yoruba High Priestess, Queen Mother Aje'bifa, while meeting King Ooni of Ile Ife, and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojajall). This prestigious title underscores her global role in promoting traditional African culture and values, alongside her modern-day advocacy work.
Festac Africa Ambassador
Further solidifying her international presence, Portia was appointed as the Festac Africa USA Representative/Ambassador in 2024. This two-year ambassadorship positions her as a cultural bridge between the United States and Africa, promoting arts, culture, and social initiatives. Festac Africa, which dates back to 1966, is a highly regarded festival celebrating African heritage. As the U.S. Ambassador, Portia will represent the USA during Festac Africa’s travels to Kisumu, Kenya, in 2024, marking a significant moment in her career and her continuous efforts to foster global connections.
Political Advocacy and Grassroots Involvement
In 2022, Portia demonstrated her commitment to civic engagement by running for Greensboro City Council, representing District 2. Although not elected, her campaign highlighted her deep-rooted desire to advocate for marginalized communities and improve social services at the grassroots level. Her foray into politics underscores her holistic approach to leadership—whether in business, community service, or politics, Portia continues to push for meaningful change.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Portia is also a first-time author, sharing her deeply personal story of resilience and survival in her memoir, "Those Sandals." The book offers readers an intimate look into her life, including her experiences growing up with her mother, overcoming domestic violence, and finding purpose through adversity. Her story of perseverance and empowerment is a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
Paint the City Purple Campaign™
Portia’s dedication to domestic violence prevention remains a key focus through her Paint the City Purple Campaign™ (PTCP). This trademarked initiative raises awareness and provides prevention services through workshops, community events, and educational programs. PTCP’s global and local efforts reflect Portia’s unwavering mission to save lives, with a specific focus on vulnerable women and communities.
Looking Forward
With the formation of Portia Shipman Enterprises, LLC, Portia has created a powerful platform to consolidate her numerous endeavors. From entrepreneurship to advocacy, global leadership, and personal storytelling, she continues to empower and inspire others across the globe. Whether through her home care services, her work in domestic violence prevention, or her international cultural ambassadorship, Portia remains dedicated to creating a lasting impact, serving communities locally and abroad.
As Portia continues to expand her influence, Portia Shipman Enterprises, LLC stands as a testament to her enduring vision—to leverage her experiences, expertise, and passions in order to make a global difference.
Our team
The strength of the Paint the City Purple Campaign™ comes from the passion, dedication, and leadership of our Purple Team Leaders. Each one carries the mission in their hearts—bringing awareness, hope, and healing to communities around the world.
They are more than leaders; they are the lifeline of this movement. Their commitment to ending domestic and gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and creating safe spaces for families makes them the heartbeat of our campaign.
Together, they remind us that love shouldn’t hurt and that every voice matters in building a future free from violence.
Meet Our Purple Team Leaders
Stacie Young-King
Secretary/Executive Assistant/Woman Empowering Woman Coordinator
Founder/Executive Director of Life Renewed Corp
King Alejaibra Badu
Vice President/Spiritual Advisor
Coordinator for Legacy Remembrance
Founder Alejaibra House, DC
Jeronim Obwar
Global Affairs Director/Youth Workshop Coordinator
Youth Empowerment on SRHR, Advocacy and Mentorship - YESAM
Dr. Mildred D. Muhammad
Global Advisor & Domestic Violence Advocate
Governor Wes Moore Appointed Board Member at Maryland State Board of Victim Services, Speaker on Domestic Abuse/Violence at U.S. Department of State and Certified Consultant/Speaker at U.S. Department of State
YOUTH SPOTLIGHT ambassador
Meet Ayo – “Imo-Trump”
🎺
At just 13 years old, Ayo from Nigeria is capturing hearts with her trumpet. Known as, she inspires others through her passion, discipline, and remarkable musical talent. Ayo represents the power of youth leadership through the arts, proving that creativity and dedication can light the way for her generation and beyond.
Interested in supporting her journey or learning more?
📧 Email us at: PortiaShipman.me@gmail.com
Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate extraordinary young talent around the world!
Sherri Denese jackson Foundation for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Inc (2008-2021)
Sherri Jackson’s Disappearance
Sherri Jackson was 27 years old when she was reported missing in November 2006. Jackson was previously an honor student, cheerleader, and homecoming queen. At the time of her disappearance, she worked at the Shipman Family Care, in Greensboro, as a family and health care coordinator. Her boyfriend at the time, DeCarlo Rayshaun Bennett, reportedly called her parents and asked them if they knew about her whereabouts when her parents and friends could not find her. Also, he allegedly told the police that Jackson was three months pregnant when she went missing.
In any case, the investigation that followed suit found something disturbing in the apartment in which she stayed. The police officers found her apartment in a disarray, and it was assumed that some kind of struggle had taken place there. They then used luminol to see if there was any presence of blood. Howard Neumann, Chief Assistant DA said, “The entire bathroom lit up from one end to the other, which indicates the presence of blood. It was as if someone had taken a rag, and tried to wipe it clean and said to themselves, okay this is clean and thought their job had been done.” The DNA test revealed that the blood found in the bathroom of her apartment was Sherri’s.
Though there were three main suspects, Jackson’s boyfriend, Bennett rose to the top of the list as he kept on presenting stories that did not really add up. Additionally, it was learned that almost one month prior to her disappearance, her parents had made a 911 call regarding a man who refused to leave her apartment. This was based on a call they themselves received from Sherri, regarding the same. Details of this incident revealed that this ‘man’ was Bennett. Additionally, the police officers who went to Sherri’s apartment then also found her to have some injuries. Thus, most of the evidence leaned against Bennett.
Sherri Jackson’s Body is Found
Despite the various leads the investigation made, Sherri Jackson’s body was found almost 19 months after she went missing, in June 2008. Bennett led the investigators to where he had buried the body. It was in the backyard of his mother’s home in Greensboro. A plea deal was made before he led the investigators to Jackson’s body. Thus, Bennett was convicted of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. During the trial, Jackson’s older sister Shanece Belvin said, “That shadow never goes away. It doesn’t disappear when I’m asleep. It doesn’t disappear when I’m awake. … This is a very heavy shadow.”
Sherri Jackson was laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina. After her death, in 2008, with the support of Jackson’s mother, Portia Shipman, founded the Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation that aims to prevent and help those facing domestic violence. ~Richy Maria Jacob, Writer
