Get to know this year’s 40 under 40 winners

Jasmen Sheffield- Sadler
Since birth my parents have instilled the value of hard work and determination. Using those same values, I earned the title of Class Valedictorian of Wayne Memorial High School in 2007 and my graduation photo was painted on the Wayne History Mural where it remains. Following my dream, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wayne State University with a Bachelors in Accounting (2011) and a Masters in Business Administration (2013). Through much research, I raised over $135,000 in scholarships and was able to complete both programs without being introduced to Sallie Mae (debt free). I worked full-time throughout college and have had the opportunity to experience accounting in both the public and private sector. I am grateful for those opportunities.
During the 2015 Emmy Awards Viola Davis gave a phenomenal speech after making history, a portion of which applies to many of our lives. Davis said, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity”. Working in Corporate America, I represent the minority and I intend to always represent it well. Opportunity hasn’t always been at my fingertips; contrary to popular belief, opportunity doesn’t always knock. Sometimes you have find opportunity’s door, knock it down and walk through it yourself. I am currently knocking down doors. Congratulations to the other recipients.