Meet Sheila Nevers. Advocate. Bridge-builder. Purpose-driven.

Originally from Miramar, Florida, Sheila Nevers has navigated a deeply personal and transformative journey into Social Work. After experiencing tragic loss, Sheila noticed a deep disconnect in the support systems within the Black community. This reality ignited a passion within her and led her to the path of social work, a field that she believes chose her.

The desire to make a difference in the lives of others became the driving force behind her academic and career shift, and her commitment to this path remains unwavering. When asked why she chose Barry University she replied: “I chose Barry University for my MSW because of its trauma-informed curriculum and strong reputation within the community. From the moment I started the program, I knew I was in the right place.”

As part of its ongoing mission, Barry University invests and positively impacts the lives of our students every step of the way. She describes her time at the university as nothing short of transformative. She shared that the professors, staff, and fellow students played an essential role in shaping her both personally and professionally.

Sheila’s breakthrough moment at Barry came during her first semester, when self-doubt crept in, and she questioned whether she could continue. However, a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Ann Cruz provided the encouragement she needed to keep moving forward. With the support of her cohort and the mentorship of faculty, Sheila persevered and ultimately graduated this Spring with honors.

Before graduating, Sheila was able to secure a role at a major stakeholder company that services multiple health insurance organizations across five states. Currently, she works as a Regional Senior Payor Relationship Manager, where she oversees and maintains strategic partnerships with insurance payors. Her role involves managing high-level meetings and strengthening relationships, all in service of children and young adults ages 21 and under, with a strong focus on mental and behavioral health.“I bring a person-centered lens into a business-driven space, which helps bridge gaps between organizational goals and the real needs of the communities we serve,” she shared.

Sheila also shared that her MSW training at Barry was instrumental in shaping her approach, equipping her with advanced skills in active listening, trauma-informed communication, and systems thinking. In fact, during an interview for her current role, earning an MSW from Barry University was noted as a standout feature on her application.

As Sheila completes this chapter of her academic journey, she eagerly looks ahead to the next step: joining Barry Law School!

We congratulate Sheila and wish her the very best as she continues to turn purpose into action.