Shimaine Holley

Founder & CEO

Change Is Inevitable

Shimaine Holley’s journey is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to systemic change. Having spent her adolescent years in the foster care system in Georgia, she aged out at 21, carrying with her the determination to transform her experiences into opportunities for others. Her path has been defined by roles that highlight her leadership and unwavering dedication to improving systems for vulnerable populations. Throughout her transition from foster care, Shimaine worked as a Regional Coordinator and Regional Impact Liaison for the Multi-Agency Alliance for Children (MAAC), where she made significant contributions to the organization’s mission. In 2017, she served on Foster Youth in Action’s Leaders United Board, amplifying the voices of youth in care. Her efforts have been widely recognized through numerous awards, including the 2017 Nancy Cannon-O’Connell Outstanding Youth Leadership Award, the Georgia Conference 2017 Outstanding Youth Award, the Foster Club 2018 Outstanding Youth Award, and the Shining Star Award from MAAC in 2019. Building on her lived experiences and professional expertise, Shimaine founded Change Is Inevitable LLC. Her organization provides training on critical topics such as adolescent brain development, connecting education to the workforce, authentic youth engagement, and juvenile justice. Her vision is to be a leading force in transforming the child welfare sector, non-foster care systems, and military communities, creating environments of safety, support, and opportunity for all. She aspires to foster a future where every child receives nurturing care, every family finds stability, and every service member experiences holistic well-being. As a Fellow with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Shimaine has traveled across the United States, using data and strategic planning to advocate for system improvements. Shimaine currently works as a Social Worker for NC Department of Social Services where her role exemplifies her ability to bridge gaps between policy and practice, ensuring that systems serve children and families from a holistic lens. Shimaine’s academic achievements reflect her commitment to growth and learning. She graduated from Albany State University with two degrees in Sociology. In 2025, she will add a master’s degree to her list of accomplishments and plans to pursue a Ph.D. beginning in 2026. Her academic pursuits align with her mission to influence systems at a greater level, fostering partnerships and creating pathways for sustainable change. Inspired by her own experiences in foster care, Shimaine’s life work is centered on creating a world where systems work collaboratively to uplift and support those they serve. Her story is one of courage, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of advocacy to drive transformation.