The Me Verse
My personal journey as a gay child in a rural Ohio town during the 80s involved navigating through challenges, including bullying due to my sexual orientation. Despite the harassment, I stood resilient and refused to be defined by others’ prejudices. This experience instilled in me a deep understanding of empathy, inclusivity, and the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals in diverse settings.
In addition to overcoming bullying, I triumphed over weight loss battles, shedding over 100 pounds twice in my life through dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to my health and well-being. These transformative experiences taught me the importance of perseverance, self-care, and resilience in achieving personal goals and overcoming physical and mental obstacles.
As I transitioned into roles in facilitation, instructional design, LMS administration, and project management, I carried with me the lessons learned from my past. My ability to empathize with individuals facing challenges, my commitment to continuous self-improvement, and my resilience in the face of adversity have equipped me with the skills and mindset necessary to excel in creating inclusive learning environments, driving project success, and empowering teams to achieve their full potential.
By weaving my narrative of personal growth, triumph over adversity, and dedication to self-improvement into my professional endeavors, I bring a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and determination to every role I undertake, ensuring that I not only meet challenges head-on but inspire others to do the same.
The following is a glimpse into the relationships and hobbies that bring meaning to my life.
My fiancé and I shortly after we got engaged in April of 2023.
My furry beloved companion, Charlie.
While I no longer reside in Columbus Ohio, I will forever be an Ohio State Buckeye. This was a photograph of the training team I was on when I still lived in Ohio.
My immediate family consists of my niece, sister, my brother in-law, and mother.
Art is Life
When I’m not working, or working on self-development, or spending time with friends and family, you can usually find me creating. I enjoy all types of mediums. Graphite pencil was my first and probably will always be my favorite medium. Much of what I like to draw or paint is inspired by movies or vintage anything. Give me an old house, a classic car, or the suave elegance of vintage men’s attire, and I’m in my element. It’s like stepping into a time machine and experiencing life through a sepia-toned lens – endlessly inspiring.
I’m a bit of a tech enthusiast, too. Crafting webpages is like being a digital Michelangelo, but with fewer marble chips flying around. I love most Adobe products; they’re like the spice rack of my creative kitchen, adding just the right flavor to my digital art projects.
When I discovered Adobe Aero, I used it to add 3D elements to a few of my drawings. The drawing from the video I sold to a man living in the land of moose and mountains – Alaska! My art has gone on a grand adventure, braving the cold and trading stories with polar bears.
Graphite drawing
Watercolor painting
Graphite and chalk drawing
Watercolor painting
My art stand set up at a monthly art festival where I sell my art.
My art stand set up at a monthly art festival where I sell my art.
My art stand set up at a monthly art festival where I sell my art.
Sharon (Shay) Penry, M.Ed, PMP 