Our Mission & Vision

Sharonda Johnson-Wilkes is a powerhouse of advocacy, dedication, and service. For over 22 years, she has been a passionate voice for people with disabilities, using her personal experiences and professional expertise to create meaningful change and inspire others.  Her journey is one of perseverance, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to building a better, more inclusive world.

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Advocate and Leader

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In 2011, Sharonda earned the prestigious title of Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, using her platform to educate the public about disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion. Her advocacy extended beyond awareness, as she mentored individuals with disabilities, empowering them to embrace their independence and pursue their dreams. Her dedication was recognized in 2013 when she was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record, a testament to her influence and impact in the community.

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​Devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother

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Sharonda has been married to her loving husband for over 22 years.  They have three adult sons, and are proud grandparents to eight grandchildren.  Her family is her foundation and source of inspiration, driving her to create a future where all people, regardless of ability, can thrive.

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Professional Achievements

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As a full-time federal government employee for nearly 14 years, Sharonda has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and leadership. Her expertise in event coordination spans over 24 years, during which she has planned and executed numerous impactful events that bring people together and create opportunities for change.

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Education

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Sharonda Johnson-Wilkes is 18 credits away from earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Her dedication to academic excellence has been a driving force throughout her educational journey.

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Sharonda began her studies at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), where she received a Certificate in Management Development.  During her time at CSM, she excelled academically, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, which earned her a place on the Dean's List. Her outstanding achievements also qualified her for membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), further highlighting her commitment to personal and professional growth.

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Her education and leadership experiences have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively, lead with impact, and continue building initiatives that empower others.

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Founder and Visionary

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Sharonda’s passion for empowering others led her to establish two nonprofit organizations:

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1. SJ Wilkes Foundation, Inc.
   Focused on advocating for individuals with disabilities, the foundation provides resources, training, and support to help them transition to independent living and achieve their goals.

2. Opening Doors II (Founded in 2016):
   Within just six months of its inception, Sharonda secured four accessible homes to meet the needs of individuals transitioning from nursing homes, hospitals, or facing potential eviction. Through her leadership, the organization successfully transitioned 15 people into safe, accessible housing, providing stability and independence for those who needed it most.

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Personal Housing Challenges

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Sharonda’s unwavering determination is deeply rooted in her personal experiences with housing struggles.  As a wheelchair user, she has faced countless barriers to accessible and safe living environments.  These challenges include:

• Inaccessible Features: In her current home, Sharonda had to personally replace sliding doors with French doors and tear out damaged carpet to install hard flooring after falling and breaking her hip and knee in 2019. Despite informing her landlord about these hazards, no repairs were made.

• Health and Safety Hazards: She endured bats in the fireplace, oil leaks causing toxic fumes, and heating failures, leaving her and her family without power during a snowstorm. Sharonda had to sleep in her wheelchair for two nights because the hotel bed couldn’t accommodate her Hoyer lift.

• Financial Hardship: Despite these unsafe conditions, her landlord raised the rent from $1,825 to $2,400 and added late fees while refusing to address critical repairs.  Sharonda continues to fight for justice, with a court case scheduled for February 2025.

• Past Trauma: Prior to her current home, Sharonda faced two home invasions, one involving a firearm.  She was forced to live in a hotel while still paying bills at the home, further compounding her housing struggles.

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Fueling Her Mission

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Sharonda’s personal housing experiences have ignited her mission to ensure no one else has to endure what she has faced. She is committed to building fully accessible homes and creating opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve independence, homeownership, and generational wealth.  Through SJ Wilkes Accessible Homebuilders, LLC, she aims to break barriers and build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has a place to call home.

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A Legacy of Change

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Sharonda’s story is one of resilience, passion, and action.  As a wife, mother, grandmother, advocate, and leader, she has dedicated her life to uplifting others and creating lasting change.  Her vision is clear: a world where accessibility is the norm, not the exception, and where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

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Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of adversity, one person’s determination can spark a movement that transforms lives for generations to come.

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