When Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders finally discovered what she loved doing, her dreams of being an entrepreneur were easy to fulfill. But it was not easy finding out her love and her passion. Over the years she changed schools, majors, and jobs, before she identified her love and formed her vision.

"I originally thought I wanted to be a pediatrician, until I could not touch a cadaver (dead body). At that point, I realized perhaps medicine was not the career for me", said Wilkinson-Sanders. I transferred schools and majors and switched to bio-medical engineering. I liked this major and did well until the school eliminated the major". She changed schools again and pursued a BA in accounting. After realizing she did not like accounting, she went on to get a master’s degree in information systems. Wilkinson-Sanders said after many trials, I received an education in an area I really liked and enjoyed".

Armed with the master’s degree, she joined Bank of America and worked her way up to Senior Vice President and Director of Investment Operations. She was one of only five African-American women to reach this level. "I was constantly being challenged, which meant I had to think smarter, work harder and constantly be on my toes", Wilkinson-Sanders recalled. Yet, she still did not feel this was her calling. She credits her divorce for getting her into entrepreneurship. She found real estate to be extremely interesting and loved every aspect of it--except the sales! So she focused on what she was good at--exceptional customer service--and the sales came.

Over the last six years, Wilkinson-Sanders has grown her Supreme Manor real estate business so much that she was awarded the honor of being the top 1 percent Realtor in Cook County and the State of Illinois for 2008. In addition to the real estate company, she owns a construction services company and a real estate services company. "I am working on year two of my seven-year plan", said Wilkinson-Sanders. "I want to spend more time helping others in 2009. I learned long ago that we can't make it in this world alone". She has already hosted free workshops in her offices to educate the community on the importance of maintaining good credit and financial stability. Following her own advice will help her reach her main goal of being able to retire in 2015, turn the company over to her two daughters and spend time traveling and speaking across the country.

Sheila Wilkinson-Sanders shares these inspirational words to women striving to reach their goals: "Take time to determine what really makes you happy. What is your passion? What is it that you ultimately want to achieve in your life? Once you determine that, look at what you are doing right now. Is it going to get you to your ultimate vision for your life? If not, stop! Take some time to map your life plan. Make sure you have balance in your life. Write it down and then begin your future of joy and happiness one step at a time."