‘Never stop pursuing what is possible’

For Koketta Shelton, education was always important, but her journey did not unfold exactly as originally planned. But her determination to pursue her goals never changed.

Although Shelton did not graduate with her high school class, she remained determined to complete her education and build the future she wanted for herself.

At 19, Shelton enrolled in Durham Tech’s Adult High School program to earn her high school diploma and continue moving forward.

“My mom attended Durham Tech,” Shelton said. “Seeing her attend showed me that I could do it, too. It encouraged me to take that next step and continue my own education.”

Durham Tech became an important turning point. Shelton found instructors who encouraged her to continue setting goals and see college as her next step.

“The instructors were passionate and inspired me to keep going,” Shelton said. “They encouraged me to continue building on the foundation I had started.”

Durham Tech provided Shelton with the opportunity to take two college courses at no cost. These courses counted toward her associate degree. This hand-up made her even more excited about continuing her education at Durham Tech.

After earning her diploma, Shelton began pursuing her aassociate degree in early childhood education at Durham Tech. She later transferred to Mount Olive College, where she completed her bachelor degree in early childhood education.

Her educational journey did not stop there. Shelton later enrolled at N.C. Central University, where she earned her Master of Social Work (MSW). She continues to look toward the future, with plans to further her education and explore opportunities that combine her background in social work with her interest in the legal field.

“Believing in myself started at Durham Tech,” Shelton said. “When I came to the College, I felt set back because I had not graduated with my high school class. My instructors helped me understand that a setback does not define you. Durham Tech is the reason I continued to go further educationally.”

Shelton has built a career spanning more than 20 years in the healthcare field, growing professionally while continuing her education. After earning her MSW, she expanded her career into social work, gaining experience in clinical practice, therapy, housing support, and services for veterans and individuals impacted by intimate partner violence. Her work reflects a continued commitment to supporting individuals and families through different stages and challenges in their lives.

Since 2014, Shelton has led Sisters Pushing Sisters International, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence.

Shelton’s journey has also led her into entrepreneurship as the owner of Icy Paradise, LLC, a mobile Italian ice business. For Shelton, becoming a business owner represents another example of how far life can take you when you continue pursuing your goals. Its tagline, “Bringing Flavors, Creating Smiles,” reflects the joy she hopes to bring to the communities she serves.

As a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of five, Shelton hopes her journey inspires her family to never stop dreaming.

“My two granddaughters love the rainbow flavor and think it’s awesome that their grandmother sells Italian ice,” Shelton said. “I want them to know that no matter where you start, you can always keep pursuing your dreams.”

Shelton is also a co-author of “Women Who Win: Unstoppable Despite Life’s Challenges,” a title that reflects her own journey.  

She encourages others to pursue their goals and reminds them that where they begin does not determine where they can end.

“The sky is the limit. Why not start at Durham Tech?” Shelton said. “Durham Tech gave me a foundation that I continued to build on throughout my life. That is why I encourage others to take that first step and never stop pursuing what is possible.”