DeAnna Sherman

Everyone wants the position… Until they feel the pressure that comes with it. Because leadership isn’t just showing up, it’s holding everything together when it feels like it’s falling apart.

It’s being the answer for everyone else… on days you don’t even have answers for yourself.

It’s carrying weight no one claps for. Making decisions no one fully understands and pushing forward when quitting would feel easier.

This is the part they don’t post. So you better be rooted in something stronger than opinions, pressure, and expectations… Or this role will break you.

Not everyone is built for it and that’s the truth no one likes to say.

The part of leadership people don’t post about? 👀

The calls for help. The pressure to have answers.
The moments you wish you could fix everything, but can’t. And still… they look to you.

That’s the weight. Heavy is the head that holds the crown. 👑 Nearly every day.

I used to think you could force success. 😏 Just work harder. Push more. Stay in grind mode 24/7.

But that “survival mindset”? It burns you out. You can’t control everything. And trying to will your way through life isn’t healthy. Do the work. Be disciplined. Stay consistent.

But then… let go. Trust God. Trust the process. Trust that what’s for you will find you. Because a lot of people are working hard, but they don’t actually believe it’s going to happen.

And that’s where everything breaks. Work hard, But don’t forget to believe.

I remember when I thought True Star would make money from ads, I was wrong. 😏

🚪Door after door closed: “Too small.” “Too local.”
“Just a student magazine.” But that rejection forced a pivot. We’re not built on ads. We’re built on impact.

And I had to really sit with this: This work is transformational. These young people are worth investing in.

So I stopped showing up like a charity and started owning the value.

We are not a charity. We are a worthy investment. 💫

The no’s will outnumber the yes’s. Every time. Because they’re not just investing in the idea, they’re watching to see if you’re built to last.

But here’s what they don’t tell you, some of those same no’s come back around and say YES later.

Not because you asked again…but because you didn’t stop.

Stay consistent. Stay confident. Stay here.

Your YES is watching how long you last. ✨

A message from Na-Taè Thompson and DeAnna McLeary Sherman, founders of True Star.

True Star Rising is back, and this year, we’re opening the doors wider than ever.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 22 years of impact, creativity, and opportunity for young people across Chicago.

General admission is complimentary but we ask you come ready to give what you can and invest in the next generation of creators

Support youth through media, storytelling, and real-world career pathways

🗓️ May 7th | 6–9 PM

Tap the link in our bio or visit www.givebutter.com/TSR2026

Chicago is a city built on stories, on brilliance, resilience, and creators who don’t wait for opportunity… they build it.

We’re reflecting on more than 20 years of impact, uplifting young people and empowering the next generation of storytellers, strategists, producers, writers, business owners, and social entrepreneurs.

What started as a bold vision has grown into a powerful community that continues to ignite futures and illuminate the world through youth voice and creativity.

We invite you to be part of what’s next.

✨ Join us for True Star Rising
📍 True Star Studios | Bronzeville, Chicago
🗓 Thursday, May 7th
⏰ 6:00 PM

This is more than an event—it’s a celebration of legacy, impact, and the future we’re building together.

Be in the room. Be part of the story.

Free RSVP at www.GiveButter.com/TSR2026

Bronzeville