Congratulations to Shemeka Hankins (LAW '11) for being selected as one of this year’s Top 40 Under 40 by Inside Business! Honorees are considered outstanding young professionals who are successful in their careers and involved in actively improving the Hampton Roads community.
Shemeka, who works as a criminal defense attorney, is passionate about mentoring others in her profession. Shemeka is the criminal law practice group director at Invictus Law. She specializes in drug charges and DUIs, working in both state and federal courts. From Norfolk, Shemeka enjoys the warm, welcoming, "small" big city community that thrives in the Hampton Roads region.
Perhaps some of Shemeka's success is attributable to her belief in the necessity of balance. She likes the saying "You can't pour from an empty cup." If you keep giving of yourself without refilling your own personal needs, you will end up coming up empty.
Her advice to upcoming young professionals:
"Step out on faith — faith in your abilities, faith in your support network, faith that the confidence you put out there will be returned in a positive manner. And never be afraid to start over or pivot in a different direction."