Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

A professional profile image featuring Sheena Adams-Avery, identified as the Communications Manager. She is a Black woman with long, textured black hair styled in thick twists. She wears large gold hoop earrings, a delicate layered necklace, and a white blouse under a brown tweed blazer. Her makeup includes well-defined eyebrows, subtle eye makeup, and bold red lipstick. She is smiling softly at the camera. The background is a solid green color with black, abstract hand-drawn accents. Her name, "SHEENA ADAMS-AVERY," is displayed in large black capital letters on the right side. Below her name, a paragraph introduces her as a creative and experienced media professional dedicated to promoting inclusion through communications. It highlights her role in overseeing Pathfinder’s communications, branding, and digital media content, as well as providing trainings and webinars for the disability community. A gold compass emblem is placed near the center of the image. The bottom section has a torn-paper effect revealing a soft pink background with the word "Specialities:" in large white script. Below it, a list in white serif font details her expertise in Community Engagement, Branding & Public Relations, Plain Language, Writing, Editing & Public Speaking. An arrow points toward this section, drawing attention to her specialties.

Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP, is a dynamic and innovative media professional with over 20 years of experience in print, television, digital media, social media promotions, and four years of graphic design. Her expertise spans content creation, event and project coordination, and the development of impactful marketing campaigns.

As Communications Manager for Pathfinder, Sheena leads the organization’s branding, communications, and digital media strategy. She serves as the managing editor of The Compass, facilitates trainings and webinars, and coordinates outreach events to expand awareness and engagement.

Sheena is also a Certified Trainer and Coach in Community, Cultural Awareness & Belonging, a Plain Language Expert, and a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). A captivating public speaker, she has a unique ability to foster meaningful, thought-provoking discussions, particularly on sensitive subject matter. Passionate about uplifting underrepresented communities, she works diligently to highlight important social issues and promote understanding.

Originally from Illinois, Sheena has called the South home for over 20 years—but her adventurous spirit often takes her around the globe. She currently resides in the Nashville area with her husband, cherishing time with her two accomplished adult sons, her adorable toy poodle, Princess Coco Chanel, and her newly adopted dachshund mix, Sir Maximillian Dachshund, as well as her beloved two “glam girls” and one “glam son.”

Specialties: Branding & Media Communications, Crisis Management, Community Engagement, Writing, Editing, Plain Language, Cultural Awareness & Communications

Interests: Community Engagement, Belonging & Representation, Communications, Disability Advocacy, Human Rights, Languages, Art

Fun Facts about Sheena

Fun Fact: Speaks 3 languages fluently (English, French, and ASL) and is learning Spanish, Swahili, & Japanese

Hobbies: Dancing, Poetry, Traveling, Interior Decorating, Painting, Solving Puzzles

Favorite Book: Street Lawyer by John Grisham

Favorite Music or Song: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johns & J. Rosamond Johnson, but love all genres of music

Favorite Movie(s) or TV Show(s): Shawshank Redemption, This is Us & The Chosen

Favorite Quote: “To whom much is given, much is required.” – JFK (Luke 12:48 KJV)

Mantra: “I don’t communicate just to speak. I communicate to inspire change, advocate for those who need a voice, correct misconceptions, and spark progress. Words are not just for talking; they are for transforming.”

You can reach Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP at sheena.adams-avery@vumc.org.

For media inquiries, presentations, and appearances, or to sign up for our newsletter, email TNPathfindermedia@vumc.org.