Shakira Small honored as an up-and-coming leader

Each year, the Phoenix Business Journal honors the best young leaders in the Phoenix metro market through its Forty Under 40 program. This year Shakira Small, community developer, joined the Forty under 40 class of 2011, recognized for her accomplishments in the community. Each class includes business, community, government and nonprofit leaders who have achieved impressive milestones in their businesses and careers and have made significant contributions to the Valley's overall quality of life. Winners were honored at a special summer awards banquet and featured in a pullout section of the Phoenix Business Journal.

Read more about Phoenix Business Journal's FortyUnder40

Here is an excerpt from Shakira's nomination:

Which nonprofit experience are you most proud of?

I spent more than twenty years of my life as a dancer. Outside of my family, dance has been one of my number one passions. I am still deeply passionate about dance and dance education. I am most proud of my work as a mentor and volunteer at Royal Dance Works. This is the same studio where I studied and trained. I now have five nieces and one nephew who dance there. I get great pleasure from watching them learn, grow and perform. Dancing has always played a significant role in my life. I love watching young dancers express themselves through a beautiful art form. As a mentor, I place focus on self-esteem, teamwork, respect and self-expression. I have had the privilege of experiencing the power of dance, and how dance has the ability to transform a person. Whenever I am at the dance studio, I am reminded why I love dancing. I volunteer several times throughout the year at Royal Dance Works. Through volunteering, I get the opportunity to give back to a studio and an art form that has given me so much. It feels good to share my passion of dance with others by volunteering and sharing my time.

Click here to read more about the Royal Dance Works studio