Meet One of Our Knight Authors: Shávon Reed-Agard ’03
The Book Nook at UCF Knight Market this year will showcase 12 alumni authors. Leading up to the event, we will be spotlighting our Book Nook authors!
Meet Shávon Reed-Agard ’03!
Tell us about yourself
Hello Lovers of Words, I am originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas and currently live in Tampa Bay. I see myself as a resilient and family-focused woman of integrity, faith, and fortitude. My background is in mass communications with decades of experience as a communication consultant and personal development coach. I am often recognized for inspiring and helping others overcoming challenges, enhancing their relationships, and understanding purpose.
My career spans entrepreneurship, management, creative arts, and communications. I live out my passion as a motivational speaker through my empowerment company, Echo-Luv Enterprises and I strongly believe that self-awareness is vital for achieving peak performance and success in the workplace and in lasting connections.
I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and held positions across the private, non-profit, and public sectors. I spent five years with the City of Sarasota and from 2002 to 2009 co-owned MelEcho Productions. The company was awarded the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the Business & Industry Award from the Sarasota NAACP. I am a certified life coach through the Life Coach Institute of Orange County and hold certifications as a confidence coach and relationship workshop facilitator.
My heart for people led me to a fulfilling career with More Too Life, a non-profit providing services to victims of human trafficking, founded by Dr. Brook Bello. From October 2017 to March 2023, I excelled in the company to become Chief Managing Director.
I believe true success is rooted in our ability to conquer life challenges and the positive transformations we undergo mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As a devoted wife and mother, the core of my purpose is to echo love—a commitment to teach love and strengthen relationships with oneself, others, and God.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My desire to become a writer started when I was in elementary school with a love for music. I first picked up the pen to write songs, poetry, and ideas for movie scripts. The possibility of creating my own lyrics and world with the stroke of the pen was fascinating to me.
What’s your writing process? What inspires your writing?
My writing process starts with identifying the perfect environment that supports the energy I need to write. Then I bring out my sticky notes (large and small), blank sheets of paper and maybe a little music to help set the mood. It doesn’t take much to inspire me to write. The challenge is having the alone time to do so. I tend to want to write when my mind ponders on solutions that individuals or the world needs. It’s as if my heart wants to write a love letter of encouragement.
What was a class or club at UCF that helped you grow as a writer?
My journalism writing classes were a big part of my path to being a writer and understanding how to tell a story. My minor in Film at UCF was also highly significant to my enthusiasm for expression.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Right now, Kate Bowler – Author of the New York Times bestsellers Good Enough and Everything Happens for a Reason. I recently began reading one of her newest books No Cure for Being Human.
What else?! What are you currently working on right now?
I am focusing on content development for my coaching app, Echo Luv. This includes new personal growth curriculum through videos, workshops, and online courses.
My books:
I am the author of a self-help book, “The Discovery of YOU: Unveil Your True Self.” and the Heart Open interactive journal with over 50 personal growth questions which aligns with the companion course on the EchoLuv App. Readers can engage with me through their journaling experience.
