Shelly Drake-Slaughter: Protecting the Future, One Family at a Time

A Mission Born from a Gap in Knowledge

For Shelly Drake-Slaughter, life insurance is more than a policy—it’s a powerful tool to protect families and build legacies. As a licensed representative with Primerica, Shelly’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to education, access, and generational change. Her mission began when she saw firsthand how little her community knew about life insurance, how many families were underinsured, and how the lack of coverage often left survivors financially devastated.

“Educating the Black community on the importance of life insurance became my calling,” she says. “Too often we wait until it's too late.”

That clarity of purpose led her to pursue a career in financial services—not just to earn, but to inform, protect, and advocate.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers

Starting out wasn’t easy. “The Black community historically associates life insurance with death, not legacy,” Shelly explains. “That mindset made it hard to have honest conversations.” But she leaned into education as a way to dismantle myths. She spent time researching policy types, understanding financial planning, and developing clear ways to present information that made people feel informed rather than afraid.

Her biggest challenge? Breaking through the silence. “We don’t talk about this enough in our families,” she says. “But I’ve made it my business to change that.”

Building a Business with Purpose

What sets Shelly apart is how she leads with heart. Her approach isn’t about sales—it’s about service. She teaches clients to see life insurance as more than a safety net. It’s a plan. It’s peace of mind. It’s an act of love.

Shelly’s business is rooted in trust. She takes time to learn about her clients’ lives, goals, and fears. “I don’t just ask about coverage—I ask about legacy,” she says. “What do you want to leave behind? Who do you want to protect?”

Through Primerica, she offers a range of life insurance options tailored to different income levels and family needs. She also explains the importance of starting early and choosing plans that grow with the household.

Balancing Roles with Intention

Shelly’s life isn’t just business. She’s also a full-time employee, a parent, and an active presence in her community. “It takes structure and discipline,” she says. “I schedule my time down to the hour. If I don’t, something will slip.”

She uses social media to reach new clients and share bite-sized educational content. Whether she’s posting quick facts about term life policies or sharing client success stories, Shelly uses every platform to spread awareness.

Despite her full schedule, she prioritizes presence. “I’m building something for my family,” she says. “But I also want to be there for the people I love now.”

Support and Self-Belief

Behind Shelly’s drive is a circle of support. “I’m thankful for the people who believe in me,” she says. “From mentors at Primerica to close friends and family who’ve supported my journey.”

But belief didn’t always come easy. At times, she struggled with confidence—especially in an industry where Black women are often underrepresented. She pushed through by remembering her “why.” The purpose behind her work grounded her through every challenge.

“Whenever I felt discouraged, I thought about the families I could help,” she says. “That kept me going.”

Representation Matters

As a Black woman in financial services, Shelly knows her presence matters. “We need more of us in these rooms,” she says. “It’s not just about closing policies—it’s about opening doors.”

She strives to make financial conversations more accessible, especially for those who may have never been taught about insurance, savings, or long-term planning. Her goal is to make life insurance part of the conversation in every Black household.

Shelly also uses her story to inspire others. “If I can do it—balancing family, a career, and this mission—so can you,” she says. “You don’t have to know everything to start. You just have to start.”

Eyes on the Future

Looking ahead, Shelly plans to continue growing her client base, offering more workshops, and deepening her reach within local communities. She dreams of creating a mentorship program for young professionals interested in financial services, with a focus on building confidence and cultural understanding. “I want to be remembered as the woman who helped others protect what mattered most,” she says. “That’s my legacy.”

Her goals include expanding into underserved neighborhoods, helping families move from survival to stability, and showing that financial literacy is not reserved for the wealthy—it’s a necessity for everyone.

Advice for Women of Color in Business

To other Black women considering entrepreneurship, Shelly offers this:

“Don’t be afraid to step into rooms where you may be the only one who looks like you. Your presence makes a difference. And your voice can shift the conversation.”

She encourages others to invest in their education, ask questions without shame, and lean into community for support. “The more we learn, the more we empower others,” she says. “And that’s how we change the future.”