Sheila Collins is a groundbreaking strategic advisor in the innovation space. She has over 15 years of experience in marketing, eCommerce and innovation. Her big-picture views coupled with her forward-thinking planning, and skilled execution has fueled her success.

Sheila serves as the Senior Advisor of Startup Programming at AARP Innovation Labs, this accelerator works with start-ups, investors, and industry leaders to bring forth disruptive technology to fulfill the organization’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. She has also spun up several entrepreneurial ventures and programs. Earlier in her career, Sheila spun up a program called Piggy Bank, teaching youth about financial literacy. She is an angel investor and advocate for FemTech solutions and wealth building opportunities for BIPOC founders.

Sheila is a native of Brooklyn, NY and now resides in Washington, DC with her husband and daughter. Sheila earned her MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business and achieved her BA from Long Island University.

As a citizen of the world and avid traveler, acquiring passport stamps is one of her favorite pastimes. Sheila has lived, studied, and worked overseas and traveled to over 40 countries. Sheila is a Broadway musical, live concert and hot Pilates enthusiast.

Top 5 Inspirations

My 6 year old daughter, Brooklyn, for her humorous nature, joyful spirit, and curiosity

Issae Rae for her endless creativity and her statement “I am rooting for everything black”

Operation Hope for their work on disrupting poverty

Arlan Hamilton – for opening my eyes to what’s possible in the VC world

Anthony Hamilton and Avery Sunshine for filling my soundwaves with soulful music

AgeTech for being the space that powers our longevity

My Five Minute Journal that reminds me that I always have something to be grateful for even when life gets thorny

Just as I am: A memoir by Cicely Tyson - Its fascinating to learn what people go through to get to their fame