CARLAMAY SHEREMATA

OUR NEW SPRING COVER STAR; AUTHOR, SPEAKER & SINGER IN CALGARY WHO IS ADVOCATING FOR YOUTH AND TRUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY

Author, Speaker and Signer.

Photography by Svetlana Yanova

"​I want everyone to know that each of us possesses a diamond within—a unique brilliance that may be obscured by life's challenges and past traumas. My company, Diamond in the Rough, symbolizes that with the right support and encouragement, this inner gem can be polished to reveal its true luster. All it takes is one person to help remove the rough edges, allowing us to shine in ways we never imagined. Embrace the journey of uncovering your true self, and let your inner light illuminate the world." Carlamay

I'm Here With: Hello, everybody! It's Jill from I'm Here With magazine. We are back and thrilled to introduce our newest cover star, Carlamay Sheremata! What a beautiful name! She has stunning blonde hair, and her last name is so intricate and unique that you would never guess her ethnicity from it.

Carlamay is truly a pillar of our community, advocating for mental health and inspiring our youth. After dedicating over 20 years to law enforcement, she remains vibrant, youthful, and engaging.

Carlamay: Thank you! I'm really excited to be here. I look forward to sharing our experiences and journeys together, especially for the I'm Here With network as we connect more with the community.

I'm Here With: Just the other day, you spoke at a beautiful summit. Could you share what that experience was like for you?

Carlamay: Certainly! I was a keynote speaker and hosted two workshops at the AWC Agriculture Conference. My presentation was titled "Being Pink in a Blue World,” focusing on how women can maintain their femininity and vulnerability in a traditionally male-dominated field. It was an honor to speak about community and the importance of supporting one another.

I'm Here With: I’ve seen through your social media how kind and loving you are to everyone—your hugs, your posts, your pictures! You genuinely continue your relationships with those you help. I admire your commitment. We met at events like Not In My City and Not So Silent Night during the Legacy Makers initiative. I was enamored by your presence; you have that star quality that draws people in. You really take the time to connect, even with those behind the scenes, like makeup artists. It speaks volumes about your character.

Carlamay: Thank you so much! I really appreciate that.

I'm Here With: When I looked into your background, I learned more about your impressive journey, and it struck me that someone with your kindness had a long career in law enforcement. I initially thought, “Is this for real? Like, the beautiful officer who comes to your door?” But truly, your story—how you became a cop in such a male-dominated industry—is both intriguing and inspiring. I’d love for our audience to understand what motivated you to pursue justice and serve as an officer.

Carlamay: Absolutely! I started with a degree in psychology and sociology, minoring in music. Music has always been a core part of my life. My initial goal was to work with young girls in schools, inspired by my own experiences with bullying. However, I realized I would have to go back to school to become a teacher, which wasn't the path I wanted. Instead, I ventured into PR and marketing within the oil and gas sector. At 26, I decided to pursue law enforcement after taking courses in law and criminal justice. I wanted to enter a profession where men and women earned equal pay for equal work, and policing seemed like the right fit.

I'm Here With: Reflecting on your decision, there were challenges, of course. I remember you mentioning the culture shock you experienced. How did you navigate through that?

Carlamay: It was challenging! I entered a very different environment—having never held a gun before—and I remember the moment I walked into training, questioning my choice due to the culture shock. But I stayed true to myself, embracing my identity, even when faced with criticism for being “too feminine.”

I'm Here With: While many envision cop shows, the reality is about survival, protection, and a unique culture that defines your behavior and decisions. How have those experiences informed your current role as a speaker and educator? Do you think your law enforcement background helps you connect better with audiences?

Carlamay: Yes, it absolutely translates. Law enforcement taught me not just to survive but to thrive. I made regular check-ins with a psychologist as part of my maintenance routine to ensure I could be the best version of myself for my son and the community. I believe that divine guidance and strength accompanied me through every call and experience.

I'm Here With: Interestingly, you mentioned being diagnosed with PTSD about a year and a half ago. How has that shaped your understanding of mental health?

Carlamay: It has added another layer to my understanding of mental health. No matter how much support you seek, we can still suppress feelings and experiences. Acknowledging the journey from surviving to thriving is essential—not just for self-awareness but for fostering connections with others.

I'm Here With: You also published a book after your extensive career in law enforcement. Given your wealth of experiences, what are some pressing issues you see facing our community today?

Carlamay: It’s not easy to pinpoint just one issue. However, domestic abuse soared during the pandemic, as many families were confined together, leading to heightened tension and conflict. Youth mental health has also become a significant concern as the pandemic isolation revealed the struggles many young people face.

I'm Here With: How many pages is your book, and where can people find it?

Carlamay: It’s 120 pages long and available on Amazon, as well as through IngramSpark at Chapters and Indigo.

I'm Here With: As you created this book, did you encounter any challenges?

Carlamay: Interestingly, the toughest part wasn't gathering information or the stories I wanted to share; it was sitting down to write. I love to write, but I initially envisioned doing it all by hand. However, the publisher required a digital manuscript, which was a tough transition.

I'm Here With: Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment, and I admire your efforts to inspire others. Your heartfelt promotion online is a testament to your authenticity.

Carlamay: Thank you! It’s definitely been a journey.

I'm Here With: So, as you prepare for the magazine cover in April, what message do you want our audience to take away about who you are and what you’re trying to share?

Carlamay: I want everyone to know that we all have diamonds within us, regardless of our past traumas or circumstances. My company, Diamond in the Rough, symbolizes that we all have something special within us waiting to be polished and shine. All it takes is one person to help polish off our diamond and give us a chance. With the right support, we can all radiate in ways we might never have imagined. Each of us holds a diamond within—a unique brilliance often obscured by life's challenges and past traumas. Yet, it takes just one person to start polishing away the rough edges, revealing the gem inside. Embrace the journey of uncovering your true self, and let your inner light illuminate the world.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SVETLANA YANOVA, MAKEUP BY TRENA LAINE, GREEN DRESS FROM BLU'S WOMEN'S WEAR.

Buy Youth Truth on Amazon.com

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