Shirley Zinn's story is one of determination, courage, and triumph over incredible adversity.

Born and raised on the Cape Flats, Shirley never allowed her past to dictate her future. She proved that the typical story of a girl from the Cape Flats that of gangsterism, alcoholism, and teenage pregnancy - didn't have to be her story. Instead, she relentlessly pursued her own goals and forged an impressive academic career even when she faced significant odds. And when she'd done that, she set out to conquer the world of business.

Shirley is a formidable woman with an amazing story to tell. She has risen to the top of the pile in both academic and business circles, and yet she has retained great humanity and empathy in the face of great personal tragedy. Her story has lessons for us all - whether we are ordinary or extraordinary, whether we work in business, in government, or at home.

Shirley's story will inspire you and show you that it is possible to achieve your goals if you are prepared to swim upstream and be single-minded in getting where you want to be.

Shirley, who holds an M.Ed from the University of the Western Cape and a D.Ed from Harvard, was awarded the Top Woman in Business and Government and Top Executive in Corporate South Africa by Topco Media in 2008. She was recognized by the Black Business Quarterly and received the award for Top Woman in Business and Government and Most Visionary Woman in 2008. Shirley Zinn served as HR Director for SARS, Nedbank, and Standard Bank.