Instagram story viewer> @darlashines> Tagged

Darla Shines

@darlashines

27.7K

followers

1452

following

Educator, Philanthropist, Community Leader
Momager @tadiamusic
District Lead @mysisterskeepersi
Logistics @ekipmusiq

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

💗💛 Leading with Resilience, Strength & Sisterhood! 💛💗

Our P.S.58 MSK Leads, Kayla & Jaylen, attended the first District 31 My Sister’s Keeper meeting of the school year! They learned the importance of resiliency and showed their love and support for our I.S.61 sister, Jazleiyn, as she continues her courageous battle with osteosarcoma. 💗🎗️💛

We are so grateful to be part of such an uplifting community that reminds us of the power of sisterhood, kindness, and standing together through life’s challenges. A special thank you to D31 CAFE @darlashines for creating such a meaningful and supportive space for our girls to connect, grow, and uplift one another! 💛✨💗

Together, we are stronger! 💗💛

#ItsGreatAt58 #WeCanRKR58 #MySistersKeeper

30

0

The forecast calls for a ‘Four-nado’ of vanilla custard and cream cheese frosting. 🌪️✨ Handcrafted white chocolate flowers 🌺 for a the fabulous 4 year-old? Absolutely. Pink velvet never looked so good.

Happy birthday Zoie 💖 💖 Shoutout to @darlashines for this opportunity for @crumbycrema to be a part of Zo’s special bday!

#crumbandcrema #youwongmycake #crumbycrema #pinkvelvet #redvelvet

15

2

Glory to God for a beautiful life lived. We lost a powerhouse diva who was so very full of life & light. Loved to take pictures, spend quality time with her loved ones. What a privilege to orbit this lifetime with @zouke10

She was a dear sister friend to my Mama @darlashines. I saw how she loved on my mom like her sister. She would tell me that she shares me with my mom, as her daughter. Her energy was literally unmatched.

When I started my business @fembelle in 2014 - she was one of my first LOYAL clients. I did her big CHOP. I did her makeup for her marriage day. I did her makeup on so many of her birthdays!

When my brother was shot and hospitalized in 2019, she would text to check in- sending money to get groceries for the house - not because anyone asked but she wanted to lighten my mom’s load and support how she could.

When I hosted a private music listening event in 2021 she sent me $500 and said make the drinks complimentary. She came to so many of my shows, small and big and always wanted an update on what’s next with music.

She only got to grace this planet with 50 years and I’m certain she made all of it count, she left no stone unturned.
What’s the take away: the time you think we have, we don’t. LIVE !!! VIV !!!

When I think of an ideal member of the TRIBE - I think of Wency Charlemagne. Someone who broke bread cheerfully, gave with her whole heart, supported you, celebrated HARD, a woman of FAITH & strength. She fought like a warrior and we find peace in knowing that she is no longer in pain. May God bless her soul & May she rest in eternal peace.

We’ve gained an angel 🫶🏾
We love you so very much our Miracle Wen! Until we meet again.

Please keep her husband Ralph, her two autistic 16-year old sons Zach & Jerri in prayer.

Thank you for the beautiful Photos: @ejcreativenyc @cjartphotographie

153

29

Jodi a mwen resevwa yon bèl kado nan men @darlashines ki te vle remèsye m pou travay mwen pou Grenadye yo! Thank you Darlyne 😍

761

15

🍕🩷 Sisterhood, smiles, and sweet treats! 🩷🍪

We celebrated our final MSK after-school session of the year with a pizza party, delicious treats, and lots of memories together. 🎉✨ We are so proud of all of our girls for their dedication to MSK and for the growth they have shown as student leaders throughout the year. 🌟👑

We can’t wait to continue this journey together next year! 🚀🩷

To our graduating 5th graders, thank you for the leadership, kindness, and positive impact you’ve made on our chapter. You have truly left your mark, and you will be greatly missed. 🎓⭐ Best of luck in middle school — we know you’ll continue to shine wherever you go! 🌠

#ItsGreatAt58 🩷🚀

40

2

🎓✨ Congratulations to our amazing P.S.58 MSK seniors (missing Lia & Willow😔) on your graduation day! 💕 We are so proud of the way you have led by example - with grace, kindness, patience, and heart. 💚

We are truly fortunate to have such a special group of “bigs” who have guided our MSK chapter and helped pave the way for our “littles” & future student leaders. 🚀⭐

A special shout-out to our very own Eriiyanu for earning the honor of Valedictorian of the P.S.58 Class of 2026! 🏆🎉 Your hard work, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire us all. 💫

Best of luck on the next step of your journey. Remember, you always have a home at @ps58_sscolumbia. Once an MSK leader, always an MSK leader! 💚🎓✨

48

2

I had the most beautiful experience performing live at @lelenyc - The energy was top tier. Thank you for having me close out Haitian Heritage Month with so much love, style & grace. Until Next Time 🥂 🫶🏾♥️💙
.
Moments Captured Beautifully by @ejcreativenyc
#livemusicnyc #fyp #afrocaribbean #finedining #TADIA

184

29

It was truly a beautiful day at the District 31 @mysisterskeepersi “All About Me” Impact Showcase Day: Celebrating Who We Are 💜✨

The day was filled with powerful stories, incredible student performances, meaningful cultural representation, and delicious food that brought everyone together 🌍🩰🌟

Our Student Leads, Emma and Reilly (missing Eriiyanu), proudly presented our MSK for MSK fundraiser Impact Tool, highlighting how P.S.58 raised an impressive $1,630 for an amazing district-wide initiative (shoutout Jasmine from P.S.59)!💰👏 Reilly also shared the inspiration behind her winning essay for Senator Lanza’s “There Ought to Be a Law” Contest 🏆📖

Our girls left feeling inspired, empowered, and proud to be part of such an amazing community 💕🫶🏼

#ItsGreatAt58

46

1

I remembered feeling guilty for being shot. How was I going to be able to take care of my parents from a wheelchair? ♿️

I was in rehab at the time, tubes in my throat,
and couldn’t talk just alone with my thoughts. 💭 I didn’t have a blueprint, but I certainly created one. Years later, I have no worries about what I was told, and I’m glad they were able to witness their son do everything the doctors said I was not supposed to do and more!

It was a pleasure being the Keynote Speaker for the Accessibility Fair at District 31. Remember, you can always turn a No into a Yes. No matter what you’re facing right now, your story is not over. The very thing that was meant to break you can become the foundation you build on. ✨ #motivationspeech #againstallodds #wheelchairlife

915

143

What an absolute honor to be invited to have tea with MSKSI! This was my second year attending, and it is always such a beautiful experience. During the event, Deputy Chavez was called to speak and reminded us all that this incredible tradition is now in its 5th year, beautifully giving honor to the leadership under which this vision came to being. ☕✨

It is truly amazing to work alongside phenomenal women like Christine, Darlene, Edele, Shiela, Jackie, Laurie, and a host of others who truly get it. They understand that showing girls how to be their sisters' keepers builds the kind of women who will turn around and do the same for others.

It all starts young. Scripture reminds us to "Train up a child in the way he should go."

My mother always says:

"You can't wait until the tree bends to try to fix it." 🌳🌱

This is the exact heart of the work I did during my days as a school principal, but seeing it scaled at this level is incredibly humbling. Being part of this larger movement to empower our youth is an absolute gift.

They even had a fantastic fashion show! Speaking of style, I actually had a floral print dress ready to go for the tea. But I thought about the girls I saw last year who looked uncomfortable showing up in pants, so I changed my outfit. I decided to rock a sharp, pearl white suit paired with a matching pearl white tuxedo-style blouse, gold accessories, a beautiful fascinator, and some Gucci sneakers instead.

I wanted to show the girls who aren’t into dresses that you don't need a gown to be soft, dainty, and elegant. True confidence, representation, and sophistication come in many styles! 💼👟👒

A huge thank you to our inspiring guest speaker, a true Ghanaian Beauty Queen, for gracing us with her wisdom. Here’s to lifting as we climb! 👑❤️

#MSKSI #SistersKeeper #WomenEmpowerment #MentorshipMatters #ItStartsYoung LeadershipInAction AuthenticStyle SuitsAndSneakers RepresentationMatters

73

4

Bel Moun, Bel Vibe. #BrooklynJukeJoint was such an unforgettable night.
So much demand about when’s the next one… Should we run it back in Brooklyn ???

Thank you to all of the tastemakers who came out. There’s always LIFE wherever the TRIBE gathers 🫶🏾

#haitianheritagemonth #haiticherie #livemusic #nycnightlife

Moments Captured by @blackcarl_ @ejcreativenyc

151

24

Comm(unity), Stories, and Social Justice: The CSD31 Inclusion Fair ✨

There is profound power in our stories. The #IncludedD31 team recently hosted an Inclusion Fair that served as a masterclass in social justice and "Heart Work." 🕊️

Under the leadership of Special Education Director Darlene (@darlashines), with Jenna and RO leading the charge, the event proved that even with competing priorities, this team is never absent from what truly matters. 🛡️🤝

The Power of Representation:

Scholars were moved by an extraordinary lineup, including Paralympic record-breaker Blake Leeper, author/advocate Jessie Chin, and the talented @CKtheelement. Every student was gifted a book—purchased by our schools to support the authors and ensure our scholars own their stories. 📚✍️

Equity in Motion:

The Barks and Beaks (P37R) team served the community with excellence. Under Principal Cori Regan, this cafe allows scholars with special needs to lead as baristas and cashiers, gaining true independence. This is equity in action: a space where no one is excluded. 🐾☕️

A Legacy of Purpose:

The presence of Superintendent Dr. Palton underscored the lifelong dedication required for this work. It was also inspiring to see Darlene’s daughter supporting her mother right after Mother’s Day—a testament to a legacy of purpose.

As a Motivational Activist Championing Educating You-th (M.A.C.E.Y.), watching this work curated on such a district-wide scale gives me life. When a space is authored with this much excellence, even a SISSTAR in the walk like Antoinette can feel the shift.

My path is my path. I am staying present in the impact. I SEE all of you. 👁️❤️

#CSD31 #IncludedD31 #SocialJustice #InclusionMatters SpecialEducation CommUNITY StudentVoice P37R BarksAndBeaks NYCPS HeartWork MACEY StayPresent

43

2