Shelbi M. Titus-Walker, JD, MS
CEO, GRAITH Foundation
Host, TLC's My DNA Mystery
Can you share your journey into the work you do? What experiences, moments, or values led you here?
From a young age, I was captivated by stories — especially the ones that history often overlooks. In Miss Martin's fifth grade class, while watching Civil Rights films, I found myself deeply curious not only about the famous leaders, but about the everyday people behind the movement. I wanted to know who they were, where they came from, and how their lives connected to something bigger. That curiosity became a lifelong calling.
Professionally, I trained as a genealogist and have dedicated my career to helping people discover their roots and reclaim their identities. Over the years, I began working with adult adoptees who were searching for their biological families. What started as research became restoration work. To date, I have helped solve over 1,700 cases, reconnecting individuals with parents, siblings, and extended relatives.
In 2017, I founded the GRAITH Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to helping individuals uncover their ancestry, understand their DNA results, and preserve their family stories. I also serve as the host of TLC’s My DNA Mystery, where I use DNA technology and genealogical research to help individuals answer life-changing questions about their identity.
For me, genealogy is not just about names on a chart — it is about healing, belonging, and restoring legacy.
Who or what has most influenced your leadership and commitment to this work? This could include mentors, community, lived experience, books, faith, or movements.
My leadership has been shaped by faith, lived experience, and the stories of the people I serve. From childhood, I was drawn to understanding identity and history. As I grew into this work professionally, I realized that genealogy is sacred work. You are often entering the most vulnerable chapters of someone’s life.
My faith has grounded me in the belief that every life has value and every story deserves dignity. Working with adoptees and families navigating loss, separation, and unanswered questions has strengthened my commitment to lead with compassion, integrity, and excellence.
Community has also influenced me. I have been blessed with mentors, colleagues, and clients who trusted me with their stories. Their courage fuels my leadership. This work is not about recognition; it is about impact — restoring identity, truth, and connection for generations.
For those who feel called to doing this work, where would you suggest they begin? Is there a book, organization, practice, or resource that helped shape you?
If you feel called to this work, begin with listening. Genealogy is not just research — it is relationship. Start by learning your own family history. Talk to elders. Record stories. Preserve what you can.
Then, pursue formal education and ethical training. Join professional genealogy organizations, study genetic genealogy, and commit to understanding both the science and the emotional responsibility of this work. Develop patience, curiosity, and strong research skills.
Most importantly, cultivate empathy. Technical skill will open records, but compassion opens doors to trust. This work requires both.
What wisdom or encouragement would you offer to the next generation of Black women leaders entering this space?
To the next generation of Black women leaders: your voice matters. Your perspective matters. Your lived experience is not a limitation — it is your power.
We stand in a space where our histories have often been fragmented or erased. When you enter this work, you are not just building charts; you are restoring narratives. Lead boldly, but stay grounded. Excellence and integrity will always speak for you.
Do not wait for permission to lead. Prepare yourself, trust your calling, and remain rooted in community. Lift others as you rise. And remember — you belong in every room you enter. One of my favorite quotes is, "I come as one, but I stand with 10,000."
Learn about your ancestors, and take them with you wherever you go.
How can people stay connected to and support your work? Please share your website, social media, current campaigns, or other ways to get involved.
People can stay connected to and support our work through the GRAITH Foundation at www.graithfoundation.org or www.shelbiwalker.com. We welcome partnerships, donations, and opportunities to collaborate in restoring and telling family stories and preserving identity.
You can also follow my work as host of TLC’s My DNA Mystery, where we explore how DNA and genealogy change lives.
Together, we can continue reconnecting families, preserving legacy, and ensuring that every story is honored.