Sometimes I wallow in self-pity.  After interviewing Seherzada, I don’t know if I have that luxury anymore.  Sherry Burris was born Seherzada Kantarevic in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the breakup of Yugoslavia.  She was born near the beginning of the Bosnian War.  The Kantarevics were Bosnian Muslims and fought against the Serbians.  Sherry describes this as a civil war between Muslims and Christianity.  Her family was on the losing side.  The Kantarevics fled the country.  For three years of Sherry’s young life, age 3-6, she lived in Bosnian Refugee Tent Camps.  It was this experience that shaped the focus and direction of her life.  Sherry remembers the individuals that would come and meet with the refugees, the lawyers.  Sherry remembers that these individuals were there to help them.  Sherry knew she wanted to become a lawyer.

Sherry’s family immigrated to the United States.  The Kantarevics settled around the Garland area of Texas.  Sherry grew up a Muslim in Texas.  Sherry was in middle school during the 9/11 attacks.  Her family lived through the anti-muslim sentiment in Texas and the United States following the 9/11 attacks.  When Sherry became an adult, she made the bold choice to convert to Christianity.  Her family abandoned her.   A friend’s mother adopted her as an adult and she changed her name to Sherry Burris.  She continued to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer, putting herself through college and law school.  Now a newly licensed lawyer in the State of Texas, she is currently working in the Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office.  She obtained her dream of becoming a prosecutor.  Her passion is to eventually prosecute crimes against children.  Sherry has not forgotten where she came from.

When I learned of Sherry’s history, I knew I needed to interview her for my podcast.  This is a serious, passionate, dedicated, young lady.  She is a superstar lawyer in the making.  We all can learn from her dedication, hard work, and passion.  Check out her story.

Vance Hinds