Sumterite continues to show her Wonder Woman nickname is well deserved

STAFF REPORT

Army Sgt. Maj. KiOwana Eunique Phillips, wife of First Sgt. Michael Phillips and mother to Khaleb Phillips, 18, and Michael Phillips Jr., 9, was born and raised in Sumter, the daughter of Garry and Wanda Commander.

Phillips, the oldest of three girls, attended Crosswell Elementary School, Bates Middle School and graduated from Sumter High School. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in human resources management and is pursuing her doctorate in business administration.

Living up to her nickname, Wonder Woman, she is the founder and chief executive officer of three successful businesses: One Shot Firearms Academy, Prepared Place Vacations and It's a Busy Life. She is a soldier, philanthropist, real estate investor and published author of "The Boy Who Smiles with His Heart," which mirrors her position as a board director for the Moebius Syndrome Foundation.

Giving back to the community is a top priority for Phillips. Through her annual Team Phillips Back to School Blessings, she donates new backpacks each year filled with school supplies to families in need worldwide, with Sumter students as her primary focus.

She also holds an annual Steps 4 Khaleb Challenge. Khaleb is the oldest son of KiOwana and Michael, who was diagnosed with Moebius Syndrome at birth. He was also born in Sumter, where Dr. Timothy Key was his pediatrician.

The Steps 4 Khaleb Challenge encourages everyone worldwide to get active with their families by taking as many steps as possible. The challenge raises money for the Moebius Syndrome Foundation.

The Phillipses understand the importance of family time and teach their children love, the importance of family and foundational life skills to set them up for success (Proverbs 22:6).

This Wonder Woman credits her parents for her values.

She is currently stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and her family resides in Raeford, North Carolina.