Meet Mrs. Shella B. Cherry

What is your job as the Coordinator of Student Leadership and Volunteers?

I am responsible for initiating and supporting the efforts of 3 critical parts of MCPS work:

I support student leadership efforts to include the SMOB, MCR, MCJC, and local school SGAs. I also support the growth of leadership opportunities such as the Superintendent’s Leadership Academy, Montgomery Co. EmpowHER- a new women’s leadership organization, and I am looking to support the MCPS athletic department’s effort to create a Student-Athlete Leadership group in the near future. I am also responsible for the student service learning program that supports students completing their 75 hours of SSL for graduation. I monitor student success and SSL completion, develop partnerships with over 900 non-profit organizations that provide SSL opportunities to students and look for opportunities to embed SSL in schools through courses, special projects, MLK day and week of service, etc. Lastly, I support the training of community and family members and provide them with clearance to volunteer in our schools.

What do you hope to accomplish with MCR & MCJC?

First, I seek to improve communications with the current MCJC students and the school SGA students and advisors. I want to draw them in and create a connection between the local schools and our county-wide organizations. As a result, I believe that more students will become increasingly involved in student leadership activities. Once I have this foundation strong, I will be turning to improve MCPS support and participation in MASC leadership activities. The MASC has provided MCPS students with a host of wonderful leadership lessons and we need to increase our participation and thus positively impacting the leadership potential in every student who wishes to grow in this arena.

What past experiences do you have that inspired you to take this job?

Leadership and service have always been areas of growth and interest for me. As a young student, I participated in student government and continued this pursuit in the collegiate realm. In graduate school I was a member of the first class of WILD Women (Women’s Institute for Leadership Development ) and the impact it had on me was everlasting and I wanted to bring such opportunities to other students. While in college at James Madison University I earned membership in two service organizations, Alpha Phi Omega- A national service co-ed fraternity that includes members such as President Bill Clinton. On the same day, I became a member I was elected to a leadership position. Each year I moved up the ranks and eventually worked my way to serve as Vice President of Service where I created partnerships with local nonprofits to find service opportunities for the membership of my fraternity. This is just like what I do now for MCPS! I also earned membership in a historically Black Greek Letter Organization, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In both organizations, I quickly rose to high leadership roles and was mentored by some strong members. These experiences have inspired me to support future leaders and I am privileged to be in the position to do so.

Favorites Sports Team?

While I played a coach field hockey and lacrosse for many years in Virginia and Maryland, my favorite sports TEAM is the University of Kansas men’s basketball team. My father and brother both attended KU and my very first stuffed animal was a KU Jayhawk. Our family also roots for the Ravens.

Favorite Food?

I love Greek food, but don’t know how to make anything, so I don’t get to eat it often. I am also addicted to Chick-Fil-A!