Sheila Powell
District 2 - Incumbent
Born and raised in Awendaw, SC. Educated at the former Porcher Elementary School and a graduate of Lincoln High School. Berkeley Cooperative member since 1995. In 2019, I became a widow due to the sudden death of my husband which shattered my heart, I was married to the love of my life, Clement Powell, for 39 years and enjoyed traveling the states as an Air Force family. God blessed my late husband and me with three beautiful children – Detra, Jason, and Gizelle – as well as three grandchildren – Ryan, Kamryn, and Audrey. It was through our travels and adjustments throughout the states that brought about my drive to become a willing vessel of service. No mattered where we lived it was home and home for me always meant being engaged in the process of making the best of it.
My life’s mission is to serve others to produce a better way of living. In November of 2021, the membership of Berkeley Electric Cooperative elected me to represent and serve as District 2 Trustee on the Board of Directors. Over the past 12 months, I have diligently made it my priority to obtain the necessary training needed to become the best board representative I could be. I have traveled to Washington, DC and other states while completing online courses through the National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) to obtain my certificate as a Credentialed Cooperative Director. I am currently taking additional courses to become a Gold Level Director. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate on the statewide panel of directors representing Berkeley Electric at the SC Electric Cooperative Annual Conference. Engaging in programs and activities with Berkeley Electric, has provided insight and appreciation of our mission statement: “committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, while enhancing the lives of those we serve.” I have spent 26 years volunteering with Berkeley’s WIRE group and have a clear understanding of Berkeley’s commitment to community which has been beneficial for me as I navigate my role on the decision-making board of the cooperative. I am constantly learning and committed to this process. One year down, the journey has just begun! You invested in me with your vote in 2021, I honored your vote by dedicating my time and talents as your Trustee. Again, I solicit your vote and support during Berkeley Electric’s series of Annual Meeting Drive- throughs in November 2022.Being your elected trustee is an honor that I have taken seriously, with commitment of service to you being at the heart of everything I do.
Grateful!
Education
- University of South Carolina
- Voorhees College
- National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) Credentialed Cooperative Director
- National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) Course credits for credential Gold Level Director.
A Lifetime of Service
- Active BEC W.I.R.E. (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) member, 26 years
- Senior Citizens Executive Director, 18 years
- Town of Awendaw Councilwoman, 14 years
- Constituent School Board Trustee, 8 years
- President of Mt. Nebo Women’s Missionary, 8 years
- PTA President & BZA and Planning Commission, 12 years
- MUSC Community Health Advisor, 5 years
Awards & Achievements
- Trident United Way’s Non-Profit Women’s Leadership Award
- Lt. Governor of South Carolina Leadership Award
- Leadership South Carolina, Special Award
- Outstanding Community Leadership Award
- Municipal Association of SC Advanced Graduate Award
- Heaven 1390 and Star 99.7 Trail Blazer Award