Sharpel Welch – Executive Director of Providence House and Transformational Community Leader
Sharpel Welch is a distinguished nonprofit executive, dedicated community advocate, and Executive Director of Providence House, where she leads with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and revitalizing neighborhoods. As an Army veteran and seasoned leader, Welch brings decades of experience in strategic community engagement, education, and organizational development to her work.
A Career Rooted in Service, Education, and Leadership
Prior to her role at Providence House, Welch served as Director of the Renewal Team at Community Renewal, where she spearheaded neighborhood revitalization initiatives focused on sustainable community growth. She also worked closely with youth as a Youth Community Coordinator in Shreveport’s Allendale and Highland neighborhoods—roles that deepened her understanding of grassroots community needs and the power of local engagement.
Additionally, Welch contributed to adult education by serving as an Adjunct Instructor for the HiSET (GED) program at Southern University at Shreveport Metro Center. Her work helped foster academic achievement among underserved populations, reflecting her lifelong dedication to educational equity and opportunity.
Building Bridges and Empowering Communities
Known as a natural bridge-builder, Welch has cultivated trusted partnerships across diverse communities, laying the foundation for long-term neighborhood revitalization and sustainable social change. She is a dedicated mentor and role model—particularly to young women—whose leadership has tangibly improved youth development and educational outcomes.
Her exceptional work has garnered national recognition. In 2019, Welch was honored as a Civil Society Fellow by the Manhattan Institute, and her insights have been featured in prominent media outlets including CBS Sunday Morning, FoxNews.com, Philanthropy Magazine, City Journal, the Shreveport Times, and the Dr. Drew radio program.
Academic Excellence and Faith-Driven Leadership
Sharpel Welch holds an ASBA, BSBA, and MBA in Human Resources Management from Colorado Technical University, and she has completed doctoral coursework in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University. Her academic achievements complement her practical leadership skills, enabling her to guide Providence House with both vision and operational excellence.
Ordained as a minister in both Texas and Louisiana, Welch integrates faith and compassion into all aspects of her work. She exemplifies the love of Christ by uplifting individuals and communities, living by the powerful motto often attributed to Albert Einstein:
‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.’
A Visionary Leader with Heart and Purpose
Sharpel Welch’s leadership is characterized by resilience, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Whether navigating the boardroom, the classroom, or the most underserved neighborhoods, she leads with heart and vision—empowering others to rise, rebuild, and realize their fullest potential.
Her work transcends a traditional career; it is a profound calling to transform lives, shift narratives, and leave a legacy of hope, dignity, and lasting change. Under her stewardship, Providence House continues to grow as a powerful force for positive change in Shreveport and beyond.