A child of two educators, Sheryl Willert grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. Her mother worked in what was referred to as “Black Bottom,” a low-income neighborhood where there was no clean drinking water or indoor plumbing. Each week, her mother would bring one of her students home to make sure they had at least one warm meal. Additionally, she encouraged them to pick out clothes from Sheryl’s closet, things she believed Sheryl didn’t need.
Although Sheryl didn’t fully understand it at the time, these experiences instilled in her the importance of education and a lifelong commitment to supporting her community. Years later, when she was financially able to give back, she decided to start a scholarship fund and partnered with Renton Regional Community Foundation to make that vision a reality.
Sheryl’s scholarship – Changing the Way America Thinks about Race Scholarship Fund (CHATR) – provides scholarships to Black and brown students in the state of Washington who are pursuing undergraduate studies. CHATR is particularly interested in supporting students from Bremerton High School and those who are active in the Rainier Athletes Mentorship program in the Bellevue School District who are committed to using their college experience to help facilitate changing the way America thinks about race.
Why did Sheryl name it “Changing the way America thinks about race?” Sheryl says, “The browning of America is happening and it’s not an option to not co-exist, we have to get along.”
Sheryl’s connection to Bremerton High School is personal. A young man who is currently a partner at her law firm attended the school and experienced discrimination during his time there. He was not always allowed to simply be himself, but fortunately the principal and counselor stood up for him. Sheryl wants people to feel like they can show up in spaces as their authentic selves.
This last fall, a student who had received a CHATR scholarship earlier in the year reached out to ask whether there were additional funding opportunities available. His family had experienced a loss of income and couldn’t help pay for books and housing. When we shared his situation with Sheryl, she immediately offered additional support. Going above and beyond, Sheryl also offered to make connections for internship opportunities.
Through CHATR, Sheryl exemplifies RRCF’s commitment to building a more equitable region. By investing in students, removing barriers to opportunity, and supporting the next generation of leaders, she is helping create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.