Alumni Hall of Fame - Sheila M. Strong

Sheila M. Strong ’98
Director, Leadership Development and Equity,
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes

Nominated by: Joseph L. Searles, Jr. and Dr. Kimberley Willis

“My education at MCC ignited my passion for learning, leading me to further my studies ultimately earning a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership. Returning to MCC as an employee working for the president of the College, and seeing my former MCC professor Dr. Barbara Lovenheim serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, was a full-circle moment.”

Dr. Sheila M. Strong is a scholar, an inclusive leader and an advocate for social justice. She has over twenty years of executive-level experience in nonprofit and higher education.

As Director of Leadership Development and Equity at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, she directs United Way’s six longstanding leadership development programs. She leads the DRIVE (Diversity, Race, Inclusion, Value, Equity) team to advance DEI and belonging initiatives at the United Way and supports other organizations in the community. She launched United Way’s first Leadership, Equity, Advancement, and Development (LEAD) Mentoring and Coaching Program.

Prior to joining the United Way, Sheila held positions as the assistant to the college president at SUNY Brockport and the executive assistant to the president of Monroe Community College where she served as co-administrator of two leadership programs for middle managers to support the College's mission and strategic plan to develop talent management and was a contributor to the creation of Dr. Alice Holloway Young’s biography.

A lifelong learner; following her graduation from MCC, Sheila earned a bachelor’s degree in business communications and a master’s degree in public administration from SUNY Brockport. She completed her Education Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University.

Sheila has been recognized as the Greater Rochester Chamber 2023 Colors of Success DEI Leadership Award finalist. She has volunteered her service to the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library, Urban League of Rochester Powerbrokers, the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education, the Public Administration Advisory Board at SUNY Brockport, and the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society at SUNY Brockport.

Sheila serves as a trustee of the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum, Inc., BoardStrong, Inc., and the Center for Governmental Research. In addition, she has mentored young women and community leaders in the Greater Rochester region.

Sheila resides in Rochester, New York.