Daughter of Cleveland, Tenn. plant employee turns Whirlpool Sons and Daughters Scholarship into degree and job serving her community

Few people are more motivating and inspiring than Whirlpool Corporation’s Cleveland Manufacturing New Employee Trainer, Clarissa Shepherd. It’s easy to see that her daughter, Sierra, learned excellence, enthusiasm and integrity by example.

Some of the work I do includes teaching grant-funded programs that focus on life after middle school and high school—whether that be college or a career—and how to achieve that.”

“Winning the $24,000 Sons and Daughters scholarship in 2017 truly changed our lives. Sierra was able to attend the school she’d always dreamed of,” Clarissa says.

Sierra has now come full circle, graduating from Lee University with high honors in 2021.

Clarissa says, “Sierra is now happily married and pursuing a career in non-profit work, where she’s currently the Program Director at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, Johnson Teen Center.”

Sierra says, “I love what I do! Each day is different, yet extensively rewarding. Some of the work I do includes teaching grant-funded programs that focus on life after middle school and high school—whether that be college or a career—and how to achieve that. I also help plan and set up big events for our teen center and organizational-wide events. One recent event was the Youth of the Year Speaking Competition, which offers scholarship money for Club members who are 14 -18 years old.”

Sierra adds, “One of my favorite things to do is help out with ‘Power Hour.’ This is time set aside for students who are struggling in school or just need help with homework. It’s rewarding to see them try so hard on their work daily and then see their excitement when their grades improve..”