News & Updates
Sharon White '15 is the recipient of the 2021 Alumni Professional Achievement Award. This award annually recognizes a graduate who is accomplished in their profession while demonstrating a significant level of distinction within their chosen field. Sharon's journey to becoming the current honoree is a story of personal determination and selfless acts for her family and the community.
Sharon originally left school at an early age to find work. Her career eventually led to considerable success managing nearly 70 commercial real estate properties with her former husband, who is still her best friend and business partner today. After downsizing their holdings, Sharon decided it was time to renew her educational goals. In 2012, she enrolled in the College's New Choices Career Development Program.
New Choices is a free program designed to help single parents, displaced homemakers and individuals going through life transitions. It was the perfect fit to welcome Sharon back to the classroom. At age 47, she utilized her new academic confidence and interpersonal skills to graduate from New Choices and immediately enrolled in the College's GED program. Soon after, Sharon began her Liberal Arts coursework in 2013, eventually graduating with academic honors just two years later. She describes feeling at home in the College’s classrooms and common areas. She says, "It truly felt like I had found my purpose in life being at Delaware County Community College, where it was always welcoming."
After receiving her associate degree, Sharon immediately continued her collegiate journey. First came a transfer to Albright College for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, which she received in 2017. Soon after, Sharon attended Saint Joseph's University for a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership, later graduating in 2019. She earned high academic honors at both institutions and is now pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from North Central University.
In addition to her academic achievements, Sharon is also a successful entrepreneur and community leader. She has put her learning into practice to create GRIP Dynamics Consulting LLC. GRIP stands for "Gauge, Reflect, Improve and Perform," based on Kurt Lewin's Change Management Model. Her work attempts to bridge the gap between senior managers and their front-line employees.
One of her main service areas is collaborating with substance recovery organizations. She calls upon her personal experiences of helping her son, Lloyd, deal with his addiction issues when working with clients. Unfortunately, Lloyd passed away two days before Sharon graduated from Saint Joseph's University. In his honor, she is collaborating with her close friend, State Rep. Margo Davidson (D-164), to create "Lloyd's Law." This bill aims to prevent life insurance companies from denying coverage for individuals carrying Narcan, which can help patients experiencing potential opioid overdoses. Sharon is a remarkable example of an alumna overcoming incredible odds to succeed both academically and professionally.
Rebecca Reeves, director of the New Choices Program, is proud of Sharon's accomplishments nine years after her initial graduation. "Sharon exemplifies the timeless story of success through incredible perseverance. When Sharon comes to a New Choices graduation ceremony and shares her story of hope and strength, the inspiration in the room is palpable. She is proof that it is never too late to start creating the life you want," says Reeves. Later this year, Sharon will join the New Choices Advisory board to help inspire clients looking to discover new pathways to personal and professional success.
Sharon's hard work and achievements also provide a compelling role model for her daughters. Stephanie is a successful real estate professional with Keller Williams in Media, and Anna serves in the U.S. Army as a Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst. Congratulations to Sharon for joining the ranks of the College's esteemed alumni award recipients. For more information about Sharon, please visit her LinkedIn profile or learn more about her company GRIP Dynamics.
