The board of directors of the Pine Street Committee, Inc. also known as the Cambridge Empowerment Center, is proud to announce the appointment of Sharon Chester as the new part-time Executive Director. Ms. Chester grew up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge Senior High School. She went on to attend, and graduated from, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. After graduating, she moved to Prince Georges County, Maryland to start her career. Ms. Chester worked in the field of Early Childhood education for over forty-three years. She also served as the Regional Manager for the Office of Childcare in Prince George’s County.
After retiring, Mrs. Chester moved back to Cambridge. She is a dedicated member of the Progressive of Dorchester, Temple #224 where she currently serves as the Daughter Ruler. She is also a Board Member of the Maces Lane Community Center, former Oziel Chapter #23 Order of the Eastern Star, Fellowship Chapter #58 Order of the Eastern Star and Ravens Roost #35 of Annapolis, Md. She was a vital former member of the Prince George’s County Commission for Women and the PG County Inter-Agency Committee where she was the recipient of the Judith P. Hoyer Award in 2012 for Outstanding Services to Children.
Mrs. Chester was hired by the Empowerment Center in October 2022 to help us apply for a Maryland State Childcare License. She was essential in the re-opening of the Pine Street Enrichment Program which offers a licensed after- school and full-time summer program for children aged 5 to 13 years old.
Her motivation and enthusiasm to serve the youth in our community is driven by the day-to-day relationships that she so naturally develops with children. Ms. Chester says, “I believe that my purpose is to encourage each child to seek and grow into the best version of themselves. I hope that the precious memories that are created among the children, staff, and volunteers at the PSEP will be used as steppingstones in their life journey and inspire each of them to be motivated, respectful, honest, and caring individuals, no matter what career path they embrace in life.”
Mrs. Chester is a dedicated wedding and event planner, and enjoys crafting, line dancing, bowling, football and spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband James are both natives of Dorchester County and reside in Cambridge, Md.
The Board of Directors is also proud to welcome Ms. Judy Prahl as the new part-time Director of Growth and Development. She comes to us with many years of experience in both the private and public sector.
Ms. Prahl graduated with an RN degree from New England Baptist School of Nursing, and a BBA from Mercer University with a major in Marketing and Accounting. She currently (since 2007) owns her own internet business which helps companies and organizations improve their online presence. She was a marketing communications manager for Cambridge International from 1994 to 2004. She has worked with other companies prior to this and has lots of experience in grant writing, fundraising, PR, advertising, and social media. Ms. Prahl has held a pilot’s license and enjoys sailing and cooking. She currently lives in Cambridge, Maryland.
Ms. Prahl says, “I look forward to helping this strong Board and Executive Director to achieve their goals and the Empowerment Center’s mission.”
We are very excited to have both talented women working with us to help grow the programs at the Empowerment Center to better serve the community.
https://www.cambridgeempowermentcenter.org/
