Meet Shaila Creekmore in this Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund staff spotlight. Discover how her work in strategic partnerships and grant writing is fueling generational change for families across the state.
Who is Shaila Creekmore at ASPSF? Shaila Creekmore is the Development Officer of Strategic Partnerships for the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF). Based in Jonesboro, she serves as a vital link between the organization and funding sources, specializing in grant administration and donor relations to ensure sustainable financial support for single-parent students across Arkansas.
Every nonprofit organization relies on a dedicated team working behind the scenes to turn its mission into reality. While the students are the heroes of the story, the staff provides the platform for their success. In this Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund staff spotlight, we are thrilled to introduce you to Shaila Creekmore, a driving force behind the organization’s financial sustainability.
Shaila serves as the Development Officer for Strategic Partnerships. If you have ever wondered how scholarships are funded or how a non-profit keeps the lights on, the answer often lies in the hard work of professionals like Shaila. She is the engine room of the grant writing department, ensuring that the ASPSF has the resources necessary to operate daily and fund the dreams of single parents.
Join us as we dive deep into Shaila’s journey, her passion for the mission, and the advice she has for balancing a busy career with family life.
From Program Manager to Strategic Partner
Shaila Creekmore is not new to the ASPSF family. She has been a dedicated member of the organization for four years, but her role has evolved significantly during that time.
Her journey began on February 21, 2021, when she joined the team as the Program Manager for the Northeastern region. In that role, she worked directly on the ground, interacting with students and understanding the unique hurdles single parents face in rural and urban Arkansas.
A Shift to Development
Today, Shaila has transitioned into a crucial development role. As an “All-Star Grant Writer,” she utilizes her background in communication to tell the ASPSF story to foundations and businesses.
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Current Role: Development Officer, Strategic Partnerships.
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Location: Jonesboro (Craighead County).
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Hometown: Little Rock (Pulaski County).
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Education: Bachelor of Science in Communication (Journalism/Photojournalism) from Arkansas State University.
This transition from program management to development gives Shaila a unique advantage. When she writes a grant proposal, she isn’t just reciting statistics; she is drawing on her firsthand experience of seeing students struggle and succeed.
The Art of Grant Administration
What exactly does a Development Officer for Strategic Partnerships do? For Shaila, it is about building bridges between resources and needs.
In her Q&A, Shaila explained her day-to-day focus:
“In my work in strategic partnerships, I am a grant administrator for ASPSF. I work with foundations, organizations, and businesses to submit grant applications and/or collect donations.”
This work is the lifeblood of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. Grants provide the stability needed to promise scholarships to students semester after semester. Without the diligent work of searching for, writing, and reporting on grants, the impact of the organization would be significantly limited.
Describing the Professional
When asked to describe herself in three words, Shaila chose:
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Creative
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Friendly
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Organized
These traits are essential for her role. Grant writing requires the creativity to tell a compelling story, the friendliness to build relationships with donors, and the organization to manage complex deadlines and reporting requirements.
Impact in Action: A Story of Success
One of the most rewarding aspects of working for ASPSF is witnessing the tangible results of the work. For Shaila, the mission is about more than just tuition; it is about generational change.
When asked about her favorite student story, Shaila recalled a moment that highlights the ultimate goal of the program: stability and homeownership.
“Shortly after I moved from the program manager position to finance development, we had a student email a photo of himself and the real estate agent who kept the giant key – she had just bought her first house!”
Why This Matters
The student shared that her new home was within walking distance of her children’s school. She described the joy of seeing neighborhood children playing in her yard every afternoon.
This story perfectly encapsulates the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund mission. It wasn’t just about a degree; it was about moving a family from uncertainty to stability.
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Economic Mobility: The student moved from renting (or worse) to owning an asset.
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Community Integration: The family became anchored in a safe neighborhood.
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Generational Impact: The children now have a stable environment in which to grow and learn.
Shaila noted, “ASPSF is a nonprofit that really gives a way for families to rise from poverty and make generational changes for the family.”
Life Beyond the Office
While Shaila is a powerhouse at work, this Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund staff spotlight wouldn’t be complete without looking at the person behind the title.
Pop Culture and Fun Facts
Shaila admits to a fun quirk that many can relate to: she can connect almost any life situation back to an episode of the hit TV show “Friends.” Whether it’s a pivot in strategy or a “moo point” in a meeting, her humor keeps the team morale high.
Her love for classic cinema also runs deep.
“My favorite movie is ‘The Princess Bride’ and I’ve seen it at least 100 times. My sons love it now too, and my elders agree that it’s the perfect date movie!”
The Reading List
Currently, Shaila is reading “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. This choice reflects her introspective and creative nature, appreciating stories that explore communication and human connection in unique ways.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
Shaila lists her proudest achievement unequivocally: being a mother.
“It must be to be a mother. Being a mother is by far the hardest ‘job’ I’ve ever had, but watching your kids grow up is great.”
This perspective allows her to empathize deeply with the single parents ASPSF serves. She understands the juggling act of raising children while trying to maintain a professional identity.
Wisdom for Working Parents
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from our interview with Shaila is her advice on time management and boundaries. It is advice that every student and professional needs to hear.
The “Calendar Everything” Rule: Shaila believes that everything belongs on your calendar—including family time.
“When asked if you are available during a child’s ball game or family dinner, just say, ‘I’m sorry I’m booked at the time, what about Tuesday at 6 am?’ They do not need to know that it is a family obligation; It is simply time that is not available on your calendar.”
This approach validates family time as a non-negotiable commitment, just like a board meeting or a donor call. It is a powerful strategy for maintaining mental health and strong family bonds.
Conclusion: A Vital Piece of the Puzzle
Shaila Creekmore exemplifies the passion and professionalism that drives the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. Whether she is crafting a grant proposal to secure thousands of dollars in funding or cheering on a student who just bought their first home, she is fully invested in the mission.
Staff members like Shaila ensure that when a single parent decides to go back to school, the resources are there to catch them, support them, and propel them toward a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does a Development Officer for Strategic Partnerships do at ASPSF? In this role, the officer acts as a grant administrator. They identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals to foundations and corporations, and manage relationships with donors to secure the revenue needed to fund scholarships and operations.
2. How long has Shaila Creekmore been with the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund? Shaila has been with ASPSF for over four years. Her first day was February 21, 2021. She started as a Program Manager for the Northeast region before moving into her current development role.
3. Why is grant writing important for non-profits like ASPSF? Grant writing is essential because it secures large blocks of funding from foundations and businesses. This funding covers scholarship payouts, student support services, and operational costs, ensuring the organization can continue its mission without interruption.
4. What is Shaila Creekmore’s educational background? Shaila holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a focus on Journalism and an emphasis on photojournalism from Arkansas State University. Her background in storytelling is a major asset in her grant-writing career.
5. How does ASPSF measure success? As highlighted by Shaila’s favorite story, success is measured by the life changes of the students. This includes graduation rates, securing employment with living wages, and milestones of stability such as purchasing a home and ending the cycle of poverty.