Meet Shellie Ross | Executive Director of Wesley-Rankin Community Center

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shellie Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shellie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in Pascagoula, Mississippi, I learned to fish and crab at a young age. My childhood is filled with memories of riding a Strawberry Shortcake bike, playing sports in the yard with neighborhood friends (I was the only girl of six.) and my dad picking me up from school in an unairconditioned Buick we named Old Blue. My brother, Brandon, and I would put on talent shows and performances for my parents, and at some point, those talent shows became school talent shows and I found myself dressed as Dorothy singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow on a stage in an elementary cafeteria. My life is full of playful moments! And then there are moments that haven’t been the most comfortable. I moved from Mississippi to Dallas to attend theology school at SMU. When most of my classmates wanted to be ordained and serve in churches, I wanted only to learn theology. The components of my faith are (and politics) different than my parents and that hasn’t made for easy conversation or home visits. Yet, I’ve learned that all of these experiences make me a complete being in the world of today. Serving as the Executive Director of Wesley-Rankin Community Center, I feel joy in watching our children craft their stories and form identity in what they love. We have values that we hold as important as an agency and we also value our differences. I’d like to think that I lead in a way that accepts the quirkiness, embraces those trying to figure it all out and insists we find value in each other.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Wesley-Rankin Community is a multigenerational nonprofit in West Dallas that works with its neighbors to identify and bridge gaps in education, skill development and health. We use an intense assessment process that allows us to develop and customize programs based on need in the area. If someone else comes along and is better suited to lead a program, we discontinue it, identify the next gap and create a system to bridge it. We’ve taught ESL and GED classes, been a Montessori School and are now tutoring students with learning differences in partnership with the June Shelton School. In the pandemic, some organizations struggled to find a sense of direction but for us, we exceled. We ran the same system and built new lanes for educating, feeding and connecting people. To lead an agency that welcomes innovation and adaptation is a gift and this is one of the wonders that sets us apart from other organizations. When local schools fail to develop skills and teach math/ reading, we build a youth workforce program so students can make a fair wage, a wage that they desperately deserve. The Wesley-Rankin team (donors, volunteers, community members, staff, board) is composed of creators and trailblazers.

Leading the organization isn’t easy, especially being a place that deals with the everyday roadblocks in the neighborhood. When a housing crisis affected the neighborhood in 2016, Wesley-Rankin hosted conversations in our gymnasium to ensure residents had a plan. When COVID-19 hit, we delivered food to senior adults and hosted vaccine clinics in our building. Our staff team has had to make decisions in 24 hours and create networks and systems to protect and serve West Dallas well. That sort of agility is rare and yet so necessary to be a great neighbor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is such a timely question because my brother is visiting Dallas next month and an itinerary has already been created! Beautiful days begin at the Dallas Farmer’s Market to snag the best in kombucha and sourdough bread. Mid-day, the itinerary includes one or more of Dallas’ great museum scene, opening the door to history and imagination. Some of my favorites include the Perot Museum, Dallas Holocaust Museum, Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and the World Aquarium (not a museum but a place of awe!). The Dallas food scene is ridiculously great and all visitors need to try the pizza, thai and tacos! I favor Taco y Vino or Trompo, Pie Tap, and Ka Thai or Thai Lotus, followed by a popsicle at Encanto Pops! You can’t go wrong with Texas BBQ at Lockhart’s. Music is a must! Whether we know the artist or not, the Kessler Theater promises a great experience and it’s inside, making it ideal for these hot summers. I”m also a fan of ending a day at a Sofar Sounds concert. It’s a great way to chill around others who appreciate aspiring artists. If I’m looking for a drink before the concert, I also try Tiny Victories first. And then a complete day on the itinerary will feature the TX Whiskey Ranch in Fort Worth. This place is a complete vibe with food trucks, tours and live music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My history is paved by those who believed in a vision and not always a track record. From friends and family in Oxford, MS to board members, Alicia and Sarah at Wesley-Rankin Community Center who saw my worth before actions, I wouldn’t have the joy to serve this Center and grow in learning and experience without your welcoming me to challenging, new spaces. Thank you!

Website: www.wesleyrankin.org

Instagram: @wesleyrankincc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesleyRankinCommunityCenter

Youtube: @wesley-rankincommunitycent6998