Hello St. Louis,
My name is Michelle Sherod, and I am running to be your next Alderwoman of the 17th Ward.
St. Louis is my home; and, like you, I want our hometown to be a safe, healthy and prosperous place for my family
and yours. With everything that is going on in our city and across the globe, I believe that experience matters
now more than ever. To guide our city through these current troubled times into a brighter future will require
strong leadership from an Alderperson who can serve with heart, with knowledge and with vision.
I’m running because I care – I care about helping you, your family and our community realize our full potential.
And as a proud St. Louisan, I am concerned about the issues in our community that demand action: reducing crime;
spurring jobs and economic growth with equity at the forefront; and fighting for increased transparency and
accountability with regard to our city’s budget.
I have spent my entire adult life fighting for these issues as a public servant, a small business owner, and
nonprofit leader. After putting myself through undergraduate and law school and after earning my license as a
Certified Public Accountant, I became Missouri’s first African-American Deputy State Auditor under Claire
McCaskill to help ensure that your tax dollars were spent fairly and wisely.
I took the principles of accountability I learned in state government with me when I continued my public service
career as St. Louis Regional Director under Claire’s U.S. Senate term. While there, I learned of the federal
resources available to communities like ours; and I worked hard every day to make those resources count in our
community’s fight for improved economic growth, neighborhood safety, healthcare, and caring for veterans.
After several years, I left federal service to care for my ailing mother and father-in-law. While at home, I used
my background in legal and accounting work to start a consulting firm focused on private companies and
governmental entities while also serving as Claire’s campaign treasurer. In addition, I continued my commitment to
community service by volunteering at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation where I currently serve as the President
of the Board of Directors.
Though I am deeply grateful for every opportunity and success I’ve enjoyed, I can tell you that my path in life
hasn’t been without heartache and setback. I was raised by a widowed mother, alongside my six brothers and
sisters; I struggled to put myself through undergraduate and law school; and I’ve cared for my mom and
father-in-law in our home until they passed. These experiences have me made me stronger, more resilient and more
compassionate. They also taught me the incredible power in caring about others. We can overcome and achieve more
than we ever thought possible when we come together, united by shared circumstances and shared goals.
All together, my personal and professional journeys have prepared me well for the responsibility of holding
elected office; and I am ready to serve. That’s why I humbly ask for your support. If you want an experienced,
dedicated and driven leader with a compassionate heart and proven record of getting things done for you and our
great city, then the choice is clear.
Vote for me, Michelle Sherod, for Alderwoman of the 17th Ward on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
Sincerely,
