Shirley Billups-Bell

Shirley Billups-Bell is an ordained preacher from Monroe, Louisiana. She's the first ordained woman in her family of eleven siblings. Shirley comes from 4 generations of pastors, which include her grandfather, father, 2 brothers, nephews and cousins. Currently, Shirley works for the Rochester City School District in the Truancy Center. In addition, she was recently installed as the first woman to become President of United Church Ministries, Inc. U.C.M is the oldest Black church organization with 35 church affiliates in the greater Rochester area.

A graduate of Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, she began her career teaching at a middle school in Monroe. After hearing the call from God, she moved to Rochester, NY to attend Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School, where she earned a Masters of Divinity.

Shirley's passions are teaching and assisting those in need. Her motto is "do unto others as you would have them do unto you".

At an early age, Shirley was taught that it takes a village to raise the child. With this concept, she was encouraged to get involved in the community to make a difference. Thus, she has earned numerous awards such as Omega Psi Phi Community Service Award, Monroe County Legislature "Willie Lightfoot" Youth Advocate Award, Urban League Volunteer Community Service Award, James Madison Community Service Award, Rochester City School District Staff Excellence Award, United Church Ministry "Raymond Graves", Social Justice Award, Franklin High Parent of the Year Award just to name a few.

Shirley believes that the faith community plays a vital part in transforming all communities. In addition, she believes that, "faith without works is dead." Shirley has participated in the White House Faith Base Summit.