Shawan M. Barr was born and raised in the state of New York. She later relocated to Greenville, NC, where she has lived most of her adult life, in the west Greenville/Pitt County area. Barr’s desire to impact the field of education from the “outside in” was the motivation for her career path. She has worked over 20 years in the educational field in Pitt and Bertie Counties.
As the Assistant Director with the Lucille W. Gorham Inter-Generational Community Center at ECU, Barr has taken on the responsibility of ensuring the mission of providing comprehensive, diverse and high-quality programs. Barr’s position allows her to offer a hands-on approach to the planning and development of public and community services to guarantee the safety and well-being of its residents. She is a strong advocate for the rights of children and families. For her dedication, Barr recently received the ECU Creed Award for “Citizenship”. Barr was also very instrumental in IGCC being awarded the C Peter Magrath Exemplary Program Award.
Barr’s collaborative approach to leadership afforded her the opportunity to be appointed and serve on the City Council of Greenville for District #1 in 2017.
Barr’s devotion to improve the quality of life of others extends on a personal level. Barr is the Founder/Director of True Interventions, a non-profit community-based organization which provides consultation, counseling, social services, job readiness, and life skill training. She believes that investing in others, whether they are privileged or under-privileged; will yield a greater return on investment for communities.
Barr received an Associate Degree in General Education from Roanoke Chowan Community College. She later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shaw University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Shawan M. Barr is a licensed Minister and the Co-Founder of Church Without Walls Kingdom Minded Believers (CWWKMB)in Collinsville, VA. Barr, also supports the Good News Prison Ministry in Virginia. Barr reflects the characteristics of both a servant and transformational leader.
Barr’s former and current professional projects include successfully operating federally funded grant from the Department of Public Instruction 21stCentury Community Learning Center, Governors Crime Commission, City of Greenville Development Block Grant, and Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Grant, which focuses on health and wellness awareness, apprenticeship opportunities, academic and cultural enrichment for all generations while building partnerships with several Pitt County Schools. Those grants combined have totaled approximately $3,000,000 (three million dollars).
In addition, Barr is commissioned by the State of North Carolina as a Notary Public. She has served as Chairperson for the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), she is a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Phi Alpha National Society, and the National Association of Social Workers. Barr was recognized by the Shaw Alumni during UNCF presentation for receiving three Malcolm X Scholarships for “Exceptional Courage.”Barr has done presentations for NC CAP Synergy Conference, the Jean Mills Symposium, and City of Greenville Police Department Focus Deterrence Project.
Barr is proud and honored to be married to her greatest supporter, Elder Moses Barr, Pastor and Founder of CWWKMB. Barr and her husband have four beautiful daughters and five grandchildren. Barr’s heart believes “a family that prays, fellowship, and work together to plant good seeds will produce a great harvest.”
Barr is committed to being a good leader; using sound judgement and integrity. She believes advocating for the future of children & their families is an assignment on her life. Barr’s motto is “Learn from the past & present to teach a fulfilling future.”
