ST LOUIS, MO – February 19, 2026 – Unleashing Potential (UP) announces the retirement of Darlene Sowell on May 29, 2026.
Darlene has been the President and CEO for Unleashing Potential since November 2008.
“After 17 years of devotion to the mission of Unleashing Potential, it is time for me to pursue the next chapter of relaxation, family and friends. Serving in this position has truly been my life’s calling and I will treasure it forever.” – Darlene Sowell
While under Darlene’s leadership, the organization has remained successful throughout the challenges of the Great Recession, COVID-19, and struggles with federal funding.
During her transformative tenure as President and CEO, Darlene Sowell spearheaded a new era for UP, beginning with the strategic rebranding from Neighborhood Houses and a relocation to the Deaconess Center. Unleashing Potential solidified its status as a premier provider of School-Age Services in St. Louis, notably becoming the only nonprofit in the nation to pilot a K-8 geospatial curriculum with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
Sowell’s tenure was marked by exceptional fiscal and operational stewardship, including the diversification of funding streams, the attainment of Council on Accreditation (COA) status through 2028, and the successful navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond operational growth, she lead the launch of innovative initiatives like the Strengthening Resilient Families program and the Magnificent Creations social enterprise; leaving the agency with a fortified infrastructure, a high-level leadership team, and a legacy of record-breaking community engagement.
Darlene said, “This mission requires more than a single individual; we have been blessed to have a dedicated staff and a board of directors over the years to accomplish our achievements together on behalf of the St. Louis region.”
Darlene is committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition. Over the coming months, she will work closely with the Board of Directors to support succession planning, maintain operational stability, and position the organization for continued success under new leadership.
“On behalf of the entire Board and staff, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Darlene for 17 years of dedicated service and visionary leadership,” said Michael Green, Board of Directors Chair. “Darlene has been instrumental in taking our organization to new heights. Under her tenure, we have achieved a record of exceptional performance in providing early childcare and after-school services, while also ensuring strong stewardship of our organization. Darlene’s legacy of compassionate management and tireless work has left an indelible mark on our mission and we will forever be grateful for her leadership.”
The Board of Directors has formed a search committee and will initiate a comprehensive search for an interim President/CEO.
About Unleashing Potential
Unleashing Potential is one of St. Louis’ oldest nonprofits enriching the lives of children (founded originally as Neighborhood Houses in 1913). The mission of Unleashing Potential is to close the opportunity gap for children and youth by building on their strengths. A United Way agency since 1955, Unleashing Potential creates educational and empowering experiences through out-of-school time after school programs, youth development and enrichment camps, and family engagement events. For more information about Unleashing Potential visit, https://upstl.org.
Name: Brittany Campbell, Director of Development
Email: bcampbell@upstl.org
Phone: 314-561-3346
