Meet Our Staff

Leadership Staff

Darlene Sowell

President & CEO

Darlene has been the President and CEO for Unleashing Potential since November 2008. She has more than 30 years of previous administrative experience in the for-profit and nonprofit arenas, most recently serving as the executive vice president of human resources, facilities and housing programs at UCAN in Chicago. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Notre Dame and a master’s in management from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

Verletta Cole

Vice President of Development and Marketing

Verletta joined Unleashing Potential in 2020.  She has more than 30 years in the nonprofit sector and has spent the majority of that career raising funds for local organizations.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University and has worked in all aspects of the nonprofit arena including management, administration, budgeting, program, special events, capital campaigns, annual funds, grant writing (government, corporate & foundation), cause marketing, and direct mail.

Program Staff

Our Partners