Unleashing Potential’s Sowell to Retire in May 2026

Darlene Sowell, president and CEO of Unleashing Potential (UP)in St. Louis, recently announced that she will retire May 29, 2026. 

“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,” Sowell said. “Serving in this position has truly been my life’s calling and I will treasure it forever.” 

Sowell became president and CEO in November 2008. Under her leadership, Unleashing Potential has remained successful throughout the challenges of the recession, COVID-19, and struggles with federal funding. She also 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 has been marked by exceptional fiscal and operational stewardship, including the diversification of funding streams and the attainment of Council on Accreditation (COA) status through 2028. Beyond operational growth, she led the launch of such initiatives as the Strengthening Resilient Families program and the Magnificent Creations social enterprise, and will leave the agency with a fortified infrastructure, a high-level leadership team, and a legacy of record-breaking community engagement.

 “This mission requires more than a single individual,” said Sowell. “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.”

In the coming months, Sowell 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 Board Chair Michael Green. “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 and CEO.