Sheila Urum-Eke
Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City
Sheila Urum-Eke, a first year student at Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, is a solution-oriented student leader who actively seeks opportunities to support those in need. In addition to pursuing management opportunities in her former position at the IRS, she served as a member of AIM/IRS (Association for Improvement of Minorities at the Internal Revenue Service) which guides new employees to grow to their potential within the service. She was a leader within this group during her last three years of employment, serving as Nominations Director and then as Secretary. She is active in her church and is a member of IWA (IGBO Women’s Association), a volunteer organization that assists young underprivileged children in Nigeria. Sheila strives to address the root causes of social issues by focusing on the needs of others. Although much of her own life has been a struggle, she has shown amazing determination and resiliency. Her experiences have led her to be a voice for those who lack confidence in their ability to overcome personal battles and help them realize that they can succeed.
Personal Statement
I am a retired Tax Examining Technician from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) where I worked for thirty years. I started in leadership in 2010 as lead for my team. Within the same year I was placed in management, then was selected to remain in that position for an additional three years. I later managed in other departments within the service. I am also a member of AIM/IRS (Association for Improvement of Minorities at the Internal Revenue Service) that helps guide new employees grow to their potential within the service. I served as the Secretary for two years prior to retirement, and Nominations Director for one year prior to that. I am a member of IWA (IGBO Women’s Association) a volunteer organization that assists young underprivileged children in Nigeria. I ended my career with IRS in 2018 and started MCCKC in 2019 when I struggled with learning conflicting topics within one semester. I noticed others around me having the same issue. I created an Excel At-A-Glance comparison of MLA and APA writing styles and shared it with my professor. It prompted my professor to include a similar writing styles sample to future classes that she taught to assist student’s comprehension.
