Meet ShaRhonda
ShaRhonda J. Love, MPH, is a seasoned public health leader, advocate for equity, and dedicated community servant with more than 25 years of experience in health promotion, education, and leadership. Her life story reflects resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to helping others overcome barriers to opportunity.
Early Life & Family Legacy
ShaRhonda was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, into a family with deep ties to education and community service. Her grandmother, Mary Katherine Richardson Bew, was an English teacher and community leader who became the first coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Pulaski County before working with the Economic Opportunity Agency to help low-income families succeed. Her grandfather, Attaway Bew, was a school principal.
ShaRhonda’s mother, Helen Jordon, was among the last all-Black graduating classes of Horace Mann High School before desegregation. Growing up in West End & Central High Neighborhood’s, ShaRhonda attended segregated schools until her strong test scores earned her a place at Jefferson Elementary in Cammack Village, the wealthiest part of town—where she first saw the stark contrasts between poverty and privilege.
Despite challenges, including her father’s struggle with addiction, the loss of both her brothers to gun violence, and her family’s financial hardships, ShaRhonda thrived academically. She graduated with honors from Hall High School in 1996 and earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Education & Personal Life
Her life took a pivotal turn when her father was diagnosed with cancer at a time when the family had no health insurance. A health educator stepped in to help navigate the system, inspiring ShaRhonda to dedicate her life to public health.
While in college, she met her future husband, Fredrick Love, when they were paired on a class project. Fredrick’s persistence paid off, and after she completed her degree, he proposed at a Fazoli’s Restaurant. The couple married in 2001, building a family rooted in love and faith. Together, they are raising their two children, Fredrick II and Millicent, while worshiping as members of Greater Second Baptist Church.
ShaRhonda went on to earn a Master of Public Health at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, working full time while completing her degree. Her thesis, Does Offering Subsequent Weight Management Improve SOS Quitline Attendance and Abstinence?, was published with her as first author, marking the beginning of her professional recognition in public health research.
Professional Leadership
ShaRhonda began her career at UAMS as a program specialist and advanced to research assistant, later becoming Project Program Director. From 2015–2016, she served as State School Health Director at the Arkansas Department of Health, managing statewide school health initiatives.
In 2017, Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed her Executive Director of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, where she led initiatives to reduce disparities across the state. Among her proudest achievements was securing and deploying a mobile health unit that doubled as a Wi-Fi hotspot—providing both healthcare and internet access in underserved and disaster-affected communities.
She later joined Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she currently serves as Community Health & Safety Director. In this role, she leads evidence-based programs for health promotion and disease prevention, oversees partnerships, and advances child health across Arkansas.
Community Service & Recognition
ShaRhonda’s leadership extends beyond her professional career. She has served as President of the Arkansas Food Bank Board (2024), been active in Jack and Jill of America, and volunteered extensively in public schools as a PTA officer and literacy tutor.
Her work has earned recognition as a trusted subject matter expert in health equity, minority health, obesity prevention, behavioral health, and faith-based initiatives.
A Life of Service
From her roots in West End to statewide leadership, ShaRhonda’s journey is defined by resilience and a passion for service. She has lived the challenges faced by Arkansas families and dedicated her life to building solutions—whether through public health programs, community service, or advocacy for equity.
ShaRhonda J. Love’s mission is simple yet powerful: to build healthier, safer, and more equitable communities where every child and every family can thrive.
