Sherre LaNay Oke, Assitant Director for Visitor Engagement and Operations on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Museums

Sherre LaNay Oke

Assitant Director for Visitor Engagement and Operations, Moton Museum

Farmville, VA 23901

14Years experience
1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Ever Increasing Word Training Center - A.S. in Divinity/Ministry, 2020 Degree The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers the HIGHER Ground Women’s Leadership Development Program Member Museum Store Association Member Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) Member American Alliance of Museums Member American Association for State and Local History Member Association of African American Museums Member Farmville Area Women's Leadership Network Member RISE Collaborative

Her Story

About Sherre

Sherre Oke is a dedicated museum leader, nonprofit professional, and consultant with more than 14 years of experience creating meaningful visitor experiences that connect communities with history, culture, and education. As Assistant Director for Visitor Engagement and Operations at the Robert Russa Moton Museum, she oversees operations, guest engagement, museum retail, volunteers, and community partnerships while helping advance the museum's mission of preserving the legacy of the student-led civil rights movement in Prince Edward County. Her expertise spans nonprofit leadership, financial oversight, fundraising, museum retail strategy, and organizational development, allowing her to strengthen both institutional impact and visitor engagement.

Sherre's career began in retail management, but a part-time opportunity at the Moton Museum in 2012 became a life-changing calling. Deeply connected to the museum's mission through her family's history—her mother was part of the "Lost Generation" affected by the Prince Edward County school closings—Sherre found purpose in preserving and sharing stories that inspire dialogue and understanding. Since joining the museum, she has grown alongside the organization, helping expand visitor engagement initiatives while serving as President of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Museum Store Association. Beyond her museum leadership, she is an author, speaker, consultant, and founder of Made 2 Reign LLC, where she empowers women through faith, confidence, leadership, and personal growth.

Passionate about helping organizations and individuals thrive, Sherre believes museums are more than places that preserve history—they are spaces that foster connection, learning, and transformation. Whether consulting with nonprofit organizations, mentoring emerging leaders, speaking on cultural engagement, or advocating for inclusive visitor experiences, she is committed to creating environments where purpose and impact intersect. Through every role she embraces, Sherre continues to inspire others by combining servant leadership, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to preserving stories that shape future generations.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Sherre

01What do you attribute your success to?

Resilience, faith, hard work, and being purpose-minded.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Always be prepared for opportunities, present yourself well, and others will see and value your skills and you as a person.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Keep an open mind, be confident, be open to opportunities, step outside your comfort zone, build a solid foundation or skill set, realize everyone starts at entry level with more to learn, and be open to learning, growing, and evolving.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

History is at risk with plans to erase or diminish it; an attack on telling the truth about past events.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Integrity, faith, professionalism, customer service, and the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated.

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