Her Story
About Sherrell
Sherrell Clark, MHRM, is a Human Resources Advisor at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., with experience spanning employee relations, talent acquisition, employee engagement, workplace culture, facilitation, and emotional intelligence. She is committed to cultivating inclusive, engaging workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Sherrell’s professional journey reflects more than two decades of military, federal, and corporate experience. After serving more than 11 years in the U.S. Army, she transitioned to federal service in 2015. She began her Human Resources career in 2019 as a Human Resources Assistant with the U.S. Department of the Navy, where she served until 2022. Her military and federal service strengthened her leadership, operational, and organizational capabilities while shaping the disciplined, people-centered approach she brings to her work today.
In 2022, Sherrell joined Smithfield Foods, where she advanced through several roles supporting talent acquisition, employee engagement, diversity, and workplace culture. Her positions included Associate Talent Sourcing Specialist and Diversity, Culture, and Engagement Specialist. These experiences helped her develop a well-rounded HR background and the ability to navigate complex workplace matters with empathy, professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
Sherrell holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and Services from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from Old Dominion University. She is certified in Mastering Emotional Intelligence and serves as a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
A recipient of the Culture of Winning Changemaker Award, Sherrell is passionate about strengthening the employee experience, advancing positive organizational change, and helping organizations build cultures in which people can thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sherrell
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, discipline, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to serving others. My military background taught me the importance of accountability, adaptability, and perseverance, while my experiences in the federal and corporate sectors strengthened my ability to lead with empathy and navigate change. I have also been fortunate to learn from mentors, colleagues, and leaders who recognized my potential and encouraged my growth. Most importantly, I remain grounded in my purpose: helping people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is, “Never be afraid to start over it doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch.” Every experience brings valuable skills, lessons, and perspective to the next opportunity. That advice gave me the confidence to transition from military service to the federal sector and ultimately build a career in Human Resources. It continues to remind me to remain open to growth, embrace change, and trust the value of my journey.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The sky’s the limit. Don’t hold yourself back because you don’t meet every requirement. Apply anyway—you can learn, adapt, and grow as you go.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in Human Resources is gaining entry into the field with little or no direct experience. Many entry-level opportunities still require previous HR experience, which can make it difficult for aspiring professionals to get their start. However, this also creates an opportunity for candidates to recognize and communicate the value of their transferable skills. Experience in leadership, customer service, administration, communication, problem-solving, or the military can provide a strong foundation for a career in HR. My own journey has shown me that success in this field is not only about where you begin, but also about your willingness to learn, remain persistent, and make the most of every opportunity.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of my most important values. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it comes at a personal cost. At the end of the day, I want to know that I stayed true to my principles.
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