Her Story
About Shirley
Shirley Edgerton is a visionary leader, activist, and mentor whose lifelong commitment to youth development and community empowerment has made a lasting impact in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and beyond. As the founder of the Rites of Passage and Empowerment (R.O.P.E.) Program, she has created a transformative space for young women and individuals who identify as female or non-binary to explore identity, build self-worth, and develop leadership skills. With more than 30 years of experience in civic engagement and social services, Shirley brings a deep understanding of cultural competency, education, and mentorship to every aspect of her work. Her career began in state government, where she spent over two decades managing residential programs, overseeing staff, and supporting youth through social service initiatives. She later became the first Cultural Proficiency Coach for Pittsfield Public Schools, where she trained educators in culturally responsive teaching and fostered inclusive environments for students. In addition to her public service, Shirley was the founding Director of Youth Alive, an arts-based program that uses step, dance, and drumming to engage young people, build confidence, and expose them to creative and professional opportunities. These experiences laid the foundation for R.O.P.E., which has grown into a year-round mentoring program offering holistic development through education, cultural exposure, and international service learning. Shirley holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and has received multiple honors recognizing her impact, including the MassArt Common Good Award and community leadership recognitions from organizations such as the NAACP. She has also been awarded honorary doctorates in recognition of her decades of service. Guided by a passion for equity and empowerment, Shirley continues to inspire the next generation by connecting them with mentorship, expanding their opportunities, and helping them discover their voice and purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shirley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it would be the alumni pool that exists - these are young people who graduated from high school and have graduated from college, or are on their way out of college. I can't tell you how moving and inspiring it is to see these young people who even questioned and doubted that they had the ability to attend college, as well as the financial capacity, and then now to see them as college graduates. Some of our alumni are in key positions in the county - the head of the airport in Pittsfield is a ROPE alum, the head of the Berkshire County Head Start is a ROPE alum, and the list goes on. There's no greater joy for me than to just witness them when they have accomplished and met their goals. That's what keeps me going and what I consider my greatest achievement.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best career advice I received was being encouraged to pursue my passions in my professional life. I began volunteering as an adolescent and developed interest in
youth development. My community involvement informed my professional career choices as a result.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women to explore the world through internships, travel and other opportunities to assist in finding their passions and purpose on the planet. Secure a mentor to share their wisdom, knowledge and experiences.
Once their focus is refined develop a career plan and begin the journey to serve others in the Non- Profit arena.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I'm very concerned right now, at least at this moment, with the funding for nonprofits, particularly from the government. It's a girls' program, so there seems sometimes some concern around gender and race. At this moment, I have some concerns in terms of the funding and the response from the government and ensuring that there's attention paid to some of the most neediest people in our community. Families are unhoused or lacking basic needs in our community. I’m deeply concerned about our priorities locally and nationally.
Part of the big focus of this program is to support our young people to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.
Our wholistic organization, particularly the educational
component is important entity to meet this goal.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value education, cultural identity, and history, and I am deeply committed to empowering youth while advocating for vulnerable families. Equity, humanity and inclusion guide both my professional work and personal life. These beliefs
shape my efforts to contribute to building supportive and culturally responsive communities.
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