Sheryl Williams Stapleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sheryl Williams Stapleton
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| Majority Leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives | |
| In office January 17, 2017 – July 30, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Nate Gentry |
| Succeeded by | Doreen Gallegos (Acting) |
| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 19th district |
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| In office January 1995 – July 30, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | ??? |
| Succeeded by | Kay Bounkeua |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 30, 1957 Saint Croix, Virgin Islands |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | New Mexico State University (BS) University of New Mexico (MA, PhD) |
Sheryl Williams Stapleton (born July 30, 1957) is an American politician and educator. She served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1995 until July 2021. She was a member of the Democratic Party. From 2017 to 2021, she also served as the majority floor leader in the House.
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Early Life and Education
Stapleton was born in Saint Croix, an island in the Virgin Islands. She grew up in the cities of Chicago and New York City.
She studied at New Mexico State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Later, she continued her studies at the University of New Mexico. There, she earned a Master of Arts degree in multicultural education. She also received a PhD in educational leadership.
Her Career in Public Service
Before she became a politician, Sheryl Williams Stapleton worked as an educator. She taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools. She also helped lead programs for students. For example, she was the coordinator for the Schools to Careers Program. She also served as an assistant principal at the Career Enrichment Center.
Entering Politics
Stapleton was first elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 1994. She made history as the first African-American woman elected to the New Mexico Legislature.
She also held important roles within the Democratic Party of New Mexico. She served as the vice chair of the party. She was also a member of the Democratic National Committee for New Mexico.
Becoming a Leader
After the elections in 2016, the Democratic members of the New Mexico House chose Williams Stapleton as their majority leader. This was another historic moment. She was the first African American majority leader of the New Mexico House.
Her Resignation
On July 30, 2021, Sheryl Williams Stapleton resigned from her position in the New Mexico House of Representatives. This decision came during a time when her actions were being reviewed.
Later, on August 31, 2021, Albuquerque Public Schools ended her employment. She had been working as the Career and Technical Education director.
