Dr. Pela Terry was born and raised in innercity Chicago where she developed a passion for
health and human services. She and her family felt the direct impact of gang activity, and
racial segregation and marginalization. These experiences sparked her desire to help others.
Dr. Terry’s nonprofit management career began in the 1990s and over the last few decades she has overseen program administration, governance and compliance, and serves on various nonprofit boards. She attended The College of New Rochelle (New York) to earn her Masters of Public Administration in human services. She received her Doctorate in Education in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University (New York).
After a nation-wide search, Seattle nonprofit Atlantic Street Center selected Dr. Terry as their newest Executive Director in May 2021. Since 1910, ASC has provided services to youth and their families, specifically families of color in Central and South Seattle.
Now fully settled in Seattle, Dr. Terry has committed to further supporting her new community by joining various groups, including the Women’s University Club and the Professional Women of Color Network. Being part of the progress of wherever she calls home is what Dr. Terry considers most gratifying. To other women of any age, she advises to never be afraid of failure; it is a natural part of growth.
Connect with the Atlantic Street Center by visiting www.atlanticstreetcenter.org
