Directory

Community Involvement/Special Interested/Hobbies: Children’s Education and Interests, Being Outdoors

Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She began serving the community at the age of fourteen working with city legislatures and later working at community organizations as a grant writer and advocate for marginalized youth and adults. She has been employed at Shepherd University since 2013. She is the Department Chair of Sociology and Geography and an Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology, teaching certificate in Women’s Studies, and a Race and Social Policy research certification at Virginia Tech. She also has a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and Bachelors degrees in Legal studies and English from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Howard-Bostic is also an Integrative Wellness Academy (IWA) certified life coach. In 2017, Dr. Howard-Bostic founded a business called “Help Bridge” or (HB) to provide leadership and social justice education in the community. Howard-Bostic has applied the Integrated Wellness framework to workshops and unique academic trainings about leadership and social justice at local businesses and academic institutions. Her specialized training topics and programs include multiculturalism, cultural integration, self-exploration, healthy communication, ethics, leadership, and social justice. Howard-Bostic has developed activities that explore customs and values in diverse and changing environments. She encourages self-exploration about unique interactions, conversations, and observations. Her workshops develop participants’ ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and strengthen relationships. She helps others make educated decisions about social issues. Her career goal is to encourage individuals to achieve lasting positive change.

As President and founding member of the Junior League of the Eastern Panhandle, Richele holds over 15 years of experience in program management and grassroots volunteer coordination, which she intends to utilize throughout her tenure as JuLEP President. Richele is a 2000 graduate of Hedgesville High School and a 2004 graduate of Washington and Lee University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Post-college, Richele worked as a Presidential Campaign Field Director/Volunteer Coordinator for the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Following her time on the campaign, Richele worked as a Special Assistant to the General Counsel and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. During her time at Treasury, Richele also served as the Agency Coordinator for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). In 2006 Richele departed Treasury to join a new team at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where she worked as a founding member to establish the Screening Coordination Office (SCO). Since leaving SCO in 2009, Richele has worked for U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a Program Management Analyst within the Office of the Commissioner. In her free time, Richele enjoys horseback riding, live music, photography, and creating social media content on a freelance basis.

Community Involvement/Special Interests/Hobbies: trying new recipes, reading, hiking and being outdoors, Leadership Berkeley Class of 2018, spending time with husband and dogs