By Simon Baker, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Hailing from Belize, Sheran “Sharon” Palacio has had her fair share of wins and losses.
Still, she continues to contribute and serve in her homeland and worldwide, giving her the title “The People’s Mayor.”
“The People’s Mayor” will speak at Campbellsville University’s weekly chapel service this Wednesday, March 13, at 10 a.m. in Ransdell Chapel at 401 N. Hoskins Avenue. She will be speaking as part of Women’s History Month at Campbellsville University.
Palacio serves as mayor of Belmopan, the capital city of Belize.
Palacio became involved in politics in 2003 when she first served as a city councilor in Belmopan. However, in 2006, Palacio lost the election for city councilor.
“Still, this did not deter her, and Sharon Palacio continued to work for the benefit of her party and the people of Belmopan,” her biography notes.
Palacio holds a master’s degree in psychology from the Universidad Central de Villas in Cuba. According to her biography, Sharon’s passion is farming, and she specializes in producing soursop and coconut.
She has served for 18 years as director of student services at the University of Belize, where she was able to increase her global connections and help numerous students.
Besides the political area, Palacio has fought against illnesses and diseases, such as diabetes. Since 2004, she has operated a home-based business called Youth for World Peace (YWP) Homestay Network. She is a liaison for the Cross River State Carnival Commission, which helps international groups from the Caribbean and Central America.
Additionally, according to her biography, Palacio has been titled “Champion of the Americas,” which “enables her to recruit groups and provide Belizeans the opportunity to study and work in Canada.”
Jamie Lawrence, CU’s executive director of ministry and church outreach, shared, “Mayor Sheran Palacio is not only a successful public servant, but she is also an amazing Christian woman who has paved the way for others in her community.
“We are blessed to have her journey here from Belize to share with our students this Women’s History Month.”
Chapel is designed to provide opportunities for corporate worship and exposure through a variety of informative speakers and presentations.
Chapels can be viewed on YouTube by searching “Campbellsville University Chapel Playlist.”
Chapels can also be found on the Campbellsville University Facebook page.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.