The late Rhonda Shackleford-Ulmer was the Founding Director of University for Parents. She was determined to keep her vision, passion and entrepreneurial spirit alive while leaving “No Parent Behind.” As the 2008 AmeriCorps Alums Eli J. Segal Entrepreneurship Award recipient, Rhonda had the opportunity to share the Van Bokkelen Elementary School Family Network success story across the country. In addition, it allowed the network to expand into University for Parents (UfP). The goal of UfP is to help parents support their children to be successful in school. UfP received a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting American Graduate Initiative to address the high school student dropout crisis. Being a Fellow helped Rhonda to have a lifetime of service and serve with other emerging leaders. Rhonda received a new partnership with the U.S. Dream Academy. Additionally, she was invited to speak on Capitol Hill with a celebrity mom panel alongside the mothers of Kevin Durant, Robert Griffin III, Michael Phelps and Mark Ingram.

After Rhonda's passing in 2015, The Segal Program created a Segal Fellow professional leadership development fund in her name to continue Rhonda's steadfast mentorship and support of other Segal Fellows.  Segal Fellows may apply for funds each year to further their leadership dreams.