Project Management Institute Member, PMP® Certified Professional, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Member, Honorable Kentucky Colonel, STEM Outreach What are your most significant professional accomplishments to date? One of my most significant professional accomplishments has been leading the implementation, management, and continuous improvement of an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) supporting a $170M+ Department of Energy program. Through strong project controls practices, process improvements, and collaboration across engineering, project management, and functional teams, I helped achieve and maintain compliance with the EIA-748 Earned Value Management System Standard through the successful implementation of the final performance measurement baseline. Throughout my career, I have focused on integrating cost, schedule, and risk management to improve project performance and decision-making. I have developed project controls processes, supported major federal initiatives, and mentored colleagues to strengthen organizational capabilities. Earning my PMP certification and building a career supporting complex, mission-critical projects have reinforced my commitment to delivering results, developing others, and advancing the project controls profession. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? What sets me apart in the project controls field is my ability to combine technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement to deliver results on complex, mission-critical projects. I have developed deep expertise in earned value management, cost and schedule integration, risk management, and DOE compliance while also focusing on building strong partnerships across engineering, project management, and functional teams. I distinguish myself by not only managing project controls processes but also improving them—creating solutions that enhance transparency, decision-making, and overall project performance. I am passionate about mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the next generation of project controls professionals. My combination of technical experience, collaborative leadership style, dedication to advancing the discipline, and commitment to innovation is essential. Shelby Yarbrough Sponsored by Lead Project Controls Engineer, North Wind Dynamics, LLC Goshen United Methodist Church Member and Lay Speaker, Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center Leadership Volunteer, West Kentucky Special Olympics Black Tie Gala Board Member What are your most significant professional accomplishments to date? I take the most pride in the community we have built at empowHER. Opening the gym itself was an incredible accomplishment, but being able to build a community of truly supportive, wonderful women is something you cannot create simply because you want to. Building a specific community can only come from putting your true self forward and trusting that those who share your passion will be crazy enough to join you. Describe a challenge in your career and how you overcame it. The biggest challenge of my career has been finding my purpose. Beginning in hotel housekeeping while in high school, I have worked nearly 30 jobs over the course of my life. While the positions and establishments have varied, one truth has remained constant: my passion lies in meeting the needs of others. Being an athlete and an active person most of my life, I found myself teaching fitness. I began to feel a deep need to help as many people as possible, specifically women, feel their strongest and most empowered. empowHER, as it stands now, began as a dream many years ago and came to fruition more quickly than anticipated, which was a challenge in itself. However, I believe all things work out as they are meant to. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? Teaching sustainable health and fitness for longevity as opposed to aesthetics. Helping women feel comfortable and confident in a true gym setting. Encouraging women to recognize their power in strength and how they feel instead of their size. Who inspires you, and how has that influenced your professional journey? My clients. I have had the pleasure of training women of nearly every age, fitness level, and season of life. I get to watch them start to believe in themselves, understand what they’re capable of, and become empowered. Seeing their newfound strength seep into every aspect of their lives inspires me to keep growing in my knowledge so that I can continue to challenge them in a safe and sustainable way. Owner & CEO, empowHER boutique gym for women Teela Venice 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
