Rev. Dr. Yvonne Wallace Penn is a dedicated community leader, ordained minister, and experienced economic developer running for Dorchester County Council in District 2.  A Philadelphia native who has called Cambridge, Maryland, home for over a decade, she brings a unique blend of faith-driven compassion, proven executive expertise, and a deep commitment to public service.  As "Pastor Yvonne" to many in the community, she is widely regarded as a trusted advocate who listens intently, acts decisively, and unites people across divides—embodying the kind of resilient, people-first leadership Dorchester County needs to thrive.

 

Born in Philadelphia and raised in a family deeply involved in the civil rights movement, Dr. Penn's early experiences shaped her lifelong dedication to equity and service.  She served as president of her high school's Carter G. Woodson Club, fostering a passion for Black history and community empowerment that continues to define her work.  Her parents' activism and an influential high school teacher instilled in her the belief that true leadership means recognizing the divine potential in every person, a philosophy she carries into her civic roles today.

 

Dr. Penn holds a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Union University, a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary (earned in 2014).  She further enhanced her leadership skills with International Coach Federation (ICF) certification in 2015, equipping her to guide individuals and organizations toward meaningful growth.

 

Her professional journey reflects a remarkable tenure in diverse leadership roles, positioning her as one of the most credentialed candidates for the Dorchester County Council.  Before entering full-time ministry, Dr. Penn served as Assistant Director of a comprehensive counseling hotline and outreach center, providing vital support to vulnerable populations.  She then spent five years as Economic Development Director for the Eastern Shore with the State of Maryland, where she spearheaded initiatives to bolster local economies in agriculture, tourism, and fishing—directly relevant to Dorchester's rural and coastal challenges.  In this role, she honed her expertise in grant pursuit, business diversification, and community revitalization, skills she plans to leverage for job creation and infrastructure improvements without raising taxes.

 

Ordained as an Elder in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1997, Dr. Penn has served in pastoral ministry for over 25 years.  She began as Senior Pastor of Coleman Memorial United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware, before leading St. Luke United Methodist Church in Cambridge, Maryland, for 13 years (2002–2015).  Under her visionary guidance, St. Luke experienced significant growth, facility expansions, and community outreach, earning a 2009 designation as one of only 22 United Methodist Congregational Resource Centers nationwide to strengthen the Black Church.  Since July 2015, she has been Senior Pastor of the historic First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville (FUMCH), a multicultural congregation over 220 years old with more than 1,000 members.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transformed FUMCH into a hub for public health, establishing a testing site in June 2020 and vaccination clinics starting in March 2021, ensuring equitable access for underserved communities.

 

Dr. Penn's denominational leadership extends to key roles such as Co-Chair of the Christian Service Team, the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW), and Black United Methodist Preachers (BUMP).  She chaired the Religion and Race Committee at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury, Maryland, uniting ethnically diverse congregations and earning the prestigious Denman Award for Evangelism.  Her activism includes volunteer service projects and a pivotal role in securing a $1,000,000 gift to Pecometh Camp & Retreat Ministries as part of the Pecometh for Generations Capital Campaign.  This transformative donation, committed over four years toward the mortgage on the Riverview Retreat Center, will save nearly $1.5 million in interest, enabling facility modernizations, such as new washhouses, to enhance camper experiences and support long-term sustainability.  Dr. Penn's presence at the groundbreaking washhouse underscores her hands-on leadership in fostering spiritual and community growth for future generations.

 

In the community, Dr. Penn is seen as a beacon of hope and a role model who blends eloquence with approachability.  Residents and colleagues describe her as someone who "cares for others" and "embodies greatness through service," particularly evident in her pandemic response, her officiation of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward's funeral, and her ongoing advocacy for racial equity and mutual care.  As an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s Cambridge Alumnae Chapter, she amplifies Black women's leadership through mentorship and service projects on the Eastern Shore.  Her faith, rooted in Isaiah 43—"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” fuels her resilience-focused approach to challenges like economic stress and flooding.

 

A devoted family woman, Dr. Penn considers her role as mother to one daughter and son-in-law, and grandmother to four grandsons, her "highest honor." Residing in the heart of District 2 at 1638 Osprey Circle in Cambridge, she is a familiar face at local Democratic events, MLK commemorations, and voter forums.  With zero baggage and unmatched moral authority from her networks in the Black church and sorority, Dr. Penn is the next-generation leader Dorchester voters seek: educated, faith-centered, and ready to deliver fresh, inclusive governance for all.