Meet Sheila

"I am a single mother raising my 14-year old daughter in the very community that raised me. I believe that together we can bring more fresh food options, create more jobs and build affordable housing, so ALL of Ward 8 benefits."

Sheila Bunn, a lifelong resident of Ward 8, is a committed and accomplished public servant with an extensive record of achievement in government, politics, and community advocacy. With deep roots in Washington, D.C., Sheila has dedicated her career to advancing policies and programs that uplift communities, promote equity, and strengthen democratic engagement.

Sheila most recently served as Chief of Staff to former D.C. Mayor and Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray, where she was a senior political strategist, oversaw community outreach initiatives, and played an integral role in the legislative process. Prior to this role, Sheila directed the Consumer Services Division of the Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC), leading efforts to educate and assist residents with their utility services and expanding OPC’s presence across the District.

During the Gray Mayoral Administration, as Deputy Chief of Staff, Sheila was instrumental in implementing citywide initiatives, managing daily government operations, and overseeing a $12.2 million office budget. Her impact on D.C. government is further underscored by her 16-year tenure with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, during which as District Director and later Chief of Staff she advised on local political issues, championed D.C. Statehood, and helped develop critical legislation aimed at expanding the District’s legislative and budget autonomy.

A steadfast advocate for civic engagement, Sheila has been deeply involved in local Democratic politics. She is an Add-On Member of the D.C. Democratic Party and has been an active leader in the Ward 8 Democrats, serving as First Vice President. In this capacity, she has worked tirelessly to register voters, educate the community on key policy issues, and mobilize Ward 8 residents to engage in the political process.

Sheila’s leadership extends beyond politics into meaningful community service. She serves on the Board of Directors for Martha’s Table, is the First Vice President of the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative Board of Directors, and co-chairs the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation Events Committee.

From 2014 to 2021, she was a Mayoral appointee to the St. Elizabeths East Redevelopment Initiative (SEERI) Advisory Board, helping to transform the 183-acre campus into a hub for economic and community development.

Additionally, Sheila is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as Chair of the Social Action Committee for The Federal City Alumnae Chapter, utilizing her expertise to advance advocacy efforts in the community.

Sheila is a proud graduate of The American University, where she was a Distinguished Frederick Douglass Scholar and earned a B.A. in Communication Media & Foreign Language. She also holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and Development from Trinity Washington University.

A dedicated mother, Sheila resides in the Bellevue neighborhood of Ward 8 with her daughter. As a proven leader, community advocate, and trailblazer, she remains steadfast in her mission to serve her city and champion the causes that matter most to D.C. residents.

Advocacy runs in the family - My DAD was my first advocate!

Community advocacy is deeply personal to me. Growing up, my Dad was my first example of advocacy.

James Bunn was not native to DC but in 1970, he chose Ward 8 as his home and worked to ensure that his neighbors had a proverbial "seat at the table" when it came to all issues affecting Ward 8. He fought tirelessly to ensure that Ward 8 businesses had access to the support and resources they needed to thrive. My dad was my first mentor who taught me many values and principals of hard work and dedication which I’ve carried with me my whole life. He instilled in me a love for Ward 8 and the passion to be a voice for my community. I strive to be like my dad and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my Ward 8 neighbors; I hope you will join me on this journey!