Shelley Yuhas

Shelley Yuhas was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. She earned an associate degree from the University of South Carolina Beaufort in 1981 and a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina, Columbia in 1983. Her career experience includes working in business management and as an IT/database administrator. She has been affiliated with St. Helena Anglican Church/Church at Fripp and Love Beaufort.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Shelley Gay Yuhas is a candidate to represent House District 121 in the South Carolina Legislature. She is running because of a deeply held commitment to serve her community and to advocate for her neighbors, the people of District 121.

Born and raised in Beaufort, SC, Shelley branched out to live in Charleston, SC for 31 years, though her heart has always remained for Beaufort. She grew up in the waters of Battery Creek and on the shores of Hunting Island and has always valued conservation as a means to preserve the distinctively scenic Lowcountry for generations to come. While in Charleston, Shelley and her husband raised four children, now grown, married, and they have five grandchildren. In 2022, they moved back to their hometown and now reside on Fripp Island, SC.

Shelley graduated from Beaufort High, USC-Beaufort and the University of South Carolina-Columbia with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Business. As a business executive, she established and managed a company that helps injured workers, The Directions Group, Inc., where she served for 25 years.

In the non-profit arena, Shelley provided board leadership for two private schools and the Lowcountry Food Bank. Using her strong principled base, she is known for collaborating with other leaders to find creative solutions to the issues that many families face.

Shelley also helped start a school in 2010, award-winning Crown Leadership Academy, which uses Project Based Learning (PBL).

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Government's primary purpose is to protect families, children, veterans and our elders.

We need a strong judicial system to support law enforcement.

We need accessible medical and mental health care for families who are struggling with illness.

We need to support our strong military and veteran community, a true asset of this district.

We need to protect the rights of our elders to live at home as long as possible, without fear of scams or other threats to their freedom. Every life has purpose, and we need to stand up to protect our most vulnerable citizens, honoring and valuing them.District 121 is one of the most unspoiled, beautiful parts of South Carolina.

Preserving land and waterways will ensure that we maintain the farmland and estuaries that provide a rich harvest that financially supports many families and provides healthy, nourishing Farm-to-table food for our community and beyond.

Preserving historically significant areas and our cultural heritage will ensure that the generations to come will know and learn from our history. We have to continue telling the stories, teaching our history, building upon our successes and never repeating our mistakes.Promote unity, smart growth, and education. I believe in neighbors helping neighbors as a way to strengthen communities, living with arms open wide ready to share of what we've been given.

Smart growth is development of infrastructure, particularly around the I-95 corridor in Colleton County, to bring new industry with higher-paying JOBS. Economic growth in the commerce parks of Beaufort County needs support at the state level.

To prepare for this growth in industry, we have to provide student vocational testing and vocational training, even at the high school level. Finding that "nugget of gold" and championing each student must be our goal. Practical life skills, like personal finance, need to be part of high school curriculums.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education reform is an area where South Carolina is making great progress. However, with many students graduating high school unprepared for steps toward becoming a productive citizen, we still have work to do.

I believe that there's a nugget of gold in every child, in every student. Working alongside parents to discover a child's gift, teachers need our greatest support. Increase in pay is imperative, but support for teachers as the classroom becomes more challenging is also a must.

Addressing different learning styles and promoting critical thinking skills will inspire students to learn. Creative solutions, including working with our non-profit sector, training veterans as educators and mentoring programs can bring positive change.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and integrity are of paramount importance. A strong mind, combined with compassion for all people are also important.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Caring, compassionate, conservative leader. I've raised four children, who are now adults and working/serving their communities. The challenges that come with that role are always answered with prayer and wise counsel. Leadership, with humility, was taught to me by my parents, and the tools I've gained throughout my life have prepared me to successfully hold this office.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To serve the community, providing governance and support for all citizens, as they pursue life, liberty and happiness.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

In 1969, I remember watching Neil Armstrong, the first man, walk on the moon.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Concession stand at Basil Green Complex. I also worked at the Six L's Packing Shed during summer months in high school.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, absolutely. We must find common ground to represent the diverse communities of South Carolina. Our diversity can be a strength, if we uphold a culture of honor and respect. Finding solutions that benefit the whole, while maintaining order and protecting life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, is our hope and our call.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Recently, I've been hearing from too many families who are working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Without sharing personal details, it highlights the need for better paying jobs with benefits in our area. "Generational poverty" is the phrase that was used to describe this area recently by a notable non-profit leader. I believe with better access to education and smart development to bring higher paying jobs, this cycle can be broken in one generation. I'm ready to fight for the people of this district to bring opportunity!

What committees interest you?

3M (Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs) and Education

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Business management involves accountability, and I would like to use my skills as a conservative business executive to ensure our tax dollars are used as intended. Employing systems to provide accountability will build trust between our government and its citizens. We need more of that.