REV. DR. PORTIA W. ROCHELLE
Raleigh City Council District C
As a candidate for Raleigh City Council District C, Dr. Portia Rochelle is committed to making a difference in the lives of the citizens of Raleigh. For the 50 years she has lived in the city, she has earned the reputation of being a transformative servant leader. She sees Raleigh as a place uniquely positioned for continuing growth and opportunity, and she wants to ensure every citizen can take advantage of the rich resources and benefits the area has to offer.
Dr. Rochelle has served with a strong belief in God that guides and offers hope for us all. She is founding Pastor-Teacher of "Word for Transformation Church and Outreach Center" in Raleigh. She served as associate minister at Macedonia New Life. Currently she is an Associate Minister at Juniper Level Missionary Baptist Church.
She has volunteered in various school, and community organizations including: Den Leader and Assistant Cub Master of Occoneechee Cub Scout Pack 390; Carolina Pines Girl Scouts Troop 433; Enloe High School, Conn Elementary School Mentor/Tutor programs, and Walnut Creek Elementary; the Board of Directors of Women in Ministry Support Group and the Fuquay-Varina Community Development Corporation. She currently serves on the Raleigh Human Relations Commission.
She served as an Executive Board Member of Strengthening the Black Family Conference, Inc. and as Vice President of the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. She served as a Board Member for the Pleasant Grove Church Dream Academy Foundation.
From 2008 until 2018, Dr. Rochelle served with distinction as the President of the Raleigh-Apex NAACP Branch. In this capacity, she became well-known throughout the state as a fearless and tireless advocate for justice and civil rights.
Dr. Rochelle completed over 30 years of service in NC State Government. She is a recipient of the State of North Carolina Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award, an honor given to state employees for outstanding service.
Dr. Rochelle matriculated in the public schools of nearby Fuquay-Varina. Upon graduation, she earned degrees from Wake Tech Community College and the historic Shaw University. She earned a BA in Liberal Studies and a Master of Divinity degree from Shaw. She also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
Dr. Rochelle has two children: a daughter Marissa Rochelle and a son, Christopher Rochelle (daughter-in-law Tai). She has four adorable grandchildren, Venetia, DeVoy, Brittany, and Ryan.