As the Director of Community Building, Shantel provides strategic direction and oversight of community building and economic development programs. She has a demonstrable background in community advocacy, equitable housing, social services, and economic development. One of her key objectives is to develop a community voter engagement plan that combats voter suppression while strengthening civic engagement. Her approach takes into account a diversity, equity and inclusion lens and is passionate about immigration and LGBTQ+ issues.
Beyond her role at NSCDC, she is a certified financial coach, and provides a wide range of financial counseling services from fundamentals of financial literacy and budgeting to first time home buying.
She currently serves on the board of Project Out, the Civic Engagement Advisory Board at Salem State University, Trans Leadership Academy Advisory Board for MTPC, Prep and Shine Study with Fenway Health and Brown University, and has recently been appointed to the City of Salem’s Race Equity Commission where she will continue her work by elevating the voices of those who are underrepresented in city government.
