Shanell provides comprehensive meeting planning and logistics management for the Forum’s annual Ready by 21 National Meeting, the Opportunity Youth Network (OYN) Summit, and other initiatives and convenings involving our partners and their external stakeholders.   In addition to conference planning, she works with the Chief Operating Officer to oversee the day to day management of operations, facilities, technology and HR functions.

Before joining the Forum in 2010, Shanell was a records specialist for the Student Hearing Office in the Washington, D.C., Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Shanell served as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of Public Relations, North America from 1999 to 2002 and Special Assistant to the Chairman of Media Relations from 1996 to 1999 at international PR firm, Burson-Marsteller.   She has also served as the Government Affairs Associate for an international trade association (the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association) from 1989 to 1996.  As an independent consultant, Shanell provided proposal writing and other services to companies doing business with federal agencies, such as the Departments of Defense and Education before joining OSSE.

Shanell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland and remains an avid fan of the Maryland Terrapins (aka “the Terps).