Born in Roanoke, Virginia, to hardworking parents dedicated to providing a nurturing environment, Shana’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and the transformative power of education.  Despite initially setting her sights on a modest job that did not require higher education, her father’s encouragement led her to explore opportunities that would ultimately change her life. 

Joining Project Discovery, a program aimed at helping students from underserved communities access higher education, marked the beginning of her transformative journey. Her participation not only altered her career path but set the stage for her future contributions to the very community she came from.  Through her father’s sacrifice, a bus driver for almost 50 years, withdrawing from his retirement funds to finance her education, she was able to pursue higher education, a testament to the value her family placed on academics. Her career came full circle first as a beneficiary of Project Discovery’s services, later as its Coordinator, and eventually rising to become the Executive Director. 

Shana E. expanded her mission by founding Beyond the Dream, LLC., showcases her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to pursue their aspirations with determination. By offering a blend of one-on-one and group coaching, alongside inspirational events and educational tools, she’s created a robust platform for people to not only envision their dreams but to actively work towards realizing them. Her holistic approach, which emphasizes both motivation and actionable strategies, reflects a deep understanding of the varied hurdles individuals face on their paths to success. 

Always determined to give back, Shane E. is releasing her new book “Elevate Your Dreams: A Brown Girl’s Path To Postsecondary Education.” This book is not just a testament to her dedication to the cause but also serves as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for young brown girls navigating the complexities of accessing postsecondary education. Complementing this guide, the “Dream Journal” workbook is an innovative tool that enhances engagement with the book’s concepts through practical activities. This approach not only reinforces the material but also encourages readers to apply these lessons in their personal journeys. 

She is also completing, “Three Million Miles” a children’s book dedicated to her father, showcasing the everyday heroes in children’s lives through the lens of a bus driver. This book not only pays homage to her father’s influence on her life but also serves to inspire curiosity and respect for bus drivers in our communities. 

Shana E. holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Radford University, a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership focusing on Nonprofit Leadership from Liberty University, and an Executive Certificate in Leadership from Hollins University’s Batten Leadership Institute. Alongside her educational pursuits, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, serves as the Church Clerk, and relishes travel, long walks, reading, and decorating.