Shantae J. Edwards is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Service at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. As a social entrepreneur, empowerment speaker and impact coach for the last 11 years, Shantae J. is committed to motivating, facilitating and building relationships for the purposes of accessing equity, education, social and economic sustainability. She applies these concepts in her own businesses and social endeavors.
Using her BA in Communications and her MBA with a focus in Marketing, Shantae J. brings her professional and interpersonal skills to the table to give guidance to operate and approach life being in action and using “I WILL” as a motivator to having a productive life and a fulfilling purpose-driven career.
In 2012, Shantae J. became a Dream Director with The Future Project where through her work supported high school social entrepreneurs to turn their passions into social impact endeavors. In that same year she joined the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. Through this, she, along with other leaders worldwide implemented sustainable projects impacting communities that create a better future through education, environmental, social entrepreneurship and the arts both locally and globally.
Shantae J.’s May 2016 TED Talk, “You Are Enough,” explains exactly how she has been able to spread her message of embracing your own humanity and the humanity of others in order to improve yourself on an individual and community basis.
Growing up, Shantae J. learned many of the keys she uses to empower her clients from her mother, Marlene Edwards. These lessons influenced Shantae J. to empower people to improve their lives by taking ownership of their stories and being committed changemakers.
Currently Shantae J. works as Director of Communications for the New York State Assembly and Adjunct Professor.
