Shelby brings over a decade of experience in equity work spanning the non-profit, government and private sectors to her role as Partner. 

Shelby is a Black and Indigenous woman (Lenape Ramapough) who grew up with class privilege in the suburbs of northern New Jersey and Indianapolis. Growing up as a proud BIPOC in predominantly white spaces, Shelby developed a nuanced understanding of privilege and white-dominant social structures, as well as their deep impact on marginalized communities. These experiences drive her commitment to dismantling oppressive systems, amplifying historically silenced voices, and collaborating with communities to rebuild systems that authentically address people's needs.

Shelby's career has centered on creating equitable systems that uplift historically marginalized voices. At the Indianapolis Urban League (IUL), she developed and implemented initiatives like the Urban Farmers’ Market, Sol Food wellness education program, and the Fresh Stop Market in partnership with Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. These programs were designed to not only increase access to healthy food but also address barriers to healthy habits through culturally-informed education and experiential learning. Shelby also built and managed the marketing and communications processes at the IUL, ensuring that their programs reached their targeted communities. She served on several public health boards, including as the communications lead for the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review, where she contributed to building a culturally sensitive Community Health Worker program. Her passion for addressing health disparities, particularly for Black women and children, ultimately led her to work at the Indiana State Department of Health’s WIC program, where she advocated for greater equity and cultural sensitivity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.

After her work in public health, Shelby transitioned to purpose-driven tech companies, where she was a vocal advocate for honesty, transparency, intentionality, and the seamless integration of DEIB aspirations into policies, processes, and structures in data collection, management, HR, and recruiting. These experiences continue to inform her current work in reshaping systems to authentically uplift and serve marginalized communities. As a certified holistic health coach, Shelby applies the whole-person perspective to the work she does now, viewing the individual, communities, and systems as interconnected ecosystems that require balanced power to achieve true equity.

At Collective Futures, Shelby leads strategic initiatives that center community voices, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers and rebuild systems that truly address individual and collective needs. She is dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented perspectives guide every aspect of the collective’s projects. Shelby’s expertise spans strategic planning, project management, communications, stakeholder engagement, and health equity.

Shelby is a moon-loving Cancerian living in downtown Indianapolis with her daughter, life-partner, 2 dogs, and 40+ houseplants. Joy for her looks like a day full of connection with loved ones in nature, singing musical soundtracks, enjoying the vegan soul food she’s prepared!