Shalena Broadnax

Shalena Broadnax, Operations & Communications Associate
Shalena@echoinggreen.org

Shalena began her social justice path as a youth activist for the YA-YA (Youth Activists-Youth Allies) Network. There, she built campaigns, trained youth and youth advocates, and ran workshops on various social issues. During this time, she was also featured on CNN to discuss her efforts in educating low-income students and parents about alternatives to the military. In 2003, Shalena was awarded the Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship.  The fellowship allowed her to intern at Global Kids, Scenarios USA, and travel to Malawi to intern with Save the Children. Shalena’s interest in film has also led her to India where she co-directed and co-wrote a short documentary called “Shyam Kumar: Portrait of a Terra Cotta Artist,” which won the Best Documentary Film Award at the 2007 CUNY Asian American Film Festival. Shalena received her BA in film studies at Brooklyn College.

Why do you do what you do? 

WDYDWYD Sign: Because media often misrepresents when it can uplift

There are a number of complaints about the negative influence media has on audiences, especially women and people of color. Seeing The Watermelon Woman in one of my film classes changed the way I thought about film and media in general. It instilled in me the belief that there are positive media outlets and people with the intentions to uplift themselves and others.

I do this work in honor of…

My niece and nephew. They look up to me, so I try to lead by example and create a life without regrets.

What is the most surprising part of your job?

I am co-coordinator of internal Echoing Green events and activities. I enjoy helping out whenever there is a time to celebrate the achievements, birthdays, and other special moments of our staff.

When not working, what are you caught doing?

Most of my family live in the same borough, so I am usually visiting them.  When I am by myself, I like to spend time at my favorite neighborhood coffee shops or teaching myself how to use web tools.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A dancer!

What is your favorite podcast or blog and why?

Racialicious is my favorite blog because it discusses race, class, and gender in the larger context of pop culture and media. The contributors are so honest and personal with their commentary.