Shalena Broadnax

Shalena Broadnax, Special Assistant to the President
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 Jeanette 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 is currently finishing her BA in film studies at Brooklyn College.

Why do you do what you do? 

WDYDWYD Sign: I’ve been told I can’t…

I have often been told that I am limited because of my age, race, gender, and background, and that has motivated me to work even harder.  The same thing is being told to others, and it is definitely a form of oppression.  I think we all just need to be supportive of one another and believe in others as much as we believe in ourselves.  That’s how movements are made.

What drew you to work at Echoing Green? 

Besides Echoing Green’s great reputation, I was drawn to the organization because of the support given to their staff, fellows, and other social entrepreneurs.  In the time that I have been a part of Echoing Green, I’ve noticed how the organization continues to ask, “How can we make this better?” Or, “How can we reach more people without being less effective?”  It’s not just about making Echoing Green grow as an organization; it’s about changing the lives of people—from tiny communities to global institutions.

What book are you currently reading? 

I am currently reading Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and The Truth About Money by Ric Edelman.  

What do you do for fun in your free time? 

What free time?! (joking).  I’ve been on an Arrested Development binge and have been trying to finish up Season 3 of that.  I also tend to watch movies, check out restaurants, and learn new hobbies.  I used to take a lot of dance classes—from Belly Dancing to Hip Hop/House—and I am looking to start that up again.  

When was your last Be Bold moment? 

A week before starting my position at Echoing Green, I wrote and delivered a workshop on sexism and male supremacy for a group of youth activists.  I was unsure how things would go since it’s such a controversial topic, but it was amazing!  I was not only inspired by the young people, but they were really responsive.  It was such a collaborative effort.

In the next month, I plan to…

Go apartment hunting and pick up yet another hobby.  I’ve been considering learning the Samba and a form of martial arts.

Any pets?

I have a cute little Maltese named Missy.  Even though she’s 5 years old, I still call her a puppy because she’s tiny and loves attention.