Shaneel Sanders
Nonprofit Executive | Youth Development Leader | Community Advocate
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
My leadership journey began long before I held formal leadership titles. Throughout my life, I have consistently been drawn to individuals and communities that were often overlooked, underserved, or navigating difficult circumstances. Whether mentoring youth through the Department of Juvenile Justice, supporting vulnerable families through Jewish Family & Community Services, teaching drug resistance and life skills through Jacksonville Urban League, leading fundraising efforts for underfunded students in Nigeria, or mentoring transitional-age youth through Aspire to Inspire, I have always believed that people thrive when someone sees their potential and invests in their future.
Professionally, I have built programs, cultivated partnerships, supervised teams, led community initiatives, and advocated for youth and families throughout Northeast Florida. With a Master of Public Administration and training in grant writing, public finance, and public budgeting, I bring both a heart for service and the operational leadership needed to advance mission-driven organizations.
I am energized by opportunities to build strong teams, strengthen communities, and create environments where young people can heal, grow, and discover their purpose. My leadership style is rooted in service, collaboration, accountability, and the belief that lasting change happens through meaningful relationships.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Director of Programs
ASPIRE TO INSPIRE AGENCY
Jacksonville, FL
06.2022 - 05.2026
- Co-founded and helped build a youth serving organization from concept to implementation, providing leadership for program development, operations, partnerships, compliance, and community engagement.
- Designed and implemented programs focused on leadership development, mentoring, workforce readiness, life skills, educational support, and civic engagement
- Mentored 50 transitional-age youth, at-risk youth, and youth experiencing poverty, family instability, behavioral challenges, and barriers to success.
- Assisted in securing organizational funding through grants, sponsorships, fundraising campaigns, and community partnerships.
- Led efforts to become an approved provider through Step Up For Students and coordinated compliance requirements associated with educational programming.
- Managed organizational growth, operational planning, vendor relationships, resource allocation, and community engagement initiatives.
- Oversaw team performance, providing mentorship and guidance to drive professional growth.
Director of Provider Relations
U.S. Legal Services
Jacksonville, FL
10.2014 - 07.2019
- Managed relationships with a national network of approximately 500 attorneys and legal service providers.
- Reviewed, approved, and denied legal service authorizations based on contractual obligations, policy provisions, and compliance standards.
- Interpreted legal service contracts and ensured organizational resources were utilized appropriately and within approved guidelines.
- Worked directly with executive leadership and the Chief Financial Officer regarding financial authorizations, policy exceptions, and resource allocation decisions.
- Developed extensive experience in financial oversight, policy administration, compliance management, and stakeholder relations.
- Implemented training programs for staff on provider relations best practices and compliance standards, enhancing team performance.
Community Engagement Chair
Jacksonville Urban League Young Professionals
Jacksonville, FL
11.2017 - 03.2019
- Developed and delivered youth - focused programming centered on drug prevention, leadership development, confidence building, and healthy decision making.
- Educated youth on the dangers of peer pressure, making positive life choices, and developing personal accountability.
- Coordinated educational resources and community partnerships supporting youth development initiatives across 6 charter and private schools.
- Participated in civic engagement efforts focused on voter participation, homelessness awareness, and community empowerment.
- Developed partnerships with local businesses to support professional development opportunities.
- Oversaw event planning and execution for networking and fundraising activities.
- Collaborated with board members to set organizational goals and priorities.
Human Services Intern
Jewish Family And Community Services
Jacksonville, FL
10.2012 - 12.2012
- Participated in over 30 child welfare, family services, and community intervention programs serving vulnerable children and families.
- Conducted wellness visits in family homes, supporting family reunification and enhancing child welfare outcomes.
- Reviewed 25 weekly child welfare case files involving parenting plans, family stabilization efforts, and reunification goals.
- Attended court proceedings for child abuse cases, adoption, juvenile diversion, and family reunification, contributing to legal processes and decisions.
- Visited group homes for adolescents transitioning to independent living, monitoring progress and facilitating successful reintegration.
- Developed firsthand understanding of trauma, abuse, neglect, family instability, poverty, and child welfare systems.
- Managed time-sensitive tasks including crisis interventions and urgent case management.
Education
Master's Degree - Public Administration| State & Local Affairs
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL06.2017
Skills
Executive Leadership
Entrepreneurial and innovative
Youth Development
Government Relations
Board Relations
Trauma Informed Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget Oversight
Process improvements
Timeline
Founder & Director of Programs
ASPIRE TO INSPIRE AGENCY
06.2022 - 05.2026
Community Engagement Chair
Jacksonville Urban League Young Professionals
11.2017 - 03.2019
Director of Provider Relations
U.S. Legal Services
10.2014 - 07.2019
Human Services Intern
Jewish Family And Community Services
10.2012 - 12.2012
Master's Degree - Public Administration| State & Local Affairs
Nova Southeastern University
Accomplishments
Career Highlights | Grant Acquisition
Successfully secured a $5,000 grant from the Arlington Lions Club to support the development of a community food pantry serving local families.
Keynote Speaker Address to over 100 educators at River City Science Academy's Kickstart event 2023.