Shanique Taliaferro
Trenton,New Jersey
Summary
Dynamic community organizer and relationship builder with over 15 years of experience in urban advocacy, volunteer coordination, nonprofit engagement, and retail sales management. Known for cultivating meaningful partnerships, leading grassroots campaigns, and mobilizing communities across New Jersey. Adept at strategic planning, youth development, public speaking, and connecting people to purpose. Proven success in leading initiatives that empower, uplift, and unify.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Volunteer Coordinator
The Salvation Army
- Spearheaded volunteer recruitment, training, and retention across Trenton and surrounding areas.
- Managed after-school programs for K–5 students and a mobile soup kitchen serving hundreds of residents.
- Developed partnerships with nonprofits and city leaders to support emergency response and family services.
Community Outreach Volunteer Coordinator
The Father Center of New Jersey
- Current
- Coordinates outreach and community engagement programs centered on fatherhood, family well-being, and workforce development.
- Builds collaborative partnerships to strengthen impact in underserved communities.
Organizer & Lead Strategist
Black Women New Jersey
01.2020 - Current
- Founded and scaled a statewide network serving over 20,000 Black women with active tribes in all 21 counties.
- Organized digital and in-person campaigns focused on economic justice, voting rights, and leadership development.
- Led grant programs, sisterhood retreats, and community-wide mobilizations to support Black-owned businesses.
- Managed statewide partnerships and high-impact advocacy events including political forums and regional mixers.
Community Liaison & Program Coordinator
Greater Donnelly Initiative (Weed & Seed)
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Oversaw city-funded youth programs, including summer camps for 100+ at-risk youth and mentoring initiatives.
- Facilitated tutoring programs with Princeton University and local high schools.
- Provided administrative and strategic support for youth development and safety-based programming.
Assistant Manager
Trenton Food Pantry & Youth Building Programs
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Distributed bi-monthly food bags to 170+ families and managed community pantry operations.
- Coordinated academic support, mentoring, and life skills programming for local youth.
Retail Sales Manager
New York & Company
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Managed retail operations, staff supervision, and visual merchandising.
- Drove store revenue growth and customer engagement through targeted sales initiatives.
Education
College Credits - Education
Mercer County Community College
West Windsor, NJ01.2008
High School Diploma - undefined
Trenton Central High School
Trenton, NJ01.2001
Skills
- Community Engagement & Organizing
- Urban Policy Strategy
- Retail Sales Management
- Youth & Family Advocacy
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Volunteer Training & Recruitment
- Government & Nonprofit Partnerships
- Social Media & Content Strategy
Affiliations
- Former Board Member, Paul Robeson Charter School of Humanities (now part of KIPP)
- Former Board Member, Benjamin Banneker Charter School
- Graduate & Alumni Member, NJ State Police Citizens Academy
- Appointed Member, City of Trenton Green Team
- Steering Committee, Mercer County Sustainability Coalition
- Volunteer Coordinator, Eastern Service Workers Association
- Certified Lead Teacher, Children’s Sunday School
- Volunteer Staff, Councilman At-Large and Trenton Mayoral Campaigns
Timeline
Organizer & Lead Strategist
Black Women New Jersey
01.2020 - Current
Community Liaison & Program Coordinator
Greater Donnelly Initiative (Weed & Seed)
01.2010 - 01.2017
Assistant Manager
Trenton Food Pantry & Youth Building Programs
01.2010 - 01.2012
Retail Sales Manager
New York & Company
01.2000 - 01.2004
Regional Volunteer Coordinator
The Salvation Army
Community Outreach Volunteer Coordinator
The Father Center of New Jersey
- Current
High School Diploma - undefined
Trenton Central High School
College Credits - Education
Mercer County Community College
UPDATED PRESS & MEDIA FEATURES
- InsiderNJ – “Sherrill’s Road to (the City of) Trenton”
Describes your direct invitation to Mikie Sherrill after the primary, leading to her walk through the city with Black Women NJ. https://www.insidernj.com/sherrills-road-to-the-city-of-trenton/
- BIN (Black Information Network) – “Shanique Taliaferro Talks Organization That Unites Black Businesswomen”
Highlights the founding of Black Women New Jersey and the 'Black Women Everywhere' business directory. https://www.binnews.com/featured/our-voices/content/2023-09-22-shanique-taliaferro-talks-or ganization-that-unites-black-businesswomen/
- News 12 New Jersey – “One Woman’s Search for Sisterhood Online Has Brought Thousands of Women Together in New Jersey”
Shares your founding story of Black Women NJ’s transition from digital connection to large-scale community impact. https://newjersey.news12.com/womens-history-month-thousands-join-online-community-for-bl ack-women-in-new-jersey
- Atlantic City Focus – “Black Women New Jersey Promote Voter Registration Across Entire State”
Covers your statewide voter registration campaign with events in all 21 New Jersey counties. https://www.atlanticcityfocus.com/black-women-new-jersey-promote-voter-registration-across- entire-state/
- WAJ Magazine / We Are Jersey Ent – “Shanique Taliaferro — Cultivating Amazing Relationships and Sisterhood”
Reflects on your intentional community-building through Black Women NJ. https://wajmagazine.com/blogs/news/shanique-taliaferro-cultivating-amazing-relationships-an d-sisterhood
- Greater Trenton (Trenton Daily) – “Trenton Central High School Celebrates National Voter Registration Day”
Features your civic engagement and speaking role at a youth voter registration event. https://www.greatertrenton.org/2024/09/19/trenton-central-high-school-celebrates-national-vot er-registration-day/
- City of Trenton News Flash – “City of Trenton Hosts Flag-Raising Ceremony in Honor of Black History Month”
Lists you as a featured guest speaker at the event held at City Hall. https://www.trentonnj.org/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=1227
- The Wall (TCNJ Student Newspaper) – “When the Soup Kitchen Closes, Mobile Canteen Fills the Void”
Mentions your role coordinating Salvation Army’s mobile canteen efforts in Trenton. https://thewall.pages.tcnj.edu/2018/02/03/when-the-soup-kitchen-closes-mobile-canteen-fills-t he-void/
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