Foundation Board of Trustee Shanel Ingram Is A Phenomenal Woman

The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore recently celebrated ten outstanding women for their exceptional achievements, unwavering community commitment, and dedication to shaping a brighter future. This annual recognition of “Phenomenal Women Under 40” highlights young women in Monmouth and Ocean counties who embody dedication, leadership, innovation, and mentorship. Among these remarkable women is Shanel R. Ingram, a Brookdale Foundation Board of Trustee.

“My core value is to help people have self-esteem and know they are capable of being a leader,” said Shanel. “To be honored for an organization that stands for that, especially for young girls, means that I am headed in the right direction.”

Shanel’s journey is one of inspiration and empowerment. Shanel graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her passion for education led her to serve as a Substitute Teacher in the Asbury Park School District. Today, she is the Co-Head of School and Lead Teacher at Sea Lavender Montessori in Belmar, NJ. There, children are encouraged to be authentic, fostering confidence and nurturing a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

In addition, she is the founder and owner of Shanel Ronnai, LLC. This company leverages the power of graphic design and media to help individuals, small businesses, and organizations build their brands and effectively communicate their messages to their target audiences.

Beyond her education and graphic design work, Shanel has advocated for positive change and community development. As a Camp Director for Inspire Life, she organized Summer Camps, a Tech Summit, and a Coding Camp for 3rd to 8th grade students. In addition to serving on the Brookdale Foundation, she also serves on the Board of Directors for the RMW Foundation, Inc., and Inspire Life, all organizations committed to the betterment of children and the community.

Her advice to the next generation of female leaders is powerful and heartwarming: “Love yourself. When people love themselves, they feel capable,” she said. “Sometimes, people do not feel supported, heard, or seen, so they walk differently than someone loved. You can tell when someone walks into a room and feels like they belong.”

For young girls aspiring to be leaders, Shanel’s message is clear: “Know you are loved and are capable of doing whatever you can imagine. Your dreams can become your reality.”

Her unwavering dedication to empowerment, education, and community service embodies the courage, confidence, and character qualities that the Girl Scouts stand for, and her journey inspires us all. She will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact on the world.