Shalelia is a Denver native and Daniels Fund Scholar who graduated from South High School in 2003. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor of Spanish from Hampton University. While completing her last year of college, she worked for Upward Bound and realized that she would be fulfilled by teaching. She received her alternative teacher certification in Special Education in Austin, Texas. From there, Shalelia taught high school math, preschool, sixth and eighth grade science, and private school. While attending Hampton her sophomore year, she envisioned a program to enrich students with their culture while improving their academia. Shalelia is the Founder of SCD Enrichment Program, a school-based nonprofit that recruits and supports students of color in advanced coursework.

As a teacher for eleven years, her number one focus was to significantly impact her students by sharing her real-life circumstances while instilling pride and confidence. Since she was in high school, her priority has been to give back to the community. From volunteering for the homeless to coaching a community cheerleading team, her focus has been on making her community a better place. She is an alumnus of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado. She is also in the process of receiving a Masters in Educational Psychology and Gifted and Talented Endorsement at the University of Northern Colorado.

When Shalelia is not trying to make a difference in her community, she dedicates her time to her husband Joe and two boys, Jojo (14) and Elias (6). She is an artist who paints and quills and loves singing and listening to music. Shalelia is influenced by her past, experiences, professional experiences, and love for education and culture!