Bio
Shamaiye's Family LtoR Son Xavier, Husband Michael, Shamaiye and Daughter Maiye moved to Charlotte in 2012
Shamaiye and her son Xavier. Xavier is proud graduate of West Charlotte High School Class of 2021
Shamaiye Haynes is a dedicated community organizer and nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to cultivating equity, opportunity, and belonging in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. A proud mother of a CMS graduate and a current CMS student, she understands firsthand the challenges and possibilities within our public education system.
Shamaiye has spent years learning about education policy and community building by studying, listening, and working closely with families, teachers, and students. She believes that the best solutions come from the people most affected, and she brings that mindset to every space she enters.
Her love for the creative community inspires her belief in the power of art to tell stories, preserve history, and spark change. She sees education not just as a pathway to achievement, but as a cornerstone of justice and collective liberation.
With a track record of listening deeply, acting boldly, and leading with integrity, Shamaiye is ready to serve District 2 with transparency, collaboration, and a clear vision for what our schools—and our students—deserve.
Shamaiye has spent years learning about education policy and community building by studying, listening, and working closely with families, teachers, and students. She believes that the best solutions come from the people most affected, and she brings that mindset to every space she enters.
Her love for the creative community inspires her belief in the power of art to tell stories, preserve history, and spark change. She sees education not just as a pathway to achievement, but as a cornerstone of justice and collective liberation.
With a track record of listening deeply, acting boldly, and leading with integrity, Shamaiye is ready to serve District 2 with transparency, collaboration, and a clear vision for what our schools—and our students—deserve.
- 2016 - 2020: Founded the Thomasboro Foundation
- 2017 - 2025: Founded the Charlotte Community Think Tank (Think Tank) (formerly the Westside Education Think Tank)
- 2017 - present: Member of The Black Political Caucus - Charlotte - Mecklenburg
- 2017 - 2019: Served on the Project LIFT Parent Advisory Board
- 2017 - 2018: Vice President, West Charlotte Parent Teacher Association
- 2018 - present: Joined the North Carolina Association of Educators (affiliate member)
- 2018 - Think Tank hosted community conversation - Is Education the New Civil Right?
- 2019 - Marched in Raleigh with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators (MORE...)
- 2019 - present Appointed to the CMS Bond Oversight Committee (now Community Capital & Bond Committee)
- 2019 - 2023 Served on the CMS Title1 Advisory Committee
- 2019 - 2020 Vice President, West Charlotte Parent Teacher Association
- 2020 - 2021 Parent, Teacher & Community Committee Member & Parent Excellence Team- West Charlotte High School
- 2020 - Think Tank identified the Community Schools Model as a solution to close the achievement gap
- 2021 - 2024 Think Tank partnered with Communities in Schools to secure funding for exploration of Community Schools Model
- 2022 - present Guest Lecturer at University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Cato College of Education
- 2023 - 2025: League of Women Voters, Board of Directors (Budget Committee Chair)
- 2025 - present: Charlotte Alliance of Black Accountants, Board of Directors (Community Engagement Chair)