In 2017, I joined the Natioanal Association of Educators to support our local Charlotte Mecklenburg Association of Educators (CMAE) not as a teacher, but as a community organizer committed to public education.
As an affiliate member, I’ve had the opportunity to stand with educators because I believed — and still believe — that public schools are the heartbeat of our communities.
WE have a lot to do to improve public education and the status of academic outcomes for our babies. 
Becoming an affiliate member was the first step in understanding the issues in the teaching profession and how they are asking us to support them.
Joining the NEA/CMAE is a declaration: I will support those who teach our children for equitable pay, fight for safe and well-resourced classrooms, and uplift the profession that shapes every other profession.
Over the years, I’ve marched with educators, spoken at rallies, shown up at board meetings, and pushed for policy change. 
The benefits of being a NEA/CMAE affiliate member makes you part of a powerful coalition. It’s about collective action, shared struggle, and community voice.
NEA/CMAE needs more community members because they understand that it takes all of us and not just educators.  We must work together to create the schools our children deserve.
As I campaign to serve as your next District 2 representative on the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board, my long-standing relationship with NEA/CMAE reminds me: real change happens when we build bridges between educators and the communities they serve. I’ve been building that bridge since 2017, and I will continue doing so with humility, courage, and unwavering commitment.
Reimagining Education. Reshaping Possibilities. Rising Together.
The cost to join NEA/CMAE as an affiliate member is on $25 per year.  Visit NEA HERE

Grateful for the support of Thelma Byers-Bailey who understands what it means to lead with community.

From neighborhood meetings to garden beds, we’ve both rolled up our sleeves to make our communities stronger, greener, and more united.
We don’t just talk about change—we grow it, together. 🌱🏘️
#vote4shamaiye
📸: Me & Thelma | Enderly Park Neighborhood Association 💪🏾

What a day on the Westside!
We celebrated connection, community, and new possibilities at our Greenway Grand Opening at Martin Luther King Park in Enderly Park.  Enderly Park and Seversville is linked in a way that brings us closer together. 🌳🚶🏽‍♀️
This project isn’t just concrete and trail signs — it’s an investment in us. A reminder that when we build together, we rise together. 💪🏽✨
Afterward, I stopped by the Westside Fish Fry at the West Complex on W. Trade Street — nothing better than good food and even better people.
Thank you to the Greater Enderly Park Neighborhood Association for allowing me the honor to serve as your president. 🙏🏽
We are building community, living community, being in community block by block.

Fun fact: In 2019, I got together with a few friends to bring financial literacy to my daughter's (then) middle school. We had to wait until after the pandemic but we finally got it launched and students have continued the program.

I only participated in the full program in the first iteration and today I got the opportunity to speak to the kids and see all the tweaks and fun activities that have been crafted. Shawneke Wilson referred a very talented, smart kind brother named Al Riddick to us. If you are looking for materials I highly recommend Al! We use the book (Money $mart Teen$), workbook, and facilitator guide to teach the kids.
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Danae Diller helped bring financial resources to the project.
Together we designed activities, recruited volunteers, and made magic happen.
I don't like to post all the things I do but today was extra special and I needed to share this with you.

Our schools reflect our values, our vision, and our willingness to fight for every child!
 
I’m running for the District 2 School Board seat because I believe in public education that works for the people, shaped by the people.
 
We need classrooms where educators are respected and supported, where students are seen and empowered, and families are invited to be partners in the work.
 
Policies must be rooted in justice, care, and community.
I want to end politics as usual.
 
Join us.
Volunteer.
Donate.
Share your voice.
Walk this road with us.
#vote4shamaiye
#Red4Ed
#EducationFirst
#CharlotteStrong

From community halls to school hallways, my journey is rooted in love for our children, families, our educators, and our future.
 
It’s pointless to run for office just to run!  I’m honored to be running for The District 2 School Board and I’ll make a difference and do the work that matters.
 
This campaign is about us and our collective power, our shared hope, our belief that public education can and should serve every child with dignity and excellence.

If you believe that too, I ask for your support. 

Volunteer. Donate. Pray. Send good energy.
Let’s build the future our kids deserve. Together.
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#vote4shamaiye
#Red4Ed
#EducationFirst
#CharlotteStrong

My campaign team is a great force
These folks help me with the work, plan late into the night, and root every step in love for our community.
They show up with heart, hustle, and purpose, and they believe in what’s possible when WE lead.
This campaign NOT about me. It’s about building real power. Yeah, and we keep showing up.
Let’s Go!

I have been asked by so many of you, "What's next?".  The what's next for me is that I keep going, keep showing up, stay involved and push forward every platform issue I offered you this past election. 

I am extremely glad the bond referendum passed and I want to start bringing vital information about the bonds to the community.  A little known fact is that CMS has a committee called the Bond Oversight Committee which I've had the privilege of serving on since 2019.  The purpose of this committee is to review each bond package and to ensure that as funding is allocated by the county, our school district is completing projects accordingly.  I want to make sure that the next time we have a bond referendum, you are informed and able to understand every aspect of bond related projects.  

Next steps look like the continued exploration and advancement of the Community Schools Model.  Since 2021, the organization I started (The Charlotte Community Think Tank), under my leadership has been partnering with Communities in Schools.  Both organizations are exploring the model in two CMS Schools - Hidden Valley Elementary and Martin Luther King Middle School with grant funds from the Belk Foundation and The United Way of Greater Charlotte.  We hope our efforts will lead to several full implementations

There are still some policies that need to be strengthened in order to bring this phenomenal framework to CMS.  I'll continue to work with the school board to achieve this goal.

On the campaign trail you heard me talk about Restorative Justice Practices.  I believe in restorative justice and the promise it holds for schools and our community.  I want to move it forward but I learned something new in the process of supporting RJP.  I learned how many parents do not understand what interventions are in place in the schools currently.  This poses an even bigger issue.  My plan is to dive deep and raise questions about what the interventions are, are they consistent, and are they proactive vs. reactive.  Are we sending children through processes that criminalize behavior?  These are questions I really have to answer before pursuing RJV.  I think you understand the point.
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​Due to high stakes testing, we have doubled down on becoming a community hyper focused on academics and less attuned to the social emotional needs of children.  Arts and enrichment move children forward academically and provide more well rounded students.  I hope to be appointed to a board to make an impact.  I will work with the equity committee to bring consistency to schools that need it the most. I will press for more equity and identify solutions.

This is the one platform issue that I believe I will have very little impact on without being on the board.  However, I'll continue to advocate for this because I believe it will move equity, advance students, and lead to more accountability.

​After the election, I learned so much more than I already knew, and I am so grateful for the experience.  I promise to remain active just as I have been faithfully since 2016. 

I plan to run for District 2 School Board in 2025!  I hope to receive your support now and moving forward.