Shani is a Blactorvist: a Black actor and activist. She is a proud graduate of Emerge Oregon, a program that trains democratic women to run for office, as well as the Black Campaign School. Shani has been working on political campaigns and as support for city officials since she was 4 years old. Her late aunt, San Francisco Supervisor Willie B. Kennedy and her very much alive 102 year old grandmother Willard Harris, who is a former San Francisco Commissioner on Aging, taught her the importance of speaking up for herself and using her voice to make changes in her community. Because of them, she strongly believes that "it ain't no use sitting around complaining if you ain't gon’ do somethin’ bout it". She loves teaching others how to do somethin’ bout it.

Using her extensive professional and personal experience in the arts, Shani empowers underrepresented communities and amplifies voices, particularly in the areas of campaign management. She currently serves on the Regional Arts and Culture Council Board, the Basic Rights OregonEquity PAC, the Multnomah County Commission Audit Review Committee, the Portland Bureau of Transportation Pricing Options for Equity for Mobility Committee, and is a Multnomah County Precinct Committee Person.

Shani holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana and has performed nationally and internationally.