S. Shani Saunders
I specialize in culture-driven team building. As the leader of a company-wide Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging employee affinity group, my goal is to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives that support leadership and encourage employee engagement.
Diversity and Inclusion
Philadelphia, PA, US
[email protected]
Focus
Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.
James Baldwin
Work Experience
Brandywine Realty Trust | Voices Affinity Group, Leader | Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Jul 2018 ~ Present
Responsible for implementing strategies that promote diversity throughout the organization aligned with the CEO’s Call to Action for Diversity. Under the direction of HR, lead a team of 20 members, as we assist in developing practices that effectively increase diversity and awareness of diverse populations.
BRANDYWINE REALTY TRUST, Property Management Administrative Assistant, Apr 2016 ~ Present
Provide direct support to the General Manager, Property Manager, Security and Engineering teams.
Review, update, and revise Tenant Handbook, as necessary. Responsible for communicating with tenants, and planning and coordination of all building events. Provide superior customer service to all tenants, clients, contractors, and vendors.
SWEET JONZ LLC, Owner, Oct 2009 ~ Jan 2014
Sweet Jonz specialized in homemade, gourmet baked goods.
Catered small and large scale events.
Provided baked goods to local restaurants and convenience stores.
Interacted with customers and vendors.
Supervised staff.
Developed and tested recipes.
COZEN OCONNOR, Executive Assistant, Sep 2001 ~ Jun 2011
Executive Assistant to former U.S. Ambassador, David F. Girard-diCarlo, Ret.
Provided comprehensive support to C-level and Sr. Member attorneys in the commercial defense litigation practice.
Entrusted with confidential communications and interactions.
Screened, prioritized, and managed interactions and appointments.
Maintained databases.
Coordinated meetings, events, and travel arrangements.
Tracked budgets, prepared time entries and expense reports.
Interacted daily with clients, insurance adjusters, doctors, and attorneys.
Administrative lead on various team projects.
Cultural Awareness
Co-chair of AACC’s 27th Virtual Annual Event - Raised over $200k towards supporting Black businesses in PA, NJ, and DE.
Team Building
Facilitated dynamic, company-sponsored workshop. The training enhanced leadership and communication skill sets for use in the workplace and daily interactions.
Community Engagement
Organize events for annual Earth Day/Week celebrations, including:
- eWaste Recycling and Clothing Drives
- Environmental awareness-based events and activities.
Education
Rutgers University, Labor Studies and Employment Relations,
2020 ~ 2023
Labor Studies and Employment Relations, B.S./M.S
(Specialized Concentration - Diversity in the Workplace)
(in progress)
Purdue University on Future Learn, Non-Degree Program (Coursera certificate), 2020
Understanding Diversity and Inclusion - Certificate
University of Pennsylvania on Coursera, Non-Degree Program (Coursera certificate), Specialization in Culture-Driven Team Building, 2020
Creating a Team Culture of Continuous Learning - Certificate
Optimizing Diversity on Teams - Certificate
Building High-Performing Teams - Certificate
The Power of Team Culture - Certificate
Culture-Driven Team Building Capstone - Certificate
About Me
Service
Memberships
CREW Philadelphia
- Outreach Committee
- Events Committee
(2020 - Present)
The Sunday Breakfast Club
(2020 - Present)
BOMA Philadelphia
- Community Involvement Committee
(2016 - Present)
African-American Chamber of Commerce (PA-NJ-DE)
(2019-present)
National Association of Realtors
(2013 - Present)
Licenses / Certifications
BOMI, Real Property Administrator (RPA®️,expected completion 2020) NJ Real Estate Salesperson
(License, 2013)
Fitwel Ambassador
(Center for Active Design, 2019)
