SHANAY N. FULTON, MPA

Shanay, an NYC native, relocated to the North End of Middletown, where her path began as a low-income mother striving to create a better future for herself and her family. In 2016, she started her career as a Paraprofessional in the Middletown Public Schools, serving students at various levels, and eventually found her calling as a Family Resource Specialist at Macdonough Elementary.

 

Her commitment to community empowerment extended beyond the classroom as she took on the role of Youth Director for the North End Action Team, guiding youth toward advocacy and community service through program development. Shanay’s firsthand experiences navigating trauma and adversity fueled her passion for providing invaluable resources and supporting countless single-parent families facing similar challenges of trauma, abuse, and poverty.

 

Driven by a vision of systemic change, Shanay transitioned her focus to statewide advocacy and community health. She co-chairs the Workforce and Family Economic Mobility 2Gen Workgroup under the Governor’s Workforce Council, advocating for policies that uplift vulnerable communities. Her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering resilience led her to publish her first book, “Peace. Happiness. Love- A Journey To Healing,” a poignant narrative of her own journey and a guide for others seeking resilience.

 

Shanay’s impact extends beyond advocacy into the realm of governance and leadership. Formerly, a two-term elected Commissioner for the City of Middletown’s Planning & Zoning Commission and VP of the Russell Library, she currently serves on the City Council, shaping the future of her community. Currently serving as Director of Middletown WORKS, an economic initiative aimed at empowering single-parent BIPOC families, Shanay spearheads efforts for systemic change, collaborative leadership, and collective impact.

 

Shanay holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Business from Fordham University. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys writing, reading, meditation, nature walks, exploring new culinary delights, traveling, and nurturing her bond with her two sons.