This culture taught her the value of community, work ethics, and the arts. She initially seemed destined for a career in dance, even receiving some free advanced training from one of Sydney Dance school students and Joann Myers students of PhilaDanco. Granting her the opportunity to dance at some prestigious theatres across the Philadelphia region. These experiences led her to further her education in the arts as she continued dance classes at Koresh, Acting for film in Highschool with Big Picture Alliance. Then obtained an associate degree in Communication from Community College, Bachelor’s Degree in Communication for Theatre Arts from Temple University, and recently obtained a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University. Her upbringing and exposure led her to create a solution for those lacking the opportunities she was fortunate to receive.

 

In 2009, Shinelle decided to write a screenplay entitled, “For the Sake of Jacob” and Ellnish Art Alliance was born. Before she started filming her mother passed away and she put a holt on her dream but continued schooling at Temple University(TU) where her love for the arts was restored and she did acting, directing, stage-managing and more. After completing her studies at TU, she assistant directed a musical theatre camp in society hill at the Saint Peter’s School and her eyes exposed her to more prominent possibilities for the urban communities she grew to love. She was given several dance teaching positions at church, and Discovery Charter school where she pitched the idea to start a summer camp. The board declined but one of the members offered her an opportunity to apply her program at one of the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facilities. In less than two months camps was in session. Starting with one camper her determination changed for the better and a full program was established. The children had an opportunity to participate in her rendition of the musical “The Wiz”. She changed the company name to Shine Arts Alliance and expanded her programs to all year round, credited: for writing three musicals: Spring Out, Barbie Dreamers and Africa’s Promise, Philly’s Kids Are Star Showcase, Black Outloud Expo, Communities Festivals for back to school and recently credited collaborative dance video, “Let Dance Do the Lifting”.  She still resides in Philadelphia with her wife, stepdaughter and grandson and continues to exercise Community Outreach, Youth Advocacy, and Arts Education. She uses Shine AA to brighten the dark places in the underserved communities as she assures, “The Arts will Light a Spark in your Heart”.