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ASCI’s Dr. Shani Yeldell to be Honored at New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Awards 2022
ASCI is proud to announce the nomination of Dr. Shani Yeldell to the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 2022. In its ninth year, the New Pittsburgh Courier continues to recognize local young African American professionals who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service, as stated on its website. As ASCI’s Critical Incident Educational Liaison, Dr. Yeldell’s humility and passion for serving youth shines through her work every day.
“I’ve always had a passion, specifically for education,” she shares. “I always had a passion for improving student equity and addressing the various factors that play in the school-to-prison pipeline. Based on how I was raised with my family, we’ve always been a serviced-based group of people. So, I’ve always just genuinely believed in helping other people reach their goals and I feel like that’s what I am doing.”
I’ve always had a passion, specifically for education. I always had a passion for improving student equity and addressing the various factors that play in the school-to-prison pipeline. Based on how I was raised with my family, we’ve always been a serviced-based group of people. So, I’ve always just genuinely believed in helping other people reach their goals and I feel like that’s what I am doing.
Dr. Shani Yeldell
Some of the requirements to be nominated for the Fab 40 include being a positive role model whose contributions encourage others and being active in community service or organizational involvement. Dr. Yeldell exemplifies these qualities and more, according to Dr. Christine White-Taylor, ASCI’s Educational Liaison II and Dr. Yeldell’s supervisor who believed she should be honored for her hard work and dedication to children and families.
“[Dr. Yeldell] is so deserving because of her style and authentic approach to the work we do in advocacy of children and families,” shares Dr. White-Taylor.
“It really does feel good,” Dr. Yeldell expresses. “I tend to stay in the shadow so, it is a little overwhelming to have people congratulate me and point it out. But, it is very rewarding to know that your work is appreciated and seen.”
When asked what her next steps are, Dr. Yeldell explained how she hopes to continue to “make an impact and be a blessing,” and encourages youth pursuing their passions, “Do not give up. There are going to be times when it is difficult, lean on your support system.”
She continued, “It is okay to not have a passion, especially if you are in your youth. Sometimes your passions shift, and you cannot stress over not knowing what it is. In those moments when you are not sure, try different things and expose yourself to different opportunities. When you find something you like, dig deeper into it and eventually, things will connect. Allow yourself to grow and understand that your passions will shift.”
Helping individuals and students achieve their goals is her ultimate desire and motivation as she continues to impact them through her work at ASCI and in the community.
ASCI is proud to call Dr. Yeldell a changemaker for children and families on our team and congratulates her for this notable accomplishment!
The Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 awards will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Visit their website for more information on how to support Dr. Yeldell and other nominees.