Shellyn Shoenthal

About Shellyn Shoenthal

Every story has a purpose, but a story without a strategy is a missed opportunity. I specialize in mapping narratives to high-level objectives, ensuring every message drives measurable impact and long-term organizational growth.I sharpened my strategic instincts at fast-paced PR agencies before pivoting to the non-profit sector, where I moved beyond storytelling to architecting the frameworks that sustain missions. My approach integrates executive leadership with disciplined communication to engineer the partnerships and funding funnels necessary for a cause to thrive.I excel in high-stakes organizational turnarounds, with a proven track record of reversing deficits and rehabilitating tarnished reputations. By treating volunteer engagement as a talent-to-revenue pipeline and leveraging corporate partnerships for sustainable funding, I transform operational challenges into competitive advantages.Whether navigating market uncertainty or personal adversity, my focus remains on strategic execution. I don’t just find a way through roadblocks; I build the structural integrity an organization needs to reach—and sustain—new heights.

Experience

1. Development and Partnerships Director

   Plant It Forward

   Mar 2025 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   As Plant It Forward’s inaugural Director of Development and Partnerships, I build strategic relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and public and community partners to advance a more resilient and equitable food system.Plant It Forward cultivates not just food, but a flourishing future — transforming underutilized land into thriving urban farms, training and empowering the next generation of underrepresented farmers, and ensuring every food dollar strengthens our communities.We convert overlooked spaces into productive farms that expand access to fresh, local and responsibly grown food while creating pathways for underrepresented farmers. Our farms serve as community anchors — fostering education, connection, and environmental stewardship.By linking land access, economic opportunity, and sustainability, we’re helping build stronger, healthier communities from the ground up.I’m always eager to connect with partners who want to grow this impact.

Education

• Robert Morris University

  Bachelor of Arts, Communications (PR/Advertising)

  1997 — 2000