WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

We are continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s eleventh highlight this month is the selfless and devoted humanitarian ShonTe Smith—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporter and New Jersey Ambassador.  Meeting ShonTe was like meeting an angel—an angel on a mission to make a difference in this world globally. ShonTe fully embraces the mission of #STSGlobal and from the beginning gave her support and love to our organization’s efforts in making a difference in the lives of those homeless and less fortunate.

ShonTe is a fearless young woman who is not ashamed to speak, walk, and talk her truth—living it each day with a passion that is contagious and having a profound effect on the lives of many globally. Her drive, passion, and compassion inspire #SurpriseTheStruggling to not only continue our work with diligence but to also reach out far beyond our own comfort zones; to take daring steps to help those globally, as well as locally. ShonTe’s drive and commitment remind us each day that life is a gift that we get to share with others, and that many people in this world need people to show them that they are a gift also.

ShonTe Smith—Entrepreneur, Filmmaker, Trailblazer, Student, CEO, Humanitarian—is CEO and the director of The When I Grow up Project. The When I Grow up Project is a motivational documentary that focuses on inspiring and encouraging children to follow their dreams despite the obstacles they may face. In 2013, ShonTe directed the documentary with the production of Shangosoul Entertainment and support of Plainfield New Jersey Community Television Network. The vision was to expose role models in the community for children to become inspired. The group of twenty students and ShonTe went around Plainfield asking community members and professionals to describe their occupations and their motivation. All interactions were recorded and became the foundation for the film. Throughout the summer, the film aired on Plainfield Television Network.

After two years of researching and networking, ShonTe realized this project could encourage children around the world and become a motivational movement. This thought gave birth to the Follow your Dreams Tour. This global journey has ShonTe traveling to different countries to enhance the short film to a complete documentary by gaining a global perspective, interviewing international volunteers, and understanding how the environment affects opportunities.  To learn more about this project, watch the video on YouTube- https://youtu.be/L2tAm7suYk4 or

Email- books4ghanaproject@gmail.com and follow ShonTe Smith on Instagram at, www.instagram.com/whenigrowupproject and www.instagram.com/books4ghana To donate, https://www.gofundme.com/2jc6jyk

We encourage you to get to know this Global Trailblazing Angel—be inspired by her altruistic and humanitarian endeavors. We salute you, ShonTe Smith! We are humbled and ingratiated to you for being that inspiration that inspires us to reach further. We are blessed to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!