THE AMAZING DR. SHANESSA FENNER! WRITER, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, MOTIVATOR, AND MORE

THE AMAZING DR. SHANESSA FENNER!

Writer, Elementary School Principal, Motivator, and More!

By Shakila Mack

In today’s society, it is rare to find a plethora of professional qualities in one person; however, Dr. Shanessa Fenner, defeated the odds. Dr. Shanessa Fenner is a strong and talented school principal at William T. Brown Elementary School, who has hosted TV shows, has a doctorate degree, and writes for sixteen different publications. Her TV shows are the Bronco Exchange and Real Talk Let’s Talk with Dr. Shanessa Fenner. Not only this, but Shanessa has interviewed many famous people with diverse backgrounds, from authors, singers/ songwriters, a congressman, producers, and life coaches, just to name a few, as the list just goes on. Her interview with Congressman John Lewis captured the attention of many. Shanessa is a strong black woman who will not leave a stone unturned. Shanessa stated, “I don’t want to live in poverty or hand to mouth, which is paycheck to paycheck.” She is a very driven, tenacious, independent, and ambitious woman. Other characteristics of Shanessa is that she is a classic introvert, even though it may seem otherwise, and she is also very outspoken. Her favorite thing to do is take naps and she is a deep sleeper, as she stated “I like to sleep my eyeballs out lol”. When the weekends come around, Shanessa writes songs and contributes to 16 different publications. Shanessa will not be allowed to be placed in a box! Along with Dr. Fenner’s strong work ethic, she has an exceptional educational background that is rooted from some of the best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This background

has blossomed into her earning a Bachelor of Arts from N.C. Central University and two Master's Degrees and a Doctorate Degree from Fayetteville State University. Her studies are in Education Leadership which go hand-in-hand with her drive for success within herself and others. When one think of Dr. Shanessa Fenner, one must think of ambition. Shanessa believes that “when you are an ambitious person, you pour your ambition into others.” Her students are her babies! Every one of them! I asked if she remembered them all and she stated for the most part she does! Even if not by name definitely by face. She always tells them they are Smart, Talented, and Able Bodied! Shanessa is very driven, and she pours into other people. She pours into her staff and babies. She regularly encourages others to always do great things and always do their best. Just like a great leader, she has even motivated her staff to be great and never give up or stop. She even has uplifted some of her teachers by inspiring them to go back to school to obtain their master’s degree and/or doctorate! I asked Dr. Fenner what were six of her greatest accomplishments. Of course, she has many of them given the exemplary woman that

she is. She gave me three professional and three personal accomplishments.

Personal

1. Becoming a principal 2. Obtain Educational Leadership Doctorate Degree 3. Starred in Ebony Magazine as one of the nation’s most eligible bachelorettes out of 29 others

Professional

1. Received the highest performing school award in all of N.C. (The state was going to take over the school because scores were so low) 2. For the 2nd year in a row she is a finalist for principal of the year for the school district 3. For the current school, the results for the last testing prior to the pandemic, is that they did rank growth. She had the 4th highest growth score in the district! Dr. Fenner first realized she wanted to be a writer when she lived in Durham N.C. She started out writing poetry and then decided to branch out and connect with newspapers and magazines to do articles and interviews. There is not a week that goes by that she does not write. Dr. Fenner stated, “In order to be a good writer, you have to read.” She has been writing for almost 25 years now. When I asked her, what are one of her most memorable written articles, she simply stated “I have to think about that because I have done so many great interviews.” One of her favorites will have to be Babyface. He is her favorite singer and producer. Her other two favorites were Maya Angelou and Iyanla Vanzant. “I’ve done a lot of interviews with a lot of celebrities.” She has covered so many people and events that were so memorable, that it’s kind of hard to say one because so many articles and interviews have touched her in many ways. Dr. Fenner’s favorite author is Maya Angelou as she thinks that she is just awesome! She is glad that she got to interview her before her passing. Maya Angelou is hilarious and very comical and the epitome of strength! Dr. Fenner is currently reading a romance novel by Kianna Alexander, titled “Never Let Me Go”. As far as Genres go, she has been reading a lot of romance books lately. She has not written any books yet, but she is a songwriter. Writing a book is in the works for her in the future. Dr. Fenner has ideas in her head for books and she has written many book forwards for friends that are publishers. When it comes down to her creativity, Dr. Fenner uses her emotions and experiences. This includes the people close to her and the things that go on in the world. Some songs and tv show

scenes can inspire her or give her a thought to write about something. Another question I asked was, what advice would you tell others that have similar ambitions? Dr. Fenner replied, “The first thing is to put all fear aside. The second thing is to not listen to the haters and naysayers. Thirdly, just go do it! Do It! Lastly, keep practicing as no one knows their expiration date!” As Dr. Fenner’s drive to succeed continues, within the next five years she would like to write a book. She also is passionate with plans to continue to be the best principal she can be to her babies and staff at school. Another task that Dr. Fenner would like to provide is voice-over acting in the form of a strong female cartoon character. Of course, the character would have to be strong and courageous! Another strong and honorable quality of Dr. Fenner is that she not only regularly focuses on her community, but she takes action on being a cornerstone in her community. This allows her to provide a voice through her writing, so others can easily experience what goes on in her community. Dr. Fenner also inspires others on the importance of being involved in the community more as well. Shanessa knows how to celebrate her community for sure! Prior to the pandemic Shanessa would go and read the newspaper to the visually impaired (blind) people on Saturdays. Dr. Shanessa Fenner is the true epitome of a strong woman, and it was indeed a pleasure experiencing her positive energy! Beforehand, I was able to read three articles that she wrote in the past. The first one was “The internalization of Colorism in Black America”, which many would be able to relate. Whenever the opportunity arises, make sure to check it out! The other two that I read were, “Girl Power: An interview with the GG’s” and “A New You in 2022”. They both were amazing. I have noticed that she never stops trying to better herself! Dr. Shanessa Fenner continues to read books and strives to being the best principal she can be! During our conversation, she made me realize a few things about myself, without even realizing she did! She is a true inspiration indeed. Make sure to view her TV shows. And don’t forget to check out her interview with congressman John Lewis!