Shante K. Avant

Shante K. Avant is a native Memphian who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee.

After completing her studies she returned to Shelby County with the belief that her beloved county had much to offer to her and she to it. She currently serves as Vice President for the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) and manages WFGM’s staff and operations. She is also responsible for grant allocations, creating strategic partnerships to collaborate with corporate partners, community organizations, institutional giving and large donor stewardship. She has 26 years of non-profit experience, specifically with agencies focused on women and children.

Shante’s community involvements included serving on the Memphis Shelby County Schools board from 2013 to 2022, having served as Board Chair from 2017-2019. She currently serves on the University of Memphis College of Social Work Advisory Board, New Memphis Advisory Board, and Clean Memphis Advisory Committee. Other accomplishments and achievements include the Ford Foundation Fellowship, Memphis Business Journal “Top 40 under 40”, Tri-State Defender “Woman of Excellence”, New Memphis Fellows Program, MPACT Memphis, Women’s Funding Network International Leadership Cohort and Leadership Memphis. Other affiliations include Early Success Coalition and Momentum Partners. She is the proud mother of one daughter, Peyton.