Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, our hosts Daniel, Daniella, Kassandra and Preena engage in a thoughtful conversation with Shadae McDaniel, Senior Vice President of the Program of Strategic Initiatives at the All Stars Project, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth through the arts. Shadae shares how her experiences growing up—whether in dance classes or influenced by her mother’s work as a nurse shaped her belief in the importance of performing, building connections, and supporting underserved communities. Inspired by these values, Shadae has dedicated over 20 years to working in the nonprofit sector, channeling her passion for helping others rather than pursuing a career in the for-profit world.

In this episode, Shadae discusses her work with the All Stars Project, an organization founded in 1981 in New York City to give young people the opportunity to explore their talents and passions. The program has since expanded to six other cities across the U.S. Shadae shares insights into her dedication to empowering others and offers valuable advice, such as the importance of channeling effort into work that makes a meaningful difference in the community.

As a vocal advocate for after-school programs, Shadae emphasizes their significance, stating that they provide crucial opportunities for students to explore their interests, often offering more value than classroom learning alone. She also underscores the need for government funding and nonprofit support to sustain these vital programs. Throughout the episode, Shadae offers inspiring advice for young people passionate about advocacy, community empowerment, and pursuing careers in service.