“Breaking Systems. Birthing Movements. Building Culture.”​

Since childhood, Shomari Newlin Slade has possessed a natural gift for structure and strategy. What began with optimizing morning and after-school routines soon evolved into a passion for systems thinking, efficiency, and administration—sometimes even earning him reprimands for rewriting routines that were already in place. Yet this desire to improve systems was an early sign of his emerging leadership and problem-solving capacity.A proud native of North Carolina, Shomari has cultivated a career at the intersection of public service, historical insight, and policy transformation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History, cum laude, from North Carolina A&T State University, where his love for systems expanded into a deeper inquiry into movements, governance, and truth-telling through historical research. His undergraduate studies taught him to challenge dominant narratives, examine the lives of the marginalized, and identify how inequity in the past shapes public policy today.

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That academic journey sparked an unexpected but profound passion for public service, motivating him to pursue a Master of Public Administration at North Carolina Central University. His leadership was recognized through the  Tyrone Baines Leadership Award, affirming his impact as a rising voice in government and policy reform. Shomari was appointed Legislative Assistant to North Carolina Democratic Senator where he played a pivotal role in state-level policy development, constituent engagement, and communications. His work contributed to securing over $300 million in the North Carolina State Budget for Forsyth County—funding that supported education, healthcare, veterans, addiction recovery, food security, and more. From managing legislative logistics to writing newsletters and briefing documents, Shomari’s warmth, professionalism, and precision made him a trusted voice in the Senator’s office.

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 Shomari interned with Lifespan, Inc., a nonprofit focused on government relations. There, he led policy development and curriculum design that strengthened the organization’s advocacy infrastructure. His work directly supported the successful acquisition of a $200,000 government grant in November 2023, showcasing his ability to combine strategic thinking with results-driven execution. Shomari’s journey reflects more than professional achievement—it reflects his unwavering commitment to service, justice, and transformation. Whether addressing community stakeholders, writing policy briefs, or speaking at conferences like the Annual Gibbs Lecture, his voice consistently advances the cause of equity and systemic renewal.

He is also a faith leader, husband, and visionary, leading alongside his wife Ahni with integrity. Together, they model a life of purpose, influence, and Kingdom impact.At every level, Shomari embodies the mission that defines his work and life:  Breaking Systems. Birthing Movements. Building Culture.