Shamontiel is a 17-year writer/editor. (Half of that time was spent editing K-12 and adult education books, then switching to mainstream newspapers before she tapped out on "unbiased" journalism.) Op-eds ("We Need to Talk") and cultural news ("I Do See Color") are where her strengths lie, and occasionally she takes a break to laugh ("Tickled"). She's still a reporter and editor at heart, enjoying her time as the Editor-in-Chief of a print real estate magazine.

When she's not writing on Medium or working for clients (full-time freelancer on Upwork), she's playing with her Hound mix. As a passionate dog lover, she was a two-year dog walker (500 walks for 84 dogs) from 2019-21 before COVID-19 made her clientele dry up. By Juneteenth 2021, she decided to adopt a four-legged, unemployed physical trainer. Meet Junee! (If you're into dogs, you'll love "Black Girl In a Doggone World" on Substack.)

It's not unusual to find her popping up at volunteer projects, whether it's feeding the homeless, promoting health care, speaking to college students about safe sex and volunteering at HIV/AIDs prevention organizations, or being on her condo board. She was a two-year condo board member (president and treasurer), which still inspires a lot of her posts for "Homegrown Tales" on Substack even after her term ended.

Additionally, her report card checkmarks for "talks too much" finally came in handy. She was a yearlong co-host of a storytelling club based in Chicago. Additionally, she became a member of a corporate Toastmaters club for a prior employer, which led her to four more years at a community Chicago Toastmasters club. In her five years with Toastmasters, she's held five positions: President, VP of Education, VP of Membership, VP of Public Relations (two times) and Sergeant at Arms. She also competed at the division level for the 2018 International Speaking Competition.

Want to know more? Visit Shamontiel.com.