Shaniah Bennett’s Biography

Photo courtesy of Shaniah Bennett

Born and raised in the Bronx, Shaniah Bennett is a passionate educator, community advocate and proud daughter of Jamaican immigrants. She was appointed to CB11 in 2026 by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. She is honored to continue advocating for the community she has always called home.

A graduate of St. Catherine Academy, Shaniah earned her master’s degree in early childhood education and special education from the University of Mount Saint Vincent. She has brought over six years of experience in education, where she has cultivated student-centered, inquiry-driven classrooms that inspire academic excellence, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.

Shaniah's passion for civic engagement began early, running for a seat at the Citywide Council on High Schools (CCHS), representing the Bronx and advocating for student voice, educational equity and stronger opportunities for young people. That experience further strengthened her commitment to leadership, public service and creating positive changes within her community.

Motivated by her deep roots and a strong commitment to educational equity and community empowerment, Shaniah believes in the power of service. Her advocacy extends far beyond the classroom. She has led Bronx neighborhood clean-up initiatives, organized food pantry programs serving more than 300 families, and partnered with Reasons for Children Organization and Discovery Recovery Church to host back-to-school supply drives and community health fairs, helping students return to school confident, prepared and equipped for success.