Shani Harvie

Shani helped create and now runs the New Mexico Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team within the state Economic Development Department. She connects minority-owned small business owners and entrepreneurs to services, resources, and financing programs. The agency expands access to underserved community business leaders by helping them navigate the systems within the government. Shani graduated from the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management. Music has always been a focal point of Shani’s life. She attended New Mexico School for the Arts as a saxophone player and now sings in the band Just Velvet, performing pop, soul, and R&B covers. Shani lives in Albuquerque, where she was raised. As a Black and Jewish woman, Shani says her identity and minority experience offer her unique perspectives that align with the TW mission. “I believe that trauma-informed, heart-centered leadership is critical to making lasting systems change and allowing space for healing, even in our most rigid societal structures and narratives.” Shani enjoys creative writing and traveling, and recently got her scuba diving certification.