Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Shelby.
Hi Whitney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Detroit native, community advocate, and the Founder of The Shelby Foundation of Detroit. My journey has been shaped by both professional growth and personal challenges, including living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). After years of searching for answers before receiving my diagnosis, I became passionate about advocacy, education, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.
Today, I lead initiatives focused on wellness, community engagement, and business development while also advocating for the HS community through awareness events, storytelling, and support programs. Everything I do is centered around helping people connect with resources, opportunities, and one another. What began as personal challenges has grown into a mission to serve others and create lasting impact in my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my personal health journey while building a career, leading a nonprofit, and showing up for my community. I experienced symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) from a young age but wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood, which meant years of uncertainty, pain, and learning how to advocate for myself.
Beyond my health challenges, building The Shelby Foundation of Detroit from the ground up has come with its own obstacles. Like many nonprofit founders, I’ve had to navigate limited resources, fundraising challenges, and the constant responsibility of turning a vision into meaningful impact. There have been moments where I questioned whether I could continue, but each challenge strengthened my resilience and reinforced my purpose.
I’ve learned that growth often comes from the hardest seasons. Those experiences inspired me to create spaces for connection, wellness, and advocacy through TSF Detroit, Still I Heal Media Group, and my work within the HS community. Today, I view every obstacle as part of the story that prepared me to serve others and help people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By day, I work in program management and workforce solutions, helping organizations streamline processes, build relationships, and create positive experiences for stakeholders. Outside of my professional career, I am the Founder and Executive Director of The Shelby Foundation of Detroit, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting communities with purpose through wellness initiatives, business development, and community engagement.
I’m also a passionate advocate for people living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), using my platform to raise awareness, educate others, and create spaces where people feel seen and supported. Through initiatives like Still I Heal Media Group, community events, support programs, and advocacy campaigns, I work to turn lived experiences into meaningful impact.
What I’m most proud of is building organizations and communities that bring people together. Whether I’m coordinating programs, mentoring others, organizing events, or advocating for chronic illness awareness, my focus is always on creating opportunities for connection and growth. I think what sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between professional expertise and genuine community impact. Everything I do is rooted in service, authenticity, and a commitment to helping others thrive.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories are the summers spent with my family, especially with my grandparents. Those moments were filled with love, laughter, and a strong sense of community. They taught me the importance of helping others, staying grounded, and appreciating the people around you. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized those values became the foundation for the work I do today—creating opportunities for connection, support, and impact within my community.
Pricing:
- 50.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Linktr.ee/whitneyshelby
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whittheconnect?igsh=anhyYzZubWpybWpx&utm_source=qr
