Shantell Thomas never met a stranger! You'll agree when meeting her. She instantaneously connects to your sense of humanity. She fervently believes that the tapestry of our lives have interwoven pieces. This innate character is measurably responsible for her success in the field of technology, with companies like IBM, Avalara, Cisco and currently - Lenovo.

More than anything she’s a storyteller at heart, which is why she created GRITSyall brand. It is how she uses her life as a mirror to inspire others to move toward their own destiny – on winding, crooked or straight pathways.

Her own pathways have provided opportunities for her to contribute at major conferences, such as iBTechCon2019, BITCON, NC Tech D&I, and the City of Fayetteville as their Keynote Speaker, as well as recognition as a "45 Under 45" Alumni at her alma mater, Saint Augustine's University.

By day, Thomas is finding ways to use “Tech for Good” and, like most mothers and wives, by nightfall, she’s trying to figure out what's for dinner!

Diversity, Diversity Topics, Culture, Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, Social Justice, Storytelling, Marketing, Technology, Black History Month, BLM, North Carolina, Black Heritage, Women, Workplace Issues, Workforce Wellness, DEI Women's History Month, Social Activism, Female Leadership, Influential Women,